News
Photography project kicks off

MEMBERS of the public can help kick start a new photography project at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids by collecting plastic that has

Plastic Sea: Mike Perry
washed up on Pembrokeshire’s beaches.
North Pembrokeshire photographic artist Mike Perry will be using pieces of collected plastic to develop his series Môr Plastig (Welsh for ‘plastic sea’) in his role as Coastal Currents Artist in Residence at Oriel y Parc.
Môr Plastig focuses on images of washed-up, decayed items of plastic beach objects, including shoes, bottles and bags.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Arts Development Officer Kate Wood, said: “During his residency, Mike will be reaching out of the confines of the studio space to engage members of the public in the creation of a new work that responds to and engages with our coastal environment. His residency will also draw connections with the current exhibition Natural Images – Historic Photography Uncovered,which is on display in the main gallery at Oriel y Parc.”
People can get involved by joining community beach cleans at four locations on Sunday February 1. Mike is looking for items of plastic that look interesting and that may have a story.
He will be picking up collected plastic at Freshwater East at 1pm, Freshwater West at 2pm, West Dale at 3pm and Newgale at 4pm. Alternatively, people can bring their plastic finds to Oriel y Parc by 4pm on Sunday February 1.
Those taking part should take care when picking up the plastic. They should wear protective gloves, ignore glass, medical objects or nasty looking chemicals and never take risks over slippery rocks. They should also watch out for fast moving tides.
The collected plastic will be taken to Oriel y Parc and selected pieces will be photographed by Mike, and displayed in an exhibition in the studio commencing March 13.
Mike added: “It’s hard to study our coastline today without being aware of plastic pollution. My art involves collecting and photographing pieces of plastic that have been shaped by the sea. They are landscapes, but micro landscapes that people might walk past without noticing nature’s sublime power inscribing itself on the man-made.”
Mike Perry’s Coastal Currents residency, which runs until March 31, is supported by the Arts Council of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
News
Welsh Government publishes first Supplementary Budget for 2025-26

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has today (June 17) published its First Supplementary Budget for the 2025-26 financial year.
The updated budget reflects adjustments made since the Final Budget was agreed in February and includes several allocations from the Welsh Government’s reserves. It also incorporates changes to baseline funding following UK Government fiscal decisions earlier this year.
According to the written statement issued by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford MS, the revised budget is designed to keep public spending aligned with shifting economic conditions and priorities.
The Supplementary Budget outlines how money will be reallocated or drawn down to address emerging pressures or policy changes. It forms part of the normal financial planning process and gives the Senedd an opportunity to scrutinise government decisions taken since the Final Budget.
A debate on the Supplementary Budget has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, in the Senedd.
The Welsh Government said the changes ensure financial flexibility while remaining within overall spending limits.
Further details, including the full budget breakdown, are available on the Welsh Government’s website.
Photo caption:
Finance lead: Mark Drakeford MS will present the Supplementary Budget to the Senedd on July 8 (Pic: Herald)
Business
Business event shares key insights in renewable energy, innovation, and leadership

BUSINESSPEOPLE across Wales have gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to JCB Transmissions to learn about its new hydrogen generator technology, workplace culture, and future developments.
Organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) North Wales, attendees toured the facility in Wrexham and received expert insight into the company’s role in manufacturing components for carbon efficient machinery from JCB operations director Craig Weeks.
Guests were equipped with professional leadership knowledge as Craig shared his career journey with the multinational manufacturing business, as well as highlighting key decisions made to increase business growth and efficiency.
He also revealed practical ways the firm invests in its workforce by utilising training opportunities provided by the North East Wales Skills Academy (NEWSA) and Gatewen Training Services.
David Roberts, chair of North Wales IoD, believes the event spotlighted JCB’s innovation and contribution toward Wales’ net zero by 2050 target.
He said: “From its latest hydrogen generator technology to its production of gearboxes, axles, and transmissions systems, it’s evident that JCB Transmissions is paving the way as a leader in creative, cutting-edge renewable technology.
“Moreover, I think the experience gave guests the chance to understand ways in which they could make more informed investments and the long-term benefits of upskilling members of their respective teams.
“Seeing business leaders and directors attend from across Wales was also very encouraging and I hope they feel more empowered to excel in their industries.”
Speaking about Craig, an IoD North Wales Skills Development award winner, David continued: “I think there is a lot to learn from his leadership.
“His careful, considered allocation of company resources, alongside his career path from axle and gearbox technician to operations director, demonstrates great creative direction and tenacity.
“Overall, building a supportive and welcoming culture in any firm is essential for longevity and it’s something I think JCB Transmissions showcased to all attendees.”
To become an IoD volunteer, contact David Roberts on 07899 910 293.
For more information and to view upcoming events on the IoD in North Wales, visit www.iod.com/events-community/regions/wales
Crime
Neyland man admits making indecent images of children

A NEYLAND man has pleaded guilty to making 20 indecent images of children — including seven of the most serious Category A images — at his home address.
As a result of the pleas entered before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday (June 17), JAMIE DAVIES, 46, is now a registered sex offender.
Davies admitted making seven Category A images, ten Category B images and three Category C images between January 28 and November 4, 2021, at his home on Springfield Avenue, Neyland.
He denies further allegations of engaging in sexual communication with children by sending sexually motivated messages to girls under the age of 16 with the intention of eliciting sexual responses. He also denies causing or inciting girls to engage in sexual activity — including children under the age of 13 — and two further charges involving penetration.
The Crown alleges that all offences took place at Davies’ home address over a prolonged period of time.
“A phone was recovered from the defendant’s pocket,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “He was interrogated, and there were clear conversations between the defendant and young people who were aged between seven and 17. Sexual activities took place between both parties.”
Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings will begin on July 18.
Davies was released on unconditional bail.
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