News

Christmas cheer in Pembroke town

Published

10 years ago

December 18, 2014

AS far as Christmas celebrations go Pembroke seemed to have it all last Friday (Dec 28) night with free cookies, an abseiling Santa and to crown it all a “live nativity” featuring the members of various local churches. The number of families supporting the annual carol singing event around the Christmas tree seemed to exceed most peoples’ expectations and it would be no exaggeration to say that at least 500 enthusiastic marchers followed Santa’s sleigh down Pembroke Main Street. Pastor Rob James told The Herald: “This is a super example of what can happen when the community pulls together.

The weather helped of course. It was a clear star lit night, but it was thrilling to see the way in which everyone showed their support for all those who had worked so hard to make the evening such a success”. The evening’s festivities began with Santa abseiling down the castle keep, and was followed by a procession to St Michael’s church where everyone gathered joined in the carol singing before the Vicar of Pembroke, Canon Roger Jones, offered a prayer of blessing for both the town and surrounding community.

“It is my hope that the good will and kindness that we see around us will continue up to the end of the month when we remember the coming of our Lord” he said. “My prayer for Pembroke would be that peace and understanding, reconciliation and forgiveness would begin in our own homes and then spread across the world”.

As members of the local Chamber of Trade offered free mince pies and spiced apple juice the newly formed Street Pastors team handed out hundreds of glow sticks. “These glow sticks are very appropriate because we want to operate as salt and light in our community” said local coordinator Lyn Edwards. “The church is here to show that it is good to have Santa and the lights going on but actually Christmas is all about Jesus, and we have come to show that He is the essential part of Christmas”

While encouraging everyone to remember that carol singing will take place in the Main Street every Saturday morning until Christmas, she added: “We also want as many children as possible to take part in the search for our lost donkeys. There is a rumour going around that after 3rd December, two donkeys will be seen wandering around Pembroke going into shop after shop. Is it just a rumour? Is the story true? Will the donkeys really be in the Post Office to see Father Christmas go past? Will they be seen in other shop windows trying to pretend they are toy donkeys? Where will they end up?”

“More newsflashes will be put up in shops, schools, churches and other places. Keep your eyes open. Strange things happen to donkeys leading up to Christmas. Rumour has it they move on Wednesdays” Those wanting to take part in the “Sight the donkeys competition” are asked to write their names and contact details on a piece of paper indicating where they have been seen, and to post it to the ‘Donkey Search and Rescue Box’ at Dragon Alley, Main Street Pembroke by December 19, The donkey’s story, together with the results of the competition will be unveiled at the Town Hall Pembroke at 5.30pm. that evening.

The day’s festivities will then draw to close with a ‘Silent Night Carol Service’ which begins at 6pm. The Pembroke event will be just one of many such ‘Silent Night Carols’ to be held throughout the UK offering communities an opportunity to remember the remarkable day during World War 1 when peace broke out in the trenches for 24 hours, with enemies exchanging gifts, singing this much loved carol and even playing football. The events have even attracted the backing of the Duke of Cambridge who has said “Even in the bleakest of times, Christmas offers peace and hope. This Christmas, the Silent Night carol services are a powerful way to remember the sacrifice made by so many in the Great War and to celebrate the peace we enjoy”.

News

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Andrew Edwards resigns suddenly

Published

9 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of PembroTHE CHIEF executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Will Bramble, has released a statement announcing that Cllr Andrew Edwards has resigned for personal reasons. A notice of a casual vacancy will be published today (Dec 30).

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted Cllr Edwards, who issued the following statement:

“Family matters have made my position as a county councillor untenable.

“I have therefore decided to resign from the council, as I feel unable to carry out my duties to the standard I would wish at this time.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and fellow councillors who have supported me during my tenure.

“I wish the very best to my successor, who I am confident will serve the community with dedication.

“This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is in the best interests of those I represent.”

Edwards, a barber, has served on the council since May 2022.

In April 2023, the Conservative councillor referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman following the emergence of a recording in which he appeared to make offensive remarks suggesting all white men should have a black slave. However, it was later suggested that the recording may have been artificially generated using AI to discredit him.

Health

Hospital visiting precautions in place ‘to protect patients’

Published

9 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

VISITORS to hospitals across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire are being asked to only attend if they are free of any potential flu-like symptoms, or any sickness or diarrhoea. Additionally, they may be requested to wear face masks before entry to certain wards or departments.

Seasonal flu and winter vomiting viruses are affecting patients on several wards with infection prevention and control actions being taken, as necessary.

Visitors are asked to only come to see their loved ones if they are free of any infections, to wash hands before leaving home and clean hands on arrival at the hospital/ward using the hand sanitiser. Visitors may also be asked to wear face masks/coverings on the ward/department they are visiting. Masks will be available at the hospital entrance or can be provided on affected wards.

There are additional restrictions in place that limit visitors to:

Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU) at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Please discuss individual patient visiting arrangements at AMAU with the nurse in charge.
This arrangement will be reviewed daily, and restrictions will be lifted as soon as possible. The health board’s website will be updated daily with details of wards with enhanced restrictions on visiting.

Janice Cole Williams, Assistant Director of Nursing at Hywel Dda University Health Board
said: “Within affected wards, all staff are wearing masks and visiting is limited at Prince Philip Hospital’s AMAU to help stop spread of infection.

“Our local community can help us avoid outbreaks of infection by not visiting family and friends in hospital if they are feeling unwell themselves.

“Annual flu vaccination is also undoubtedly the best way to protect against catching or spreading flu. Not only can it prevent you from becoming very unwell, it can also help reduce your risk of secondary infections such as pneumonia, which can be dangerous if you are clinically vulnerable.”

Vaccination centres are open, with no appointment needed today (Monday), until 5.30pm and tomorrow, Tuesday, December 31 for all people eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes children aged two years (on 31 August 2024) to those in year 11 who can access the nasal flu vaccine at the centres.

Drop in any time between 9.15am and 5.30pm to your nearest vaccination centre:

Aberaeron (Aberaeron Integrated Care Centre, Vicarage Hill, Aberaeron, SA46 0DY)
Llanelli (Unit 2a, Dafen Industrial Estate, Heol Cropin, SA14 8QW)
Neyland (Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, SA73 1SE)
The following groups are eligible for vaccination:

Flu vaccination

Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024 
Children in primary school from reception class to year 6 (inclusive)  
Children in secondary school from year 7 to year 11 (inclusive)   
People aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups   
People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2024)   
Pregnant women  
Carers aged 16 and over 
People aged six months to 65 years who live with someone who has a weakened immune system   
People with a learning disability  
Frontline health and social care workers  
All staff working in care homes with regular client contact
Poultry workers at high risk
COVID-19 vaccination

People aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition (which includes pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system)
Residents in a care home for older adults
People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025)
Unpaid carers
Frontline health and social care workers
Staff working in care homes for older adults
If you have any questions about accessing the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine, please phone the health board on 0300 303 8322 option 1 or email: [email protected]

Business

Welsh firms expect brighter profits in 2025

Published

20 hours ago

December 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MORE than three-quarters (79%) of Welsh businesses expect greater profitability in 2025, a significant increase from 69% recorded in December 2023, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey also revealed that 73% of firms anticipate a rise in turnover next year. Of those, nearly a third (32%) predict revenue growth of between six and 10%, while over a quarter (26%) expect even higher gains.

Profitability remains the top priority for 55% of businesses, followed closely by staff upskilling (43%) and productivity improvements (33%). Additionally, 17% of firms aim to enhance their technology, including automation and AI, while 18% are focused on improving environmental sustainability.

To achieve these goals, more than a third (35%) of Welsh businesses plan to invest in staff training, with 29% allocating resources towards research and development (R&D) of new products or services.

The Lloyds Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and has been running since 2002, provides valuable insights into regional and national economic trends.

Sam Noble, Regional Director for Wales at Lloyds, said: “Welsh businesses are looking ahead to the new year with ambitious plans. While uncertainties remain, these strategies will help them achieve growth and strengthen their resilience against potential challenges. As they move forward, we’ll continue to stand by them with our support.”