News

Welsh Language Commissioner sets standards on water companies

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

FOLLOWING the approval of the Welsh Language Standards Regulations (No. 9) by the Senedd, the Welsh Language Commissioner has now announced which standards water companies in Wales will need to comply with.

The water companies that will have to comply with Welsh language standards are Dŵr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy. Up until now, the two companies have been implementing Welsh Language Schemes in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993.

This is the first time that the Welsh Language Commissioner has placed Welsh language standards on organisations that are not considered public bodies.

Osian Llywelyn, Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner and Director of Regulation said,

“We welcome this significant step of bringing water companies, which provide key services to the public in Wales, under the provisions of the Welsh Language Measure (Wales) 2011.

“The standards aim to ensure that the Welsh language is not treated less favourably than English in Wales. As we noted in our recent report – Delivering change together – the enforceable system of Welsh language standards is much more effective, and leads to better services and a real increase in opportunities for people to use the Welsh language.

“The Welsh language belongs to us all and it is vital that the language is promoted and facilitated prominently. By issuing a compliance notice to water companies, our aim is to not only see new opportunities to use the Welsh language in a wider range of situations in Wales, but also to increase the use of these services.

“I would like to thank Dŵr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy for their willing cooperation during the process of setting Welsh language standards. In line with our approach to co-regulation, we look forward to further collaboration as they prepare for the new phase, and we will assist and advise them on the next part of the journey.”

Welsh Water Chief Executive Officer Peter Perry said: “We have shown a long-standing commitment to the Welsh Language at Dŵr Cymru, and we fully support the Commissioner’s long-term plan to ensure people can use the Welsh language in all aspects of their lives, in all parts of Wales. It is important to us that we provide the outstanding customer service bilingually, and we are already so active in this space ahead of the legal duty that will be placed on us from next summer.“

Louise Moir, Customer Experience and Strategy Lead at Hafren Dyfrdwy added: “As a company in the heart of Powys and Wrexham, we are fully aware of the importance of being able to offer our services to our customers in their preferred language and this is something we do and have already committed to continue. Our language schemes demonstrate clear evidence of our commitment and as we come under the Standards in the future we look forward to building on that strong platform.”

The two companies, Dŵr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy, will have to comply from August 2025.

News

Harvest Moon shines bright over Tenby

Published

39 mins ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

GARETH DAVIES, the well known Pembrokeshire news photographer, has captured a stunning image of the Harvest Moon illuminating the skies over Tenby, showcasing the natural beauty of our coastal town.

The Harvest Moon, traditionally the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, is renowned for its warm, golden hue and early rising. This celestial event historically signalled farmers to gather their crops, hence its name. As the sun sets, the moon rises in the eastern sky, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

Gareth’s photograph beautifully encapsulates this magical moment, with the moon casting a silvery glow over Tenby’s picturesque landscape. The blend of the moonlight with the town’s historic buildings and the tranquil sea creates a breathtaking scene that captures the essence of autumn in Wales.

As the nights grow longer, the Harvest Moon serves as a reminder of nature’s cycles and the changing seasons.

Charity

Welsh RNLI Lifeboat stations gear up for RNLI 200th anniversary scroll relay

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to mark its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a unique relay-style event involving its stations and shops across Wales. Throughout September and October, RNLI locations in Wales will participate in the ‘Connecting our Communities’ event, a key part of the bicentenary celebrations.

This commemorative relay features a scroll bearing the RNLI pledge, which is being passed through RNLI communities—including lifeboat stations, shops, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches—across the UK and Ireland. At each stop along its journey, representatives from the RNLI will sign the scroll, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to saving lives at sea.

The scroll’s journey through Wales includes visits to numerous RNLI stations and shops, with the schedule as follows:

Penarth Lifeboat Station: 20 September
Barry Island Visitor Centre and Shop: 21 September
Port Talbot Lifeboat Station: 21 September 2024
Burry Port Lifeboat Station: 22 September
Saundersfoot Shop: 23 September
Tenby Lifeboat Station: 23 September
Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station: 25 September
St Davids Lifeboat Station: 25 September
Fishguard Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Cardigan Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Aberaeron Fundraising Branch: 27 September
Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station: 27 September
Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Barmouth Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Abersoch Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Pwllheli Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Moelfre Seawatch Centre: 2 October
Beaumaris Lifeboat Station: 2 October
Conwy Lifeboat Station: 11 October
Llandudno Lifeboat Station: 12 October
Rhyl Lifeboat Station: 12 October

This event offers an opportunity for the RNLI community to come together in celebration of the charity’s two centuries of service. Established in 1824, the RNLI has saved countless lives through its search and rescue operations along the coastlines of the UK and Ireland. The scroll relay serves not only as a commemoration of the RNLI’s rich history but also as a reaffirmation of its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.

The RNLI continues to rely on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to maintain its vital life-saving operations. As the organisation approaches this milestone anniversary, it is inviting communities across Wales and beyond to participate in the celebrations and support its ongoing work.

News

Clarbeston Road stuns Monkton Swifts in nine-goal thriller

Published

1 hour ago

September 19, 2024

Herald Sport

ANOTHER thrilling weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s First Division unfolded with late drama aplenty. The standout fixture took place at Clarbeston Road, where they narrowly won a nine-goal thriller, while Goodwick United faced a stiff test against Tenby. The Vikings continued their impressive start to the season, as the newly promoted teams struggled to find their footing once more.

Clarbeston Road 5-4 Monkton Swifts

The match of the weekend was at Clarbeston Road, where a remarkable comeback saw the hosts overturn a 4-1 deficit with just 15 minutes left on the clock to beat Monkton Swifts. Jack Clarke’s brace and a goal from Ben Steele had the Swifts cruising at half-time. Despite an early second-half goal from Jake Wesley for Clarbeston, Liam Butland’s strike restored Monkton’s three-goal cushion. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Laurie Haworth scored twice, Ben John added another, and Travis Jones netted a stoppage-time winner, completing a comeback that will be remembered for years.

Carew 2-3 Merlins Bridge

Merlins Bridge avenged last week’s defeat with a 3-2 win over Carew. Captain Jordan Thomas put the Wizards ahead before Marcus Griffiths equalised for the hosts. Late goals from Liam Manwaring and Tom Jago gave Merlins Bridge a 3-1 lead, rendering Leon Davies’ last-minute goal a mere consolation for Carew.

Herbrandston 1-5 Milford United

Scott Reid shone against his former club, scoring four goals as Milford United thrashed Herbrandston 5-1. Reid’s goals came on either side of an equaliser from Adam Whatling. Rhys Brawn added a fourth for Milford before Reid sealed the rout with a fourth, assisted by Morgan Picton. Herbrandston are struggling to adapt to First Division life, languishing at the bottom of the table without a point, while Milford United sit comfortably in third place.

Kilgetty 1-3 Hakin United

Hakin United, the Vikings, maintained their top-of-the-table status with a solid 3-1 win over Kilgetty. The hosts took an early lead through Lloyd Hughes, but Hakin responded with a goal from Justin Harding. A long-range strike from Alfie Stotter and late goals from Leo Power and Shane Walsh ensured victory for the visitors.

Pennar Robins 2-1 St Ishmaels

Pennar Robins edged past St Ishmaels 2-1, thanks to two first-half goals from Cameron Brunton and Nick Willis, both set up by Dan James. Joel Mills pulled one back for the visitors, but Pennar held firm to secure their second win of the season. St Ishmaels remain without a point, sitting second from bottom.

Tenby 1-2 Goodwick United

Defending champions Goodwick United completed a late comeback to beat Tenby 2-1, courtesy of two goals from Will Haworth. Richard Perry had given Tenby the lead, set up by Ned Davies. Haworth equalised in the 84th minute and then clinched the winner deep into stoppage time. The victory was tainted for Tenby, who saw both Joe Leahy and Charlie Gregory sent off after the final whistle. This match shows that while Goodwick are still strong, they appear more vulnerable than last season.