News

Lives at risk in Pembrokeshire as storm leaves many without power

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2024

LIVES are being put at risk in rural Pembrokeshire following National Grid’s failure to install generators for hundreds of properties still without electricity after Storm Darragh.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, county councillor Iwan Ward described a dire situation, warning that elderly residents are “freezing to death,” while families with young children are going hungry as power outages persist.

“It’s getting serious,” said Cllr Ward.
“My gut feeling, given the extent of damage the National Grid is dealing with, is that we’re not going to get our electricity back until the middle of next week. But by that point, we’ll start seeing deaths in the community.”

A village in crisis

***Local volunteers and farmers were out removing trees as well as council workers and official contractors***

Cllr Ward, who lives in Blaenffos near Crymych—one of Pembrokeshire’s hardest-hit areas—painted a bleak picture of life in his village.

“In my village, we have both ends of the spectrum,” he explained. “We have very elderly, frail people and families with young children who need warmth and food.

“I know of children who aren’t eating properly because their parents don’t have electricity to cook. For some, the only place they can get hot food is at school.”

He recounted one particularly distressing case involving a resident who requires an electric hoist to move around. After being sent to Haverfordwest for respite care, the woman now faces being sent home despite the lack of power.

“The respite home can’t keep her any longer, and with no electricity at her house, she has nowhere to go,” said Cllr Ward.

Communication and connectivity failures

The power outages have also disrupted the EE mobile network, leaving many residents without a reliable phone signal, further isolating affected communities.

This week, Cllr Ward and local Senedd Member Paul Davies contacted National Grid to request generators for the worst-hit areas.

“It doesn’t happen often, but there are cases when National Grid installs generators if they know homes will be without power for an extended time,” said Cllr Ward.

However, the response has been far from satisfactory.
“Myself and Paul Davies emailed National Grid on Monday afternoon, but we’ve yet to receive an answer. They’re ignoring us,” he said.

Criticism of national grid’s response

While Cllr Ward commended the efforts of National Grid engineers working on the ground, he criticized the organization’s communication during the crisis.

“They shouldn’t keep giving us set times for power restoration only to change them daily,” he said. “They should have been upfront from the start about how long this would take, so people could make arrangements.”

Cllr Ward and Paul Davies remain determined to secure generators for the worst-affected communities.
“If we don’t get a response from National Grid by this afternoon, we’ll be going back to them and will keep on fighting,” vowed Cllr Ward.

“These are very frightening and scary times for so many people, and we’re determined to do all we can to help them.”

On Monday, National Grid confirmed that 26,959 customers across South Wales are still without power, with teams working tirelessly to restore supplies.

The company told The Herald “Our engineers, control rooms, contact centre, and support teams have been working around the clock to maintain power,” said Emma Philpin, National Grid’s director of Customer Excellence.”

“We’ve seen extremely high call volumes, and it’s taking longer for customers to get through. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding. Rest assured, we are doing everything possible to restore power across the region as quickly as we can” the firm said.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.