News

Paul’s pledge to end violent crime

Published

10 years ago

February 23, 2015

ON WEDNESDAY (Feb 11), ‘Paul’s Pledge’ was launched at the Lecture Theatre in Pembrokeshire College at 12.30pm. It is a campaign against violent crime in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area.

‘Paul’s Pledge’ is centred on Paul Pugh, who was a victim of alcohol-fuelled violent crime nearly eight years ago, and the story of his struggle. Paul agreed to have a short film made in order to tell his story to young people around Pembrokeshire. It aims to show the consequences of violent crime in regards to victims and offenders. People are able to show their pledge by wearing wristbands, using the hashtag #paulspledge on Twitter and signing an online pledge.

Paul Pugh suffered a near-fatal brain injury as a result of an alcohol-fuelled violent crime, which dramatically changed his life. Paul used to train once or twice a week, go running and swimming, but now three quarters of his time is taken up by private rehabilitation. The crime turned not just Paul’s, but his family’s life upside down too. Paul used to take his life for granted, he says in the video, but now he feels that he has a second chance. It would be a dream come true for him to be able to talk about his experience for a living as so many people have helped him, he would love to give something back.

Paul talks about the fact that he thinks violence stems from the individual but he feels that violent films influence people to behave violently in the video that will be shown around schools in Pembrokeshire. He also comments that alcohol plays a big part :”In the video, Ammonford’s Police Inspector Richard Oliver thanks Sergeant Theresa Ross for her hard work and bringing the idea for the DVD forward.”

He also says: “Paul is one of the most inspiring people and he is an example to us all on how to tackle adversary through determination and positive thinking.”

He talks about the police’s zero tolerance approach to violent crime. The video will make people aware of what can happen to the victim and their family, as well as the offender, as a result of violent crime. He urges the audience to know their limits when it comes to alcohol, and asks them to stop before it’s too late. It is important to walk away from conflict when you can.

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

13 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.