News
Welsh Government reinforces LGBTQ+ safe haven commitment
THE Welsh Government is reinforcing its commitment to making Wales a ‘safe haven’ for LGBTQ+ people by providing the first in-person support service for victims and survivors of conversion practices, Social Justice Secretary Lesley Griffiths has said on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (Friday 17 May).
The Welsh Government is partnering with Galop to deliver the new service which will also offer crucial information and resources for organisations looking to support LGBTQ+ people.
‘Conversion practices’ refer to any form of treatment, behaviour or psychotherapy aiming to change a person’s sexual orientation or to suppress a person’s gender identity.
A growing network of organisations have pledged to help survivors and people vulnerable to LGBTQ+ conversion practices access support.
The in-person support service is expected to be launched later this year.
Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, said: “This new service is a first for Wales and will support survivors and victims of conversion practices. It is part of our wider commitment to improving the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
“Organisations throughout Wales have a crucial role in working with us to support the LGBTQ+ community and I encourage them to register their interest in helping us.
“Work continues to ensure steps are in place for the service to be available later this year.”
Amy Roch, Galop’s Interim CEO said, “We are delighted to be working with the Welsh government to provide direct support to LGBT+ victims of conversion practices in Wales.
“Galop’s research shows that conversion practice abuse is a significant and ongoing issue. The psychological, emotional and physical trauma of conversion practices has serious and long-term impacts on its victims. We know that survivors of this abuse need long-term, expert support to help them move on from what has happened to them, and ensure that they are safe and able to fulfil their potential.
“We’re grateful to the Welsh Government for ensuring that LGBT+ survivors of conversion practices have somewhere to turn for support.”
Tony Smith, Principality Building Society’s Chief Governance Officer, said: “We are proud to work with Welsh Government and other partners, in their efforts to make Wales a safe haven for all.
“At Principality Building Society, we believe that a diverse workforce, that reflects the communities we serve, is key to our success as a business. Our goal is to ensure that we provide an inclusive workplace for all our colleagues with a culture focused on celebrating diversity, acceptance and a sense of belonging.”
The Welsh Government commitment to support victims and survivors of conversion practices comes as part of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales in 2023, which saw the creation of a Working Group on Banning Conversion Practices.
The Group advises on proposed actions to ban conversion practices in Wales. The Action Plan was drawn up as part of a co-operation agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, set out the government’s aims to improve all aspects of the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people in Wales.
Community
Two Pembrokeshire residents honoured in King’s Birthday List
PEMBROKESHIRE is celebrating the achievements of two distinguished locals who have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. John Fletcher, a dedicated farmer, and Professor Andrew Campbell, a prominent academic, have both been awarded the MBE for their respective contributions.
John Fletcher: Champion of Shire Horses
John Fletcher, 70, the founder of Gentle Giants Shires in Moylegrove, has been honoured with an MBE for his services to the conservation of shire horses. His journey with these majestic animals began at the tender age of nine on his parents’ farm at Penrallt Uchaf. Inspired by his father, who had previously used a shire horse for ploughing, young John developed a lifelong passion for the breed.
In 2003, following the sale of the farm’s milking herd, Gentle Giants was established. Today, the organisation boasts a global following of 69,000 on Facebook and provides shire horses for weddings, funerals, and other events across the UK. The Gentle Giants have also featured on several television shows, including “Don’t Tell the Bride” and “Coast and Country”, as well as in the award-winning film “Calon Gaeth”.
John’s dedication to shire horses has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, during a Royal visit to Nevern, he and his shire horse, Prince George, met His Royal Highness. The future King praised John’s efforts, expressing his gratitude and interest in the farm’s breeding programme.
Gentle Giants remains a family-run venture, and the Fletcher family took to social media to celebrate John’s accolade. They expressed immense pride in his tireless work and commitment to training and promoting shire horses. “Not one to take things easy, he always has a new project on the go,” they shared. “Buyers often return due to the high standards achieved by the horses he has trained.”
John’s influence extends beyond the UK, with his horses working and competing as far afield as Norway and Italy. He is passionate about educating the public on the versatility of shire horses and enjoys welcoming visitors to the farm in Pembrokeshire.
Professor Andrew Campbell: Advocate for Tourism
Also honoured with an MBE is Professor Andrew Campbell of Goodwick, recognised for his services to tourism. Professor Campbell, who describes himself as “passionate about tourism, cake baking and swimming in the sea,” has made significant contributions to the field.
A professor of practice in tourism with the University of Wales, he is currently the chair of the Welsh Government’s Economic Ministerial Advisory Board. Until September 2021, he served as chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance, representing over 6,000 tourism businesses throughout Wales. The Welsh Government describes him as “a respected academic within tourism, a key economic sector,” noting his valuable insights into the challenges facing the tourism and skills sectors.
Living and working in north Pembrokeshire, Professor Campbell is known for his hands-on approach and commitment to enhancing the region’s tourism landscape. His recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours underscores the importance of his work and his dedication to the community.
News
Businessman enters political arena amid ambitious Reform Party campaign
STUART James Marchant, a well-known local businessman, has announced his candidacy with the Reform Party, marking his debut in the political landscape. He standing in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
Born in Croydon in January 1981, Marchant spent his formative years in Orpington, Kent. He attended Darrick Wood Secondary School and Orpington College, where he first demonstrated his work ethic with a part-time job at Tesco.
Following his education, Marchant took up a retail position at PC World, before making a significant career change in 2001 by joining the private parking sector. His dedication quickly saw him rise through the ranks. By 2005, an opportunity to work in Wales beckoned, allowing him to reconnect with his maternal roots in Carmarthen.
He spent several years in Swansea before returning to the South East in 2008 to manage a substantial portfolio of car parks.
By 2020, Marchant had amassed a wealth of experience across various roles, demonstrating his ability to adapt and lead within different teams. Currently, he operates a small business near Carmarthen, embedding himself further within the local community.
An avid traveller, Marchant has explored numerous global destinations, fostering a deep cultural competence. Locally, he is known to indulge in occasional hockey games and has recently begun learning to para-glide.
Marchant’s political journey began in 2009 with his membership in the Conservative Party. However, earlier this year, he made a significant shift to the Reform Party. As a staunch supporter of Brexit, he believes South West Wales stands to gain substantially from this historic decision. Marchant is convinced that the Reform Party is best positioned to deliver these benefits.
The Reform Party UK is aiming for a strong performance in Wales during the upcoming general election on July 4th. Here are the key points regarding their prospects in Wales:
Reform targeting all 32 Welsh seats
The Reform Party has declared its intention to field candidates in all 32 parliamentary seats in Wales, with a particular focus on the north-east, border areas with England, the south Wales valleys, and Pembrokeshire. This ambitious “reverse Cymru” strategy aims to secure a significant presence across various regions of Wales.
While the Reform Party will criticize the Conservative government, they are also targeting Labour’s traditional strongholds in Wales. Nigel Farage believes Reform can take seats from Labour in working-class communities like the Welsh valleys, which voted to leave the EU in 2016. The party plans to highlight the “disaster of the devolved Labour government” in these “left-behind” areas.
Both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK have expressed a desire to see a Conservative party “wipeout” in Wales, aiming to take Tory seats. The Lib Dems’ Jane Dodds stated that “kicking the Tories out of Wales” would be a good election night for her party.
While Reform UK’s vote share is still within the margin of error, recent polls suggest they are neck and neck with or even slightly ahead of the Conservatives. This rise poses a significant threat to the Tories, as Reform could potentially force a merger with the Conservatives, as Farage has suggested.
In summary, the Reform Party UK is mounting an ambitious campaign in Wales, targeting Labour’s heartlands as well as challenging the Conservatives. Their performance could significantly impact the political landscape in Wales and potentially lead to a Tory wipeout in the region.
With his extensive professional background and commitment to the community, Marchant aims to bring a fresh perspective to the political scene, promising to champion the interests of South West Wales.
_____________
The following people have been nominated for election as a member of the UK Parliament for Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency:
Hanna Andersen (Women’s Equality Party);
Alistair Cameron (Welsh Liberal Democrats);
Stephen Crabb (Welsh Conservative);
Stuart Marchant (Reform UK);
James Purchase (Green Party);
Vusi Siphika, (Independent);
Cris Tomos (Plaid Cymru);
Henry Tufnell (Welsh Labour).
Community
GWR advises customers to check before travelling on Sunday 16 June
GWR is advising customers to check their journey tomorrow morning before leaving home because of a shortage of train crew.
With fewer people available to work, GWR is warning of short notice cancellations and alterations, especially on long distance services between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads.
Journey planners and other industry systems will not be correct until the early hours of Sunday morning, as GWR works to staff as many trains as possible – and customers are being warned that they will need to check their journey on Sunday morning.
If your train is cancelled, you can use your existing ticket on the next available service.
Rail replacement buses will operate on the Kemble line between Swindon and Gloucester.
GWR expects to run a full level of service on Monday 17 June.
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