Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Badger and the Christmas card

Published

on

badgerxmascardHELLO readers! This is Badger’s last column before Christmas and so he is sure that those who elect to subject themselves weekly (or weakly, or weakly weekly, for that matter) to his ramblings about the surface world, will know that Badger is not a fan of Yuletide festivities. Badger peeked up out of his sett the other evening. Instead of the reassuring gloom of the Pembrokeshire night, he was assailed by what seemed to be an outdoor discotheque; a riot of fl ashing lights illuminated the gloaming, while dancing plastic snowmen tinkled the tune to Jingle Bells. Plastic. Snowmen. Jingle. Bells.

Are you people mad up there? It’s quite bad enough that John Lewis think that the meaning of Christmas can be conveyed by encouraging simpering toy penguins to form romantic relationships with other simpering toy penguins: but why are ordinary houses in ordinary streets lit up like a New Orleans bordello at Mardi Gras? Badger thought he was back in a bad 1980’s night club. All it needed was for the snowmen to start boogying on down to “Disco Inferno” and the illusion would have been complete. So far, so Badger, readers. But then at the madhouse where Badger’s human friends work, a Christmas card was received. It didn’t say much, just “thank you”.

A “thank you” to Badger’s chums at The Herald for everything they have done to shine a light into the gloomier corners of Pembrokeshire and drag out and into the light some pretty unpleasant facts and inconvenient truths. Badger was, quite unaccountably, moved. Badger is a strong believer in the power of words and the care that should be applied to their use. But the words “thank you” have a very specifi c power, even if they are used casually.

“Thank you” says that what you have done has been discovered, appreciated and acknowledged. Even if sincere thanks comes from one person, that one person has taken the time to notice what you have done. “Thank you” gives a little tickle of pleasure to the recipient of the sentiment. And that is why Badger offers his very sincere thanks to the members of the IPPG at Pembrokeshire County Council. From Johnny Allen-Squirehouse to Steve Yelland, they never cease to provide Badger with material. Badger does not believe – as some do – that Jamie Adams and his chums are involved in some sort of conspiracy against Pembrokeshire’s people.

He has always preferred the cock up theory of history. And the IPPG’s membership provide ample evidence to support Badger’s point of view. Look at them, readers: pay attention to the webcasts from County Hall. See how your IPPG representatives behave and how they misrepresent the public they are supposed to serve. Badger has often heard it said that it is better to be thought an idiot than to open one’s mouth and dispel all doubt. Badger has heard that aphorism: Johnny Allen- Squirehouse has clearly not heard it. Or perhaps he cannot hear anything over his own booming drawl. Imagine having an internal voice that sounded so pompous, readers.

It would drive you crackers. Look at Johnny A. Join the dots. From Johnny, we whizz all the way to the arse end of the alphabet to Cllr Steve Yelland. Rudbaxton’s representative at County Hall is not a councillor who has drawn himself to Badger’s attention before now. For a few brief seconds last week, readers, Cllr Yelland – by dint of nothing than there happening not to be a councillor Adrian Zebedee – was a very important person. The vote to have an annual election, or the possibility of one, for the leadership of the Council was tied 28-28. Cllr Yelland’s vote was the next, and last, to be taken.

“Independent” Cllr Yelland put as his description on the ballot paper in 2012. Indy – bloody – pendent. Badger supposes that independence has some peculiar quality of blind obedience of which Badger was previously unaware. Perhaps Cllr Yelland is as notionally independent as the satellite states were of the Soviet Union. A sort of Bulgaria, as it were. Not a place anyone paid much attention to way back then, readers, Bulgaria was a reliable ally to the USSR. A country whose secret service was happy to do Moscow’s dirty work. It would be a lie to say that there was any doubt about the way Cllr Yelland would vote. Jamie says “for”, Cllr Yelland says “for”.

Jamie says “against”, Cllr Yelland says “against”. Jamie makes an attempt at humour, Cllr Yelland laughs. Jamie does the sad and patronising voice, Cllr Yelland nods along. He is the yes man’s yes man. Lobby fodder. But cometh the hour, cometh the man. And so Bulgaria Yelland had a moment on Thursday when the eyes of his fellow members were fi xed upon him. “Against,” Cllr Yelland murmured. Barely a beat he missed, readers. Not for Bulgaria the moment of tension beloved of television reality shows. No hesitation of the type beloved of Chris Tarrant when “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” was a popular quiz.

The question – as is the nature of these things – had been reduced to one right answer and the remaining wrong answer. Bulgaria had already phoned a friend, so he knew what to do. He did not need to ask the audience. “Against,” Bulgaria murmured and the door slammed on an opportunity to reign in an over-mighty executive. Badger does not believe that Cllr Yelland is a bad person. For all Badger knows, Cllr Yelland donates generously and widely to charity and helps grannies remove boy scouts from horses’ hooves. But as a sterling example that the word “independent” means less than you might think when it comes to your representatives, readers, Bulgaria Yelland is diffi cult to beat. And for that Badger wishes to extend sincere thanks to Cllr Yelland. Because when – and if – Pembrokeshire’s electors go to the polls in 2017, it will be the conduct of Bulgaria and others like him that will make the job of sweeping the IPPG from power that much easier. And on that positive note, Badger wishes all of his readers – whatever or whomsoever they believe in – a peaceful and merry Christmas.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Cardigan tops Wales’ slow broadband list as digital divide deepens

Published

on

CARDIGAN’S BROADBAND WOES
THE B4570 in Ponthirwaun, Cardigan, has been revealed as Wales’ slowest street for broadband, with residents struggling with average speeds of just 2.28Mb. This cripplingly slow connection contrasts sharply with the fastest street in Wales, Chamberlain Row in Dinas Powys, where speeds soar to 735.81Mb — an astonishing 323 times faster.

DAILY FRUSTRATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
For those living in Cardigan’s B4570, everyday online activities become daunting tasks. Downloading a high-definition film takes nearly six hours — a glaring reminder of the growing digital divide across Wales.

WINNERS AND LOSERS IN WALES’ BROADBAND RACE
The findings, published by Broadband Genie, highlight the stark disparity in connection speeds across the country. While some streets, like Chamberlain Row and Llanasa Road in Gronant, enjoy lightning-fast speeds, others, including Cardigan’s B4570, lag far behind.

UNUSED SUPERFAST POTENTIAL
Ironically, many of the slowest areas in Wales, including Cardigan’s B4570, have access to superfast broadband, capable of delivering speeds over 30Mb. Some even have full-fibre connections capable of reaching 1Gb. The low uptake raises questions about whether residents are aware of these options or find them affordable.

A CALL FOR ACTION
Broadband Genie’s strategist Alex Tofts urged residents to take action: “No one should have to endure such slow speeds, especially as providers continue to increase prices. If your broadband underperforms, contact your provider and ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.”

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Cardigan’s broadband struggles reflect broader issues facing rural Wales. While full-fibre broadband is available to 72% of premises, many rural areas are slow to adopt it. Bridging this digital divide is vital to ensure all communities have the connectivity they need to thrive in today’s digital age.

Continue Reading

Community

Have your say to help shape positive change for older people

Published

on

OLDER people across Wales are being encouraged to make their voices heard through a new consultation launched by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. The initiative, titled ‘Have Your Say’, aims to gather insights from older individuals and organisations to inform the Commissioner’s strategy and work plan for delivering meaningful change.

Speaking about the consultation, Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies said:
“I want Wales to lead the way in empowering older people, tackling inequality, and enabling everyone to live and age well. As Commissioner, it’s crucial that my work is guided by the voices and experiences of older people.”

The consultation invites older people from diverse backgrounds and communities to share their concerns, challenges, and ideas. It also welcomes positive examples of initiatives that are working well and could be replicated across Wales to improve the lives of older people.

Focus on key issues

The consultation focuses on four key areas critical to quality of life:

  • Access to services and support
  • Feeling safe
  • Fair treatment
  • Voice, choice, and control

Older people, their families, and organisations supporting them can share their views by completing a short questionnaire. The survey is available both online at www.olderpeople.wales/haveyoursay and in paper format, distributed through organisations across Wales. Paper copies can be returned via freepost.

For those preferring a personal touch, the Commissioner’s team is available to discuss experiences by phone at 03442 640 670.

A call for collaboration

The Commissioner is also reaching out to groups and organisations working with older people to identify pressing issues and priorities.

“Any information shared will be invaluable as I develop my strategy and work plan,” Bowen-Davies added. “It will help my team take action to transform policy and practice, delivering positive change in key areas that matter most to older people.”

The consultation is open until 28 February 2025, giving participants ample time to contribute.

By participating in the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation, older people and those supporting them have a unique opportunity to influence the future and ensure Wales becomes a leader in creating an inclusive, age-friendly society.

Continue Reading

Community

Young athletes give back to Milford Community

Published

on

MILFORD ATHLETIC’S under-11 football team traded their boots for litter pickers on Saturday (Dec 2) to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the year.

Despite the wet and windy weather, the young footballers took to the streets of Milford Haven for a litter-picking event, cleaning up the town and setting a great example for their peers. In addition to the cleanup, the team delivered a food hamper to the residents of Canterbury House, a care home on Priory Road, as part of their Christmas giving initiative.

Team coach Liam Duffield said: “We didn’t have a game this weekend, so we decided to do something worthwhile for the community. The kids had fun while doing something meaningful, and we hope it brightened someone’s day.”

The initiative highlights the team’s values of teamwork and community spirit, demonstrating that sports go beyond the field. The boys were thrilled to be involved in an activity that gave back to the town that has shown them unwavering support.

The team invites local businesses and individuals to reach out if they would like assistance or to partner with them in future community projects. For more information, you can contact Liam Duffield at 07971 979 546.

Continue Reading

Community11 hours ago

£4,000 metal Christmas tree divides opinion in Cardigan

A £4,000 metal Christmas tree in Cardigan has sparked heated debate among residents, with opinions ranging from admiration to outrage...

Business18 hours ago

New chair for Celtic Freeport as project moves from development to delivery

THE UK and Welsh Governments welcomed Ed Tomp as the newly appointed permanent Chair of the Celtic Freeport, marking the...

Crime2 days ago

Hubberston man to face Crown Court over child abuse images

A HUBBERSTON man is to appear before Crown Court for sentence after admitting possessing over 400 Category A child abuse...

Health2 days ago

Lockdown lifted at Withybush Hospital following incident

WITHYBUSH HOSPITAL in Haverfordwest was placed under lockdown earlier today (Tuesday, Dec 3) as a precaution following a potential threat....

News2 days ago

Andrew RT Davies resigns as Welsh Conservative leader after confidence vote

ANDREW RT DAVIES has stepped down as leader of the Welsh Conservatives after narrowly surviving a confidence vote within his...

Crime2 days ago

Former police officer appears in court over paddleboarding deaths

NERYS BETHAN LLOYD, 39, a former police officer, has appeared before magistrates charged with the manslaughter of four people who...

News3 days ago

Welsh Secretary launches drive for ‘new era of prosperity and growth for Wales’

WELSH SECRETARY Jo Stevens has chaired the first meeting of the Welsh Economic Growth Advisory Group, an initiative aimed at...

featured3 days ago

Teenager killed herself after ten months of hell, says heartbroken mum

MEGAN EVANS was just 14-years-old when she tragically ended her life on February 7, 2017, after enduring ten harrowing months...

Community3 days ago

Advent procession at St Davids Cathedral marks start of festive season

A DEEPLY moving Advent Procession took place at St Davids Cathedral this evening (Dec 1), marking the start of the...

News4 days ago

Experienced kayakers rescued by RNLI near Strumble Head

RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat’s volunteer crew was paged yesterday at 3:32pm after a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) was activated near Strumble...

Popular This Week