News

Disappointment over cuts to YFC funding

Published

11 years ago

February 18, 2015

FOLLOWING the news that Wales YFC has been unsuccessful in its recent bid for a renewal of its core funding, William Powell

Minister has questions to answer: Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT
Davies.

AM called on the First Minister to ensure that the impact that this loss of funding will have on the future of the Young Farmer’s Movement in Wales is fully assessed.

Wales YFC is the largest rural youth organisation in Wales with current membership standing at just under 6000 10 – 26 year olds, operating across 157 YFC Clubs throughout rural Wales. The programme enables young people to develop new skills and gain invaluable training in a range of different areas.

Despite its longstanding success and support over a number of years through a Welsh Government administered grant from the National Voluntary Youth Organisations (NVYO), Wales YFC were recently informed that their latest bid for continued funding was unsuccessful and that funding would cease from April 2015, with the next window for applications not opening until 2018.

Mr Powell told the Senedd: “The YFC’s loss of some £700, 000 of core funding over three years – from the NVYO fund – threatens to undermine the YFC’s work at a national level, in supporting the County Federations right across Wales. The contribution of Young Farmers Clubs to nurturing both leadership and self-confidence is second to none and the Welsh Government needs to make a full assessment of the impact that this dramatic loss of funding will have on the Young Farmer’s Movement in Wales.”

Alun Richards, West Wales businessman and previous Wales Young Farmer of the Year, commented: “The Wales YFC was a big part of my childhood and provides and it continues to benefit young people in rural communities throughout the country. It is also unique in the sense that it is a movement truly run by young people for young people. The organisation is irreplaceable and it would be extremely disappointing if we were to see the organisation lose its core funding.”

Tory Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said: “YFC events offer young people from rural communities an opportunity to develop skills such as public speaking, and the organisation plays a vital role in the promotion of cultural aspects of Welsh life, such as the language.”

He continued: “To go from the current level of funding to zero overnight would show just how little this Welsh Government understands and values the Welsh countryside and its communities.”

Commenting on the decision to pull the funding, Mr Davies concluded: “Whilst everyone appreciates the financial pressures that governments are under, the YFC is part of the very fabric of Wales and I believe that the Minister has serious questions to answer if these cuts do go ahead as planned.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.