THE HAVERFORDWEST Model Railway Club, founded in 1972 and originally known as the Pembrokeshire Model Railway Club, is thrilled to announce its move to a new location.

The club’s journey began in the 1970s with meetings behind the Milford Arms, where members set up a classic Hornby Dublo 3 Rail layout.

Following a change in ownership at the Milford Arms, the club relocated to the education centre behind the original Pembrokeshire College library. Here, members constructed a new layout in an old garage building, recreating Haverfordwest’s station and surrounding railway line. However, this setup was dismantled when the building was repurposed.

Undeterred, the club temporarily moved to a local church hall, where they built several exhibition layouts over the years. Just before the pandemic, the hall’s floors were condemned, once again leaving the club without a meeting place.

In December 2023, the Haverfordwest Model Railway Club secured a new meeting place upstairs in the Menshed, Haverfordwest. This marks a significant milestone in the club’s history. The new OO Gauge Finescale layout was handmade by a local enthusiast from Carew.

On Sunday, August 11, the Haverfordwest Model Railway Club will participate in the West Wales Model Railway Exhibition in Llwyncelyn near Aberaeron. They will showcase a small layout created by the club’s Treasurer, Ron Weatherall, featuring a 1970s stretch of railway from the National Coal Board.

The club meets every Wednesday, from 7.15pm to 9pm during the summer and 1.30pm to 4pm in the winter. Meetings are held upstairs in Menshed, Haverfordwest, SA61 2AA, easily accessible from the bottom of the Lake Car Park.

The club is now eager to grow and engage with local model railway enthusiasts. Anyone interested in model railways, whether experienced or new to the hobby, is welcome to join. For more information, call Treasurer Ron Weatherall at 07519 012654 or Chairman Steve McDonald at 07786 170856, email [email protected], or find the club on Facebook.

FOLLOWING the sentencing of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, the public has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support him. The campaign aims to raise £600 to help pay his court fine.

Organised by Andrew Phillips, the fundraiser has already gathered half of its target. Supporters describe Jones as a kind individual unfairly penalised for a minor incident and are eager to help him and his family move on from this ordeal.

Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the challenges faced by educators in maintaining discipline. Kelleher explained that Jones is deeply remorseful and has resigned from the teaching profession following the incident.

“This is the difficulty that a teacher or a learning assistant has these days,” Kelleher said. “When a child is being cheeky, rude or refusing to do what he is being asked to do, an adult should avoid touching the pupil.

“My client is mortified at what occurred and has since resigned from the teaching profession – so we’ve lost a teacher.

“The children were heard saying ‘We’ll make sure you’ll be in trouble for this,’ and unfortunately this is what’s happened.”

After considering the mitigation, magistrates fined Jones £400 and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £160 surcharge. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate commenting that compensation was not deemed appropriate.

The GoFundMe campaign has become a focal point for community members who believe Jones deserves support during this difficult time.

You can view and contribute to the campaign here.

AN INSURANCE expert is calling on residents across Wales to protect their homes against damage caused by nesting squirrels – a risk not typically covered by standard home insurance policies.

Freddie Hamilton-Russell of insurance broker Lycetts has issued his warning during the summer nesting season.

With animal infestation claims at an all-time high, Hamilton-Russell emphasised the importance of preventative measures, explaining that most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by small pests and rodents, as these are issues that are deemed preventable.

“Squirrels are notorious for causing costly damage to electrical wiring, pipes, cables and insulation in attics and converted roof spaces where they make a home for their young,” said Hamilton-Russell.

“They are even capable of moving roof tiles, coming down chimneys or causing damage to guttering and fascia boards.

“Preventative measures are the best course of action. Homeowners should repair any roof damage immediately and trim branches that could provide easy access to their roofs.”

He also recommended using strong wire mesh to block obvious access points once it is established that there are no squirrels inside.

“The best times to do this are mid-morning and mid-afternoon when grey squirrels are typically out foraging,” Hamilton-Russell advised.

Furthermore, Hamilton-Russell pointed out that gardens with decking are particularly vulnerable to squirrel damage.

“It’s crucial to make your garden less attractive to squirrels by removing trees or branches with uninhabited nests, covering bulbs with wire mesh, and using squirrel-resistant bird feeders instead of loose food,” he said.

“I also urge homeowners to purchase approved squirrel repellents to prevent costly damage to their homes and gardens.”