NEW STUDY PRAISES AFFORDABILITY, AIR QUALITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

WALES has been named the second best region in the UK for retirement in a new study, although the findings may prompt debate among older residents facing pressures over healthcare, transport and the cost of living.

The analysis, carried out by private healthcare group Spire Healthcare, ranked UK nations and regions on a range of factors including house prices, crime rates, the proportion of over-65s, risk of falls, number of hospitals, air quality and access to free events.

Wales scored 59.30 out of 100, putting it second in the UK behind the East Midlands, which topped the table with a score of 61.25.

The South West came third, followed by Northern Ireland and the West Midlands. London was ranked lowest, with a score of 33.62.

Spire Healthcare said the figures showed Wales was one of the most attractive areas in the UK for retirees, helped by relative affordability, environmental quality and lower fall risk compared with some other regions.

The company said Wales was also among the three regions with the lowest fall risks, alongside the East and the South West.

Mark Frame, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Southampton Hospital, said falls remained a serious concern for older people.

He said: “Most falls result in bruising or sprains, but we frequently see fractures of the wrist, ankle and hip.

“In older patients, hip fractures are especially concerning as they can significantly impact mobility and independence.

“In terms of prevention, maintaining strength and balance is one of the most effective protective measures.

“Regular activity such as walking, swimming or balance-focused exercises can significantly reduce fall risk. At home, simple steps such as improving lighting, securing loose rugs and wearing appropriate footwear can make a substantial difference.”

However, the study is likely to be viewed with caution by some older people in Wales, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, where access to NHS dentists, GP appointments, public transport and social care remains a major concern.

The index did not directly measure NHS waiting times, ambulance response times, access to care packages, rural isolation, or the availability of public transport, all of which can have a major impact on quality of life in retirement.

The full ranking placed the East Midlands first, followed by Wales, the South West, Northern Ireland, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, the South East, the North East, the North West, Scotland, the East of England and London.

Spire Healthcare said the index was designed to measure retirement suitability using publicly available datasets, with higher scores indicating regions that performed better on affordability, safety, healthcare access, environmental quality and social opportunity.

Founder Kayleigh Salmon thanks loyal customers after building beloved bakery from home kitchen at just 17

A MUCH-LOVED Pembrokeshire cake business has closed its doors after an emotional final day that left customers, friends and supporters sharing messages of thanks and sadness.

St Davids Cake Co announced the end of an era this week, with founder Kayleigh Salmon thanking the local community that helped turn a teenage dream into a successful small business.

In an emotional social media post, Kayleigh said she was overwhelmed by the support shown during the final day of trading.

She wrote: “Just WOW, honestly today was absolutely amazing.

“I can’t believe this amazing small community we built from starting in my home kitchen at the age of 17.

“I never believed little me could achieve this.”

Photos shared by the business showed bouquets of flowers, cards, gifts and a bottle of fizz from well-wishers, while friends gathered in the shop for a heartfelt send-off.

Kayleigh paid tribute to her close friend Ells, who supported her both during childhood and throughout the business journey.

She said: “I just want to thank my great friend Ells, for all the help, support and encouragement over the last 10 years.

“For her to help me so many years later in my shop it was a real pleasure to have her alongside me for our final day. I’m forever grateful for our friendship.”

The closure prompted an outpouring of affection from customers, many describing the bakery as a treasured part of visits to St Davids.

Jenny Pearson said: “Really going to miss your fabulous cakes. Even though I’m gluten intolerant and shouldn’t have eaten them, they were well worth it.”

Bethan Mayer wrote: “Gutted I couldn’t get to you, will miss your cookies.”

Another customer, Sara Hawkridge, described the bakery’s treats as “the BEST”, adding: “You should be very proud.”

Others wished Kayleigh luck for “whatever you do next”, with many encouraging her to enjoy some well-earned time off after years of hard work.

While the closure marks the end of St Davids Cake Co, the reaction online suggests Kayleigh’s cakes — and the community she built around them — will not be forgotten anytime soon.

A WELL-KNOWN independent veterinary practice in Pembrokeshire has announced a change of ownership after nearly two decades of caring for local pets.

All Pets Vet Care revealed that founder Billa will soon hand over the reins after 17 years, with experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe set to become the practice’s new owners.

The practice said both Alice and Pete share Billa’s commitment to maintaining the independent, friendly and community-focused ethos that has helped make the surgery a trusted name among pet owners across Pembrokeshire.

Alice and Pete are both highly experienced vets who have worked in Pembrokeshire for more than ten years, meaning many clients may already know them.

The team stressed that there will be no change to the care provided, with the practice continuing to offer the same personal service and out-of-hours care for registered clients.

In a message to customers, the practice said: “Nothing about the care you receive is changing – it will still be the same personal, friendly service.”

The new owners said they are looking forward to meeting clients and their pets in the coming weeks.

Pet owners will also have an opportunity to meet Pete at the practice’s Open Day on Friday, June 27. Alice will be unable to attend due to a long-planned charity bike ride, although the team said she would “be there in spirit.”

Photo caption:

New chapter: Local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe are taking over ownership of All Pets Vet Care after 17 years under founder Billa (Pic: All Pets Vet Care).