News
MP welcomes ‘fresh thinking’ on health
LOCAL MP Stephen Crabb has welcomed the tone struck by the new Chief Executive of Hywel Dda Health Board, Steve Moore, following their first meeting in Haverfordwest on Friday, and the opportunity for some fresh thinking about the challenges facing the County’s health services.
Assembly Members Paul Davies and Angela Burns were also present.
In recent weeks Stephen has seen a surge in correspondence from constituents about delays and cancellations of surgery appointments at Withybush. He questioned the CEO about these recent problems, as well as the impact of changes to maternity and paediatrics at the hospital.
The CEO, who has only been in the role for three weeks, gave a commitment to a 24 hours a day A&E service, but Stephen stressed that this would only be meaningful if the Health Board could guarantee the appropriate level of staffing.
Speaking after the meeting, Stephen said:“It was a constructive meeting with the new Chief Executive of the Health Board. We went over the last ten years and the reasons why people in Pembrokeshire feel they have never been given clear, open and honest information about what is being done to their hospital. I have to say he struck a different tone and gave a strong commitment to wanting to work openly with the local community.”
“It was also the first time I have heard a Chief Executive talking about how the model for delivering rural health services has to be different from urban areas. His previous experience was in Cornwall so I am hoping that he can bring some new thinking on this. Over the last 10 years we have had a battle with Welsh Ministers in Cardiff getting them to see that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy does not work for Wales.”
“While it was a useful meeting, we need clear and effective action to back this up. I will continue to press Welsh Government in Cardiff and the Health Board to get a grip on the problems facing our health services and deliver a better approach for Pembrokeshire.”
Community
St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).
The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.
A legacy of faith and unity
St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.
Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”
These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.
A symbolic exchange
The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.
Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”
The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.
News
Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police say they received a call reporting the incident at around 4:30pm.
Tragically, a 15-year-old girl has passed away, it has been confirmed.
Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.
Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.
News
Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

THREE people were taken to hospital following a collision on the A477 near Cleddau Bridge on Monday (Mar 17).
The crash, which involved three vehicles, happened shortly before 9:00am between Cleddau Bridge and Honeyborough roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene, and both lanes of the road were closed for nearly two hours.
One lane reopened at 10:45am, with the road fully cleared by 10:55am.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police attended a three-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 just before 9:00am. Three people were taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.”
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Flashbang
February 12, 2015 at 12:07 pm
If you believe those two Stephen then you are doing the voters a disservice. The name of their game is to cut everything and shift all services to the east.