News

Newport Green candidate launches a crowd funder

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

WALES GREEN PARTY leader and candidate for Newport West, Pippa Bartolotti launched a crowd funder appeal yesterday (Jan 15). She is appealing for £2000 to help pay for leaflets and posters for the 2015 General Election campaign. This is believed to be the first of its kind in Wales. Unlike other political parties, the Greens do not take money from unethical organisations or from individuals who do not pay their taxes in the UK.

Without big union backing or large donations from big business, Greens simply do not have huge resources to throw at elections. In a world where the political parties with the most money tend to be the winners, money counts. Pippa Bartolotti said: “We need a more democratic form of political funding. Crowdfunding is just that – the democratisation of political funding.

You don’t have to be a member of the party, or even to vote for us. “Crowd funder donors are interested fair play and knowing more about the alternatives to a low wage economy and irresponsible banking.” Recent polls show that 22 percent of young people intend to vote Green, and with Greens now regularly pegging level with the Libs Dems in polls, plus the fact that almost three quarters of people want to see the Greens on the TV debates, it is clear that the vast majority of the population want to know more about what Greens stand for.

On Wednesday night (Jan 14), the Green Party overtook UKIP in an unprecedented Green surge as membership members as they hit 42,500 members. They are expected to overtake the Lib Dems by Friday. At one point they were gaining new members at one every 54 seconds. Pippa added: “This crowd funder is about making sure that everyone in Newport gets to hear about Green values and Green policies. “The current MP’s in Newport don’t need crowdfunding, but they will always be indebted to their party’s big backers, such as the nuclear and fracking industry.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 hours 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

12 hours 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

12 hours 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.