News

Airport a ‘huge asset’ to county

Published

10 years ago

May 14, 2015

‘Come and see’: Jonathan Rees wants the council to visit the airport

FLY WALES’ Jonathan Rees wants Pembrokeshire County Council to come down to Haverfordwest airport to see what it is all about.

The council has recently approved a consultation on the future of the airport but Jonathan Rees told the Herald that closing the airport would have a big impact on Pembrokeshire.

Jonathan has invested heavily into the business and says that the airport is an asset not just to businesses but to the people of Pembrokeshire as well.

One option that was mentioned at the cabinet meeting in April was the possibility of using Brawdy as an alternative but that idea was also dismissed by Jonathan.

He said: “No one has taken the time to know what is actually going on here, so for them to say this needs to be closed, they should at least come up to the airport first to see what is going on and the jobs it has created and if it did close, the jobs that would be lost directly. We do a lot of NHS work which involves a lot of organ flights all over the UK from Haverfordwest. We may go to pick up surgical teams from London or Newcastle to fly out to wherever the donor is, retrieve the organs and go back to where they are needed. Haverfordwest is able to offer a 24- hour service because we’ve already got the infrastructure of the lighting as a lot of the organ retrievals are done in the evenings. On Saturday evening there was an organ which left here at 11.30 and that was flown to Edinburgh and another that went to Edinburgh on Tuesday morning. The Charter also flies companies around Pembrokeshire. The LNG oil refinery does use this facility and it does use it to fly in people whenever something major is happening. When Marks and Spencer was being built in Haverfordwest, they were flying in and out as well. The packaging companies that are processing, they use us to fly in the buyers for Tesco, Morrisons and Asda. All these companies are quite large employers for the county of Pembrokeshire. We also do work for the MOD in Aberporth. Whilst there is an airfield at Aberporth it is used for the UAV’s which means they can’t use commercial transport. We’ve seen an increase of over 300% in Pilot training, up on where we were last year, bearing in mind we are coming out of one the most severe recessions. We are actually now attracting people and we’ve got students coming over to learn to fly at Haverfordwest from Hong Kong in May. As well as being good for the economy of the airport this will also be good for the local economy with accommodation and services that are provided being used. People do use the facility for pleasure flights whilst on holiday and one comment I’ve had is that it was the icing on the cake of their holiday and they would want to come again.”

He continued: “Brawdy is not an option because, going back to the charter, from the minute we have a phone call, until the craft is airborne, has to be 45 minutes and that’s 24- 7. For us to be out in Brawdy, there are no lights, there is no runway lighting, no control tower, and no security facility. The infrastructure at Brawdy means it is just not an option. The airport has made a loss of £46,000 but my view is that whilst we are getting busier, we are going to be buying more fuel, we are going to be making more profit so that loss will slowly diminish. The airport shouldn’t be looked at as a separate entity because other jobs are supported by the airport. It isn’t just a playground for people. It is a proper business.”

Jonathan also revealed that the area in which they operate could soon be expanding to areas in Iceland, Russia and Yemen.

He continued: “Before the council talks about closure and before they suggest something like Brawdy, why don’t they come up and see what really happens at the Haverfordwest Aerodrome. What I would like is for the council to come up to Haverfordwest airport to have a discussion about what the airport does, what services go from here and who it is provided for. It is a huge asset for the businesses and even to the people of Pembrokeshire and it is a huge asset to encouraging investment. If the airport was to close it would definitely have an impact. I would close the aviation site and I wouldn’t relocate as it wouldn’t be viable. It works here because we can guarantee that aircraft will be airborne within 45 minutes. Everything is close at hand and this is why we are very good at what we do.”

Health

Calls to prioritise dementia as nearly half remain undiagnosed in Wales

Published

8 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru launches petition amid fears of rising cases and missed care

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to urge the Welsh Government to make dementia a national priority, as figures show that nearly half of those living with the condition in Wales remain undiagnosed.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is asking the public to back its Wales Takes on Dementia petition, which aims to send a clear message to current and future ministers that urgent action is needed. More than 50,000 people in Wales are currently living with dementia, yet around half have no formal diagnosis — meaning they may be missing out on vital treatment, care and support.

Geoff Mock, from Swansea, who lives with vascular dementia, is calling on the public to add their names. He said: “Living with vascular dementia hasn’t been easy, but it hasn’t taken away who I am. A diagnosis is the start of a new chapter — one that can still be full of purpose and dignity.”

Geoff chaired the Alzheimer’s Society Wales Dementia Conference on Tuesday (July 8), held at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. The event brought together healthcare professionals, policy experts and people with lived experience to discuss Wales’ dementia diagnosis rate — the lowest in the UK at just 56%.

Luke Fletcher MS, Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Group on Dementia, also addressed the conference and backed calls for dementia training to be made mandatory for all social care workers.

Gemma Roberts, National Influencing Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, warned that the number of dementia cases in Wales is projected to rise by more than 37% by 2040 — to nearly 70,000. She said: “It currently costs Wales £2.3 billion annually — a figure expected to double by 2040. But beyond the financial toll, the human cost is immeasurable. Now is the time for bold, innovative leadership on dementia.”

The charity is calling for the introduction of a new Wales Dementia Action Plan and is urging all political parties to commit to making dementia care a core priority for the next Welsh Government.

To sign the petition, visit: alzheimers.org.uk/petition-wales

Farming

Bluetongue red markets a ‘step forward’, says NFU Cymru

Published

8 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

New measures will support farmers under current disease restrictions

NFU CYMRU has welcomed the introduction of Bluetongue approved red markets as a “step forward” in supporting Welsh farmers affected by disease control measures.

The announcement, made on Friday (July 11) by the Welsh Government and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, means that from Monday (July 14), livestock can be moved from the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in England to designated red markets in Wales. From there, animals can go directly to slaughter at approved abattoirs either in Wales or within the restricted zone.

The decision follows a Bluetongue Roundtable meeting hosted by the Deputy First Minister on Tuesday (July 8), where NFU Cymru President Aled Jones was among those representing the sector.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Jones said: “I outlined to the Deputy First Minister the serious impact current Bluetongue control policies are having on the Welsh livestock sector. Our members remain deeply concerned about the implications for trade, particularly with the breeding season approaching. It is vital we do more to protect the viability of breeding flocks and herds – and the wider sustainability of farm businesses.”

He welcomed the red market move as a practical improvement, though not without limitations. “In normal circumstances, some animals would be moved for further finishing. The requirement for direct slaughter limits options, but the flexibility this measure brings will support trade in finished stock.”

Mr Jones also raised ongoing concerns about government agency capacity to process testing and licences, and the high costs involved. “The cost of testing is prohibitive except in the case of very high-value animals,” he said. “That’s why NFU Cymru and the NFU have jointly written to the Welsh Government and Defra, calling for urgent financial assistance. That request remains unanswered.”

He urged farmers to discuss vaccination options with their private vets, noting that the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales is considering how vaccine uptake could further ease trade restrictions.

“With the breeding sales season fast approaching, time is of the essence,” Mr Jones added. “We call on the Welsh Government to work closely with the industry to explore additional measures to increase the movement of vaccinated stock.”

NFU Cymru has also been pressing for clearer guidance for cross-border farms. The union has welcomed the publication of updated information by the Welsh Government alongside the new red market announcement.

Farming

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launches search for 2026 Ambassador

Published

8 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Young rural leaders invited to apply for prestigious voluntary role

THE PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY has launched its search for the 2026 County Show Ambassador — a voluntary role aimed at promoting the Society and celebrating rural life in the county.

The successful candidate will support Society officeholders in representing the organisation at key events, including the Pembrokeshire County Show and other activities throughout the year. As part of their development, the 2026 Ambassador will shadow the current Ambassador during this year’s show and gain hands-on experience of the Society’s work.

Last year’s Ambassador, Alys Owens, was appointed during the 2024 Show. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest, works for Castell Howell and is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She previously served as Club Secretary and was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented cornet player, Alys also performs with the Goodwick Brass Band.

Tim Johns, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, said: “The Ambassador role is an important one. Applicants must have strong communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the Society. Knowledge of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show is desirable.”

The role is open to Pembrokeshire residents aged between 18 and 30. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at the County Show office from 7:00pm on Tuesday, 19 August. The chosen candidate will receive a £200 allowance and complimentary Society membership for three years.

The deadline for applications is noon on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Applications must be submitted online at: Show Ambassador | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society

Please note: Previous holders of the Ambassador role are not eligible to reapply.