Community
Scouts Cymru welcomes youth exemption from visitor levy
SCOUTS CYMRU has welcomed a commitment from the Welsh Government to exempt under-18s from paying the proposed visitor accommodation levy in Wales.
The announcement was made during a Stage 1 debate in the Senedd on Monday (Apr 1), as part of discussions on the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) (Wales) Bill. The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Mark Drakeford, confirmed that young people staying in lower-rated accommodation “would now be exempt altogether” following a review of evidence submitted during the scrutiny process.
Youth organisations, including Scouts Cymru, had raised concerns that the levy could make it harder for young people—particularly those from low-income backgrounds—to access affordable outdoor learning and development opportunities.
Kerrie Gemmill, Chief Executive of Scouts Cymru, said: “This is a really positive step forward. Ensuring that under-18s are not charged the visitor levy when staying at lower-rate accommodation sends a strong signal about the value we place on youth development and access to the outdoors in Wales.
“We’re grateful that the Welsh Government has listened to the evidence from youth organisations and acted on it. While there is still more to do to ensure the final legislation supports volunteer-led, not-for-profit providers, this exemption is very welcome and will help protect vital experiences for young people across the country.”
Scouts Cymru has also reiterated concerns about the potential administrative burden the Bill could place on volunteers if facilities such as Scout huts, church halls, and community centres are required to register—despite overnight accommodation not being their primary function.
The organisation warns that adult volunteers, who are legally required to accompany children on overnight activities, may also be affected by the levy, even though the children themselves are exempt.
The Bill now moves to Stage 2, where amendments and further guidance will be considered.
ScoutsCymru is calling for clear guidance and exemptions for charitable and volunteer-run organisations—particularly where accommodation plays a supporting role rather than being the core purpose of the premises.
A FAMILY has been left with nothing after a devastating house fire tore through their home in Tregunnor on Monday (Apr 7).
The blaze destroyed everything inside the house, leaving the homeowner, his children, and their family dog with only the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the emotional impact of losing their home and belongings has been described as “immeasurable.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been launched by the homeowner’s nephew, Kian Evans, in an effort to help the family rebuild their lives. The fundraiser, titled “Tregunnor House Fire,” has so far raised £40 from two donors, with hopes that more support will follow.
Mr Evans praised the emergency services for their swift response and thanked the local community for their messages of support and solidarity.
He wrote: “They have lost everything, from furniture to cherished memories. The goal is to help them get back on their feet after such a traumatic experience. Every little helps.”
The family now face the daunting task of starting over, but thanks to the generosity of those around them, they are not facing it alone.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/tregunnor-house-fire
Photo caption:
The fire which destroyed a family home in Tregunnor (Pic: Herald).
PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIORS IMPRESS IN CARMARTHEN FIXTURE
PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIOR CHESS CLUB travelled to Carmarthen on Monday (April 7) for a friendly fixture against their slightly older, but less experienced, counterparts. The match marked Carmarthen’s first official game.
Thanks to Peter Evans for organising the event, which saw 20 young players competing in a friendly but competitive atmosphere. A terrific evening of chess followed, with players mixing and matching across boards, ensuring each had at least two games—some even playing three or four.
The result of the first match was a tightly contested draw, finishing 5-5.
Standout players on both sides
For Pembrokeshire, standout performances came from:
- Suki, with 3 wins
- Huw, with 2 wins
- Joe, with 1 win and a draw
For Carmarthen, Matthew, William, and Eric stood out with impressive performances.
A return fixture in Pembrokeshire is already being planned before the season concludes. The club also hopes to arrange additional matches against Redhill Prep School and Castell Nedd Chess Club on May 29.
Strong performances in Redhill Festival
Ten Pembrokeshire players also took part in the Redhill Primary School Festival over the weekend, all performing with distinction. Special mention goes to Joe and Harry, who both won their first four rounds and competed in the final—Joe winning Gold, and Harry securing Silver.
Coach Martin Jones said he has been delighted with the progress made by all players this season, including the club’s younger and less experienced members, who are also showing great promise.
Martin also recently competed in the Bristol Chess Congress, where he took first place in his section out of 62 entrants.
“It’s great to see chess flourishing in Pembrokeshire,” he said.
Pembrokeshire Team (in board order)
- Barnaby Hinman – Ysgol Preseli
- Joe Othen – Home Schooled
- Harry Harling – Cosheston VC School
- Huw Holliday – Redhill Prep
- Sebastian Kummer – Neyland Community School
- Jude Taylor – St Mark’s VA School
- Henry Malone – Redhill High
- Suki-Rose Heulwen – Ysgol Bro Penfro
- Emily Thomas-Ward – Redhill Prep
- Carys Callan – Redhill Prep
Photos:
- Pembrokeshire Team
- Combined Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen Teams
FOUR original paintings of Sunderland flying boats have been donated to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by one of its leading supporters, Welsh aviation and military artist John Wynne Hopkins.
John, who lives in Llanelli, has also gifted several large prints and a collection of greetings cards, all depicting iconic images of the Sunderland aircraft.
“I have followed the excellent progress of the Heritage Trust over many years and I am so pleased that my art can support them,” said John. “The Sunderland is a favourite subject of mine and its long connections with Pembroke Dock have provided me with many topics to paint. I shall certainly continue this.”
The Heritage Centre already displays one of John’s earlier works — a dramatic World War I battlefield scene created in 2018 for its trench exhibit. The painting is featured in the original entrance of the Centre, housed in the former Royal Dockyard Chapel.
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
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