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Rob Hughes elected new Chair of YesCymru

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Phyl Griffiths steps down from the leadership role but will remain on the board

YESCYMRU has appointed Rob Hughes as the new Chair of its Board following the decision by Phyl Griffiths to step down because of increased work commitments.

Mr Hughes, who represents the South-East region on the board, was elected to lead the non-party-political campaign for Welsh independence. Sam Murphy, director for the South-West, has been chosen as Vice-Chair.

Mr Griffiths, who became Chair in 2024, will remain a director of the organisation.

YesCymru said his two years in the role had seen the campaign broaden its activities and record substantial membership growth during 2026.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Mr Hughes said: “Phyl’s ability to connect with people has helped create a harmonious and united organisation, leading YesCymru forward to the position of strength in which we find ourselves today.

“He will be greatly missed as our Chair, but we are delighted that he will continue in his role as a fellow director for the South-East.

“He is a huge asset as we help move Wales towards independence.”

Mr Griffiths established a local YesCymru group in Merthyr Tudful in 2017 before later joining the organisation’s board and becoming Chair.

He said: “When I set up my local group of YesCymru in Merthyr Tudful back in 2017, I didn’t imagine for a second that I’d be on the Board of Directors just a few years later, let alone become Chair of the movement I love so dearly.

“I’ve long felt that Wales needs cross-party thinking if we’re to become an independent nation and, during my time as Chair, I’ve been immensely proud of the work of the Board in ensuring that YesCymru is a home for all who share that view.”

He thanked members and supporters for their work and encouraged those who support Welsh independence to take part in a planned march in Aberystwyth on September 26.

Mr Griffiths said the decision to step down had been difficult, adding: “I’ve had an amazing time as Chair, superbly supported by a brilliant Board, and I look forward to giving my full support to Rob as the new Chair.”

Nerys Jenkins, who served alongside Mr Griffiths on YesCymru’s National Governing Body, praised his leadership at what she described as a crucial period for the movement.

She said: “His commitment to YesCymru has been unwavering. He took on the role of Chair at a crucial time for the movement and has worked tirelessly to provide steady, thoughtful leadership.

“His ability to bring people together and listen to different viewpoints has been invaluable.”

Former Chair Barry Parkin, now director for the Outside of Wales region, described Mr Griffiths as a gifted and motivational speaker who had made a significant contribution to both YesCymru and the wider independence movement.

He added: “I am proud to have worked alongside Phyl and am delighted that we will be able to continue working together as directors of YesCymru, striving for an independent Cymru.”

 

Community

Public invited to Port of Milford Haven annual stakeholder meeting

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MEMBERS of the public are being invited to hear about the Port of Milford Haven’s latest projects, investments and future plans at its annual stakeholder meeting this week.

The event will take place in the Atrium at Sybil House, Milford Waterfront, from 2pm on Thursday, July 30.

Representatives from the Port’s leadership team will provide updates on recent achievements, current investment programmes and planned developments across the Milford Haven Waterway.

A dedicated question-and-answer session will also give residents, businesses and community organisations an opportunity to raise issues and speak directly with Port representatives.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our annual stakeholder meeting is an important opportunity to share progress, discuss our plans for the future and hear directly from the organisations and communities we work with and live in.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in the Port and the wider Milford Haven Waterway to join us for what promises to be an informative and engaging afternoon.”

Following the meeting, attendees will be invited to The Old Rectory Bar and Bistro at Milford Waterfront for coffee, cake and networking between 4pm and 5pm.

Places can be booked through the Port of Milford Haven’s online registration page. Questions can also be submitted in advance as part of the booking process.

 

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Farming

Wales launches national food strategy covering ‘farm to fork’

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Expert group chaired by Carmarthenshire food entrepreneur Simon Wright will examine how Wales produces, processes, buys and consumes food

A NEW national strategy is being developed to reshape food policy across Wales, covering everything from farming and food production to school meals, public procurement, health and retail.

The Welsh Government announced plans for the National Food Strategy for Wales at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, describing it as a “whole-system” approach designed to connect policies that have previously been handled separately.

An Expert Working Group will be established to examine the challenges and opportunities facing the Welsh food system and make recommendations to ministers.

It will be chaired by Simon Wright, owner of Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the Welsh hospitality and food sectors.

Mr Wright will lead discussions with farmers, fishers, food producers, businesses and communities across Wales as the strategy is developed.

The Welsh food and drink supply chain is estimated to be worth more than £28 billion and employs around one in six workers in Wales.

The strategy will examine how more of the economic value created by Welsh food can be retained and reinvested within Wales, while also considering food education, healthy eating, sustainability and the circular economy.

It will cover food production, processing and retail, as well as the role of food in schools, hospitals and other publicly funded services.

The Expert Working Group will be asked to identify gaps in existing policy, recommend how progress should be measured and encourage closer cooperation between the Welsh Government, public bodies and the food and drink industry.

The final strategy is expected to be presented to ministers during 2027.

Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said Welsh farmers and food businesses already produced high-quality goods for customers in Wales and overseas.

He said: “This strategy will bring together the whole food system, from our farmers and fishers to our retailers, schools and communities, so that we can make better, more joined-up decisions for the benefit of everyone in Wales.

“I am delighted that Simon Wright has agreed to lead this work. His passion for Welsh food and deep roots in the industry make him exactly the right person for the role.”

Mr Wright said Wales already had a strong reputation for food and drink but had the potential to achieve more.

He said: “Wales punches well above its weight in food and drink, but there’s so much more we can do.

“This is a real opportunity to cut through and get things right for our industry and the country.

“I welcome the ambition of the new Government, and I look forward to working with producers, businesses and communities to make it happen.”

The announcement forms part of the Welsh Government’s programme of commitments for its first 100 days. The membership and detailed remit of the Expert Working Group have not yet been announced.

 

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Education

Sports event inspires Pembrokeshire girls to get active

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MORE than 70 girls from two Pembrokeshire secondary schools enjoyed a morning of sport, fitness and fun at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi took part in the event on Monday, July 6, which was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero.

The initiative was designed to encourage more girls to become physically active by giving them the opportunity to try a wide range of sports in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Activities included football with POINT Youth Club, rugby with Whitland Ladies RFC, hockey with Fishguard and Goodwick Hockey Club, taekwondo, tennis, sailing, table tennis, rowing and bowls.

Participants were also given the opportunity to use the fitness suite at Fishguard Leisure Centre, with some experiencing gym equipment for the first time.

Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun supported the event and helped to deliver activities throughout the morning.

Refreshments were provided by Morrisons and Princes Gate, while Hair Syrup and Boots donated a selection of gifts for those taking part.

Dan Bellis, of Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “The girls had a brilliant morning taking part in a fantastic range of activities.

“A big thank you must go to all the clubs and organisations that delivered sessions, the Young Ambassadors for their support, and the local businesses that provided refreshments and gifts.

“We hope the event has inspired the girls to try something new and continue taking part in sport.”

The participants responded enthusiastically to the chance to experience activities they may not previously have considered.

One pupil said: “It was so much fun and it was great to try so many different activities.”

Another added: “I loved trying all the different sports, especially the ones I had never done before.”

A third participant said: “I had never been in a gym before, so it was fun being able to use the bikes and treadmills.”

The event forms part of Sport Pembrokeshire’s continuing work to help young people discover new activities, build their confidence and develop lifelong habits of exercise and physical activity.

 

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