News

Frame boss and former council press officer recognised in New Year’s Honours list

Published

3 years ago

December 31, 2020

THE FOUNDER of a Pembrokeshire charity that employs and trains people with disabilities and learning difficulties has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

A former employee of Pembrokeshire County Council has also been awarded.

Jennifer Ann Sims, founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, has been recognised for her tireless work with a British Empire Medal (BEM). Ms Sims established the award-winning recycling social enterprise charity in 1994, helping to change the face of recycling and disability employment provision in the county. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 75-year-old sought grant funding to launch Pembrokeshire FRAME’s Bags of Care Community Fridge Scheme.

The Royal Victorian Order, is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch, and has been awarded to the recently retired press officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, Leonard (Len) Maurice Mullins, for ‘services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire.’

Mr Mullins is the only person in Wales to become a Member of the Royal Victorian Order this year.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, recognised for their extraordinary contributions in all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Public sector workers make up 14.8% of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers – all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to COVID-19.

An MBE goes to Special Chief Officer Mark Owen, who returned from retirement to lead the Special Constabulary’s response in North Wales.

An MBE goes to Karen McDowell for services to the LGBTQ community and fire service in Northern Ireland.

Charity Helpline Housing Adviser for Shelter Nadeem Khan receives a BEM – unable to return to the UK because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he worked from his personal laptop from a rooftop in Lahore, Pakistan delivering housing advice to over 500 people over three months via web chat to people over 5,000 miles away in the UK.

Included in the List are 123 (10%) health and social care workers – from British Red Cross Ambulance Crew to care home managers – all have played a part in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A BEM goes to Cath Fitzsimmons from Greater Manchester, a former palliative care nurse who came out of retirement for COVID-19.

Dr Azeem Alam, 28 years old from Harpenden, Herts receives the BEM for founding BiteMedicine, which provides free medical education for medical students, physician associates and aspiring doctors during COVID-19, teaching over 10,000 students worldwide via online, live webinars.

Deputy Director of Nursing Jacky Copping, 55 from Beccles, Suffolk, receives an MBE for initiating Face Fit Testing at the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ensuring that frontline workers were properly protected against Covid-19.

This Honours List highlights how Britain’s business sector has stepped up to deliver for the country during COVID-19. From small business owners diverting their resources or changing business models to support the response effort to supermarket workers making sure all their vulnerable customers were stocked up with essential items – this Honours List showcases 111 recipients (9%) being recognised for services to business and the economy.

Publican Caroline Halfhide, aged 51 from Ash in Somerset receives MBE for changing her pub into a village shop for residents to drastically minimise the need for travel to nearby towns for food and essentials.

Founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, Jennifer Sims, 76 years old, receives the BEM for launching #Bagsofcare Community Fridge Free Bags Scheme, providing hot meals and free bags of food to the vulnerable, the elderly and those struggling financially due to the pandemic.

The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 65% are recognised for their community work.

Captain Emma Henderson, living in Moray in Scotland receives an MBE for founding Project Wingman, creating a first class lounge experience in hospitals in the UK for NHS workers.

The oldest person on the list is Anne Baker from Salisbury in Wiltshire, who at 106 years old receives an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC.

She is closely followed by 104 year old Ruth Saunders, receiving an MBE for walking a marathon to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The youngest recipient is 20 year old Samah Khalil, the Youth Mayor of Oldham. She receives a BEM for her work in empowering young people.

Architect David Chipperfield is awarded a Companion of Honour, for services to architecture.

Actor Sheila Hancock receives a damehood for services to drama and charity, as does conductor and musicologist Professor Jane Glover for services to music and make-up artist Patricia McGrath for services to the fashion, the beauty industry and to diversity.

A damehood is also awarded to Angela Eagle MP for parliamentary and political service. The Right Honourables Geoffrey Cox QC MP and Thomas Clarke MP receive knighthoods for parliamentary and political service, and public and political service respectively.

In sport, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs Robert Baxter receives an OBE and Captain Joe Simmonds receives a MBE, both for services to Rugby Union Football. Former professional rugby player Rob Burrow receives an MBE for the awareness he has raised around motor neuron disease particularly during the pandemic. MBEs are also awarded to former England footballers Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers for services to football.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.

“As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all.”

The full list of New Year’s Honours awarded to people in Wales.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Professor Anthony Keith Campbell. Honorary Research Professor, School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University. For services to biochemistry. (Penarth)

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sara Louise Pepper. Director of Creative Economy, Cardiff University. For services to the creative economy. (Cardiff)

David Thomas Richards. Director of Governance and Ethics, Welsh Government. For public service. (Cardiff)

Emma Swingwood. Physiotherapist, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Physiotherapy. (Monmouthshire)

Giovanni Isingrini. Group Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. For services to children in Wales. (Pontypridd)

Simon Keith Pirotte. Principal, Bridgend College. For services to further and higher education in Wales. (Ystradgynlais)

Susan Jane Husband. Director, Business in the Community, Cymru and lately Director, Employer and Employee Engagement, Education and Skills Funding Agency. For services to education. (Barry)

Carol Jane Mack. Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Foundations. For services to charity. (Barry)

Craig Stephenson. For services to parliament and to equality. (Penarth)

Professor Farah Naz Kausar Bhatti. Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. For services to diversity in the NHS in Wales. (Swansea)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Laurence John Alison. Director of the National Centre for the Study of Critical Incident Decision Making, University of Liverpool. For services to critical incident handling and to the NHS during Covid-19 (Greenfield, Flintshire)

Mark Anthony Owen. Special Chief Officer, North Wales Police. For services to policing and to the community in north Wales, particularly during the Covid-19 Response (Llanynys, Denbighshire)

Reverend David John Goronwy Evans. For services to charity and to the community in Lampeter (Lampeter)

Thomas Huw Owen. Founder and managing director, Owens Group. For services to employment and to the community in Llanelli and South Wales (Llanelli)

Dr Lynn Elizabeth Sloman. Founder, Transport for Quality of Life. For services to transport. (Ceredigion)

Kathleen Beavan. For services to agriculture. (Abergavenny)

Professor Barbara Lesley Chadwick. Professor of Paediatric Dentistry and Director, Education and Students School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. For services to paediatric dental health. (Monmouthshire)

Richard Royce Lee QAM. Strategic Commander, St John Ambulance. For services to healthcare during Covid-19. (Caerphilly)

Simone Monique Roden. Headteacher, Ynysowen Community Primary School. For services to education in Aberfan. (Ebbw Vale)

Professor Tamas Szakmany. Critical Care Consultant, Royal Gwent Hospital. For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Newport)

Dr Stephanie Joy Tyler. For services to nature conservation in the UK and Africa. (Penallt, Monmouthshire)

Richard Paskell. Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. For services to mountain rescue and to the community in South Wales. (Pontyclun)

Christine Powell. National Manager, 111 Wales, Welsh Ambulance Service. For services to healthcare and to the 111 service in Wales. (Bridgend)

Robert Andrew Robinson. For public and voluntary service in Powys. (Welshpool)

Professor Alka Surajprakash Ahuja. Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Wales). For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Cardiff)

Shane Peter Andrews. Project Operations Interface Specialist, Network Rail. For services to diversity and to inclusion. (Cardiff)

Dr Fiona Charlton Jenkins. Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Interim Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. For services to healthcare. (Cardiff)

Judith Stella Rhys. For voluntary service to health and social care. (Cardiff)

Rosemary Bernadertte Stewart. Senior Private Secretary to the First Minister of Wales. For public service. (Cardiff)

Alan Thomas Curtis. For services to Welsh football. (Swansea)

Carol Cecilia Doggett. Senior Matron, Intensive Care, Morriston Hospital, Swansea. For services to leadership and nursing care for intensive care patients and staff, particularly during Covid-19. (Swansea)

Catherine Julie Palmer. Head, Change Governance, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. For services to motorists. (Swansea)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Vicki Broad. Head of Long Term Care, Hywel Dda University Health Board. For services to the NHS in Wales during the Covid-19 response. (Neath)

Robert Malcolm Davies. Special Constable, South Wales Police. For voluntary service to Policing. (Neath)

Reverend William Glynne George James. Principal Police Chaplain, South Wales Police. For services to Police Chaplaincy and to the community in Gorseinon, Swansea. (Swansea)

Karen Jane Kembery. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neath Port Talbot Hospital. For services to Nursing in West Glamorgan. (Swansea)

Theresa Valerie Conway. Treasurer, Aberconwy Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. For services to People with Disabilities and to the community in Llandudno. (Conwy)

George Leonard Ellis. For services to Young People and to the community in Abergele (Conwy)

Professor Alexander Toogood. For services to People with Intellectual Disabilities. (Ruthin)

Richard Llewelyn Griffiths. Lifeboat Operations Manager, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station. For services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Wales. (Aberyswyth)

Sandra May Morgan. For political and public service in Wales. (Ammanford)

Lisa Jane Randell. Senior Support Worker. For services to Health and Social Care during the Covid-19 Response. (Carmarthenshire)

Helen Refna Williams. For services to Vulnerable Young Parents and to the Elderly in Borth during Covid-19. (Ceredigion)

Alexander John Anderson. For voluntary and charitable services to People with Autism in Caerleon. (Newport)

Sharon Higgins. For services to the Performing Arts in Newport. (Newport)

David Charles Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Michael John Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Sharon Grace Thorpe. Clinical Team Leader, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. For services to Paramedics and Ambulance Staff. (Newport)

Richard Burnell. For services to Young People and to the community in Holyhead. (Anglesey)

Steven Jones. Systems Auditor and Analysis Manager, South Wales Police. For services to Policing. (Bridgend)

Dennis Murphy. For services to Veterans’ Football in Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan. (Merthyr Tydfil)

Jennifer Ann Sims. Chief Executive Officer, Pembrokeshire Frame. For voluntary service. (Milford Haven)

Lorna Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Brian Frederick Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Catherine Knapp-Evans. For services to the Arts and to the community in mid Wales. (Caersws)

Jeanne Olive Nuttall. Head, Service Nutrition and Dietetics, Powys Teaching Health Board. For services to Dietetics and Nutrition in Wales. (Llanidloes)

Margaret Sims. For voluntary service to the NHS and to the community in Bronllys, Wales. (Brecon)

Catharine Sinnadurai. For services to Dance Education, Training and Performance. (Brecon)

Harilal Narandas Patel. For services to Community Cohesion in Cardiff. (Cardiff)

David Lincoln Williams. For services to the Arts in Wales. (Cowbridge)

Queen’s Police Medal (QPM)

Sergeant Timothy John Barrell. South Wales Police

Royal Victorian Order

Leonard Maurice Mullins. For services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire. (Pembrokeshire)

Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM)

Lee David Brooks. Director of Operations, Frontline Emergency Ambulance Response, Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service and Clinical Contact Centre Services, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Clare Elizabeth Langshaw. Ambulance Operations Manager, Resilience and Specialist Operations, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

News

Too many children in Wales living in poverty – Lib Dems want action

Published

18 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THIS week in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats renewed their demands for the implementation of child poverty targets.

According to a report from the Bevan foundation, 29% of children living in Wales are currently experiencing poverty (an estimated 190,000 children).

The same report highlighted that the largest percentage of children living in poverty are from working households or in couple households.

The Welsh Lib Dems are now renewing calls for the Welsh Government to create a set of targets for reducing child poverty, which the party argues will allow for more accountability.

The party has previously called for the implementation of targets, citing recommendations from the Calling Time on Child Poverty Report published in November last year.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “The latest statistics on childhood poverty in Wales paints a very distressing image of families across the country struggling to make ends meet.

Over the course of the last six years, the proportion of children in poverty has skyrocketed. Fuelled by worsening economic conditions and a complete lack of action from both governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay.

We cannot act complacent about these figures nor accept the clear lack of progress in fighting child poverty, behind each statistic is a child that the state has failed.

It remains painfully clear that the Welsh Government is failing to make any meaningful progress in this fight, which is why they must follow through with the implementation of clear set targets that will allow for further accountability.

We as a party have continuously called for the creation of these targets and we will not be silenced. For the sake of future generations we urge the Welsh Government to listen.”

Crime

Welsh constabulary areas record another increase in shoplifting

Published

18 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RETAIL trade union Usdaw is deeply concerned by today’s police recorded crime statistics showing that in 2023 there were significant increases in shoplifting across all constabulary areas in Wales. In the whole of England and Wales there has been a persistent upward trend since the pandemic, which continued with a 37% increase and has now risen to the highest level in 20 years.

The Office for National Statistics released figures showing a 39% increase in shoplifting incidents across Wales and by constabulary area as follows:

Dyfed-Powys +11%
Gwent +47%
North Wales +23%
South Wales +51%

Usdaw’s 2023 annual survey of over 5,500 shopworkers found that 60% had suffered incidents of violence, threats and abuse that were triggered by shoplifting and armed robbery.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw General Secretary says: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers. Having to deal with repeated and persistent shoplifters can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers. This 39% increase in shoplifting across Wales is further evidence that we are facing an epidemic of retail crime, which is hugely concerning.

“Our members have reported that they are often faced with hardened career criminals in the stores and we know that retail workers are much more likely to be abused by those who are stealing to sell goods on. Our latest survey results show that 7 in 10 retail workers suffered abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. 60% of respondents said theft from shops and armed robbery were triggers for these incidents.

“The scale of assaults, abuse and threats towards shopworkers and extent of the retail crime epidemic has been a disgrace for many years. This has been made worse by police cuts and a failure to legislate to protect retail staff. Usdaw has long called for action that includes a standalone offence for assaulting a shopworker and that has been vehemently opposed by this Government and their Conservative MPs on many occasions.

“Recently the Government performed a long overdue U-turn after many years of sustained campaigning by Usdaw and others. Our members have had to wait too long for their voices to be heard and common sense to prevail. We will have to see the detail of what Ministers are proposing and we are clear that it must be at least what we won in Scotland three years ago. It also cannot fall short of Labour’s commitments to 13,000 more uniformed officers, patrols on high streets, banning repeat offenders and ending the perverse £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters.

“The dither and delay by this Government on this issue over many years, has led to thousands of shopworkers needlessly suffering physical and mental injury. Today’s stats should ensure that their promise to legislate is done speedily. We hope that whatever the Government is proposing will be substantial and effective in giving shopworkers, key workers in every community, the respect that they have long deserved and regrettably too often do not receive.”

Business

Paramount’s key role in transformation of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

Published

19 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FAST-growing Welsh company Paramount is relishing the challenge of creating an “irresistible dining destination” after winning the contract to play a key role in the multi-million transformation of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend.

The Cardiff-based design, build, fit-out and refurbishment specialist will spearhead the re-development project of the shopping centre after being handed responsibility for revamping its popular food court over the summer.

In the coming months, the development will see the Food Court transformed into three modern, and bright restaurants, welcoming new food and beverage brands to the centre and creating more than 100 new job opportunities for the local community.

Paramount’s Construction Director, Paul Thomas, said: “The team behind the scenes at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend have fantastic plans for the future and we’re delighted to have been entrusted with the mission to help turn their exciting vision into a reality.

“Paramount prides itself on creating places where people want to be, and my team are relishing the opportunity to help create what will be an irresistible dining destination. It’s certain to be a complex project, but we have the expertise and local knowledge to deliver outstanding results in close collaboration with our project partners.”

The owners of the shopping centre, which has been attracting local people and visitors for more than 25 years, have promised a “substantial investment to redevelop the Food Court area and replace it with new and exciting restaurants”.

Now the Paramount team is ready to lay the groundwork by removing some existing structures around the Food Court and will then introduce a series of new features as part of the overall facelift. These include new glazed entrance doors within glazed curtain walling shopfront, render and a new entrance lobby with new stairs and lifts.

The work to completely develop the Food Court in the shopping centre starts this week, and is expected to be completed in late autumn. As a result, customer favourites including Nando’s, McDonald’s and Chopsticks will be closed while work is under way.

Patrick Finney, Head of European Construction, McArthurGlen Group, said: “After celebrating our 25th anniversary last year, we’re extremely pleased to welcome Paramount on board in this important step of revitalising the Food Court area.

“These are exciting times for everyone at one of South Wales’ best-loved retail complexes and we know Paramount will work closely with us to create a truly special place for diners and shoppers of all ages.”

Paramount, whose turnover reached £45 million in 2023, employs 60 people who own a majority shareholding of the business – 51 per cent – following completion of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) scheme in 2021, a deal which marked a major milestone for Paramount after a period of sustained growth.

The company is well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House and Fusion Point One in central Cardiff, and the fit out of Par 59 bars in South Wales and South West.

Over the next few months, Paramount’s construction team will also be completing on a multi-million-pound social housing development in Porthcawl, Mid-Glamorgan with Valleys to Coast.