News

FUW New Year’s message AS THE FUW approaches its

Published

10 years ago

January 19, 2015

AS THE FUW approaches its 60th anniversary we look back on a year in which falls in farm-gate prices and income from the CAP has had a severe impact on farm incomes, but the exceptionally kind weather at least means we are going into 2015 with far more fodder than in previous years. 2014 is a year in which significant announcements have been made – both in terms of the Union’s structure, with the creation of FUW Insurance Services Limited and other changes, and for Wales’ agriculture industry, with numerous key announcements, not least the appointment of Rebecca Evans as Deputy Minister for farming and food in July.

The Deputy Minister’s appointment marked a positive turning point in terms of recognition of the need for government and the FUW to work together for the good of the industry, while accepting that some differences of opinion will always exist. Whatever those differences are, or the challenges we face due to the impact of factors which are outside our control, I believe we are starting 2015 in a far stronger position because of the mutual respect between government and industry and the commitment to work together.

Such joined up thinking and working is going to be essential over the coming weeks and months, as we enter a period of major change and uncertainty: change due to the introduction of various rules relating to the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and uncertainty following the recent abolition of the 400 metre moorland line following a successful judicial review. The new CAP rules represent a massive escalation in the administrative burden for farmers and government departments alike, despite the previous European Commissioner’s commitment to simplified rules, and these will have some serious repercussions for many Welsh farmers.

The FUW has already highlighted major concerns to the new Commissioner, former Irish Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, and we will no doubt have the opportunity to raise concerns face-toface when we welcome the Commissioner to the 2015 Royal Welsh Show. Meanwhile, it is essential that farmers familiarise themselves with the new rules in order to minimise the risk of financial losses: 2015 is a reference year for the establishment of Basic Payment Scheme entitlements, so any errors or breaches – for example where a claimant cannot demonstrate sufficient management control of land taken on or where grazing is rented out – could result in permanent annual losses.

Anyone who needs guidance on such matters should contact their local FUW office, where they will receive a warm welcome and, if they are lucky, they may find a few mince pies left over! Meanwhile, we look forward to a year in which the FUW celebrates sixty years of protecting the interests of members, and continues to deliver invaluable one-to-one services through its County Offices, which have secured more than half a billion pounds for members over the past decade alone.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.