News

Badger and a question of honour

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

badgersquestion READERS: Badger finds himself in an unusual position today. Admittedly a position not quite as unusual as the one involving a snorkel, a small rubber chicken on a spring, and a set of bagpipes which made last weekend so entertaining; but a very odd position, nonetheless. There have been times (many times), readers over columns (many columns) in which Badger has suggested that if the combined integrity of certain members of the IPPG were converted into manure, the resultant odour would not manage to stink out a matchbox. Now, readers, integrity comes in many guises: Badger always had a soft spot for the late Rev Dr Ian Paisley. Badger eschewed the late Doctor’s anti-Catholicism and immoderate social views, but there is always something attractive about absolute certainty and fixity of purpose. You did not have to agree with anything Ian Paisley (Lord Bannside) did and said to know that there was a man totally sincere in his beliefs and possessed of the will and integrity to persuade others to follow him. And that sincerity led him to reach a conclusion to his political career that caused him to understand that there is, indeed, “a time for war, a time for peace”. Badger never thought that the day would come that in a certain black-hearted and bleak way he would ever say that in a Council vote, Brian Hall acted with integrity and consistency. Not least as the only thing that Councillor Hall (Pembroke Dock: Market) has in common with the late Ian Paisley is an inclination towards a certain shouty, puce-faced rage. Along with John Allen Mirehouse (Hundleton), whom Badger respectfully suggests needs a long run up and a following wind to catch up with current events, Brian Hall was one of only two IPPG councillors to stand up for the position their group has maintained since time immemorial.

The third councillor to back Bryn, Owen James (Scleddau), who palpably dances to a tune only he can hear, is unaffiliated. Daphne “Brains” Bush; David Pugh, the grants guru: and John “Cwrnbetws” Davies, Stalin to Jamie’s Krushchev, abstained. Of course, readers, Daphne might have been confused in the no confidence vote by the two IPPG voters ahead of her in the alphabetical list being Adams (For) and Allen-Mirehouse (against) and just picked the middle option. The other two are, by and large, yesterday’s men. Badger wants you to be very clear about this readers: apart from this paper’s revelation about his conduct towards councillors and the content of East Williamston blogster Jacob Williams’ website, no new information has reached the public domain about Bryn’s conduct since the last time the !PPG rallied around him to save his skin. Moreover, The Herald had the guts to publish a story about Bryn’s behaviour by following up a story that was known in County Hall for some time before it hit our front page. In other words, readers, it is not Bryn’s faults and flaws that have caused the MPG to abandon him but public knowledge of the same. Think about it readers: what has changed to compel Jamie Adams to drop the !PPG’s pilot? What has come to the !PPG’s attention that has changed their minds about whether or not Bryn retains their confidence? Nothing. There was no moment on the Road to Damascus. No blinding light that led them to the paths of righteousness. The IPPG made the same sort of decision that any political party would make:

even a political party which is not a political party. Faced with the little boy shouting that their emperor had no clothes, the IPPG voted to try and save its own skin. Now readers, Brian Hall is not the Messiah. In fact, Brian is notorious for being a very naughty boy. But Brian, who has been close to Bryn Parry Jones for many years, did not abandon Bryn for reasons of expediency. Brian stood by his man. And for that, Badger can sort of respect Councillor Hall. Brian Hall is wrong but he showed more spine than the hordes of the IPPG who played follow-my-leader after Jamie’s tortuous and tortured address. Brian Hall is wrong but, compared to others in the IPPG, he had the courage to be unpopular. Reverend Huw George, the Minister of Mirth and Pancakes (please, readers, watch last Friday’s webcast for more on this Batter of Faith; you will not believe your very eyes and ears!), will be familiar with John 15:13. In Badger’s King James Version of the New Testament, the verse goes something like “Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

The !PPG’s conduct reminds Badger of a famous political quote. In 1962, Harold Macmillan, the Tory Prime Minister, sacked seven of his Cabinet in an attempt to bolster his administration’s rapidly declining popularity and enhance its electoral chances. Even the loyal Selwyn Lloyd, then Chancellor of the Exchequer was thrown to the wolves. The Liberal politician Jeremy Thorpe, freely adapted the biblical text for political purposes. He opined: “Greater love bath no man than this: that a man lay down his friends for his life.” And so it was with the IPPG and Bryn. Theologians have found inventive ways to re-interpret the Bible. Some of the Ten Commandments are apparently negotiable, although – as a non-believer – Badger would hesitate to say which. Perhaps the Maenclochog Mystic can tell Badger which of The Commandments are open to flexible interpretation. When he exhorts his congregation to follow the precepts of “the good book”. perhaps Huw likes to skip over John 15:13 as one of those more “problematic” passages. However Huw chooses to mangle his words and play with their sense. Badger has concluded that there is more likely to be honour among thieves than honour (or a sense of shame) within the IPPG. Apart from — and in a very
limited sense Brian. A man called Brian.

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

11 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Charity

The Salvation Army in Tenby celebrates 140 years of service

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans