News

Crabb makes a flying visit

Published

9 years ago

August 7, 2015

surgery STEPHEN CRABB has been accused of failing to listen to his constituents after cancelling a surgery in Milford Haven at short notice last Friday (Jul 17). Pleading ‘urgent ministerial responsibilities,’ the Secretary of State for Wales’ constituency office apparently told everyone booked into the surgery on Wednesday that it had been cancelled. However, both Mr Crabb’s website and facebook page carried no mention of the cancellation, and the surgery, which was to have been held in Nantucket Avenue, was still advertised after it was due to have finished.

No amend mentor apology had been posted on his facebook page at the time of going to press. Among those with a pressing desire to see Mr Crabb were representatives of People’s NHS Wales, who organised a demonstration outside his surgery. Mr Crabb released a statement which said: “I am sorry that representatives from Peoples NHS Wales were not able to see me today. As they had not let me know that they were going to be attending my surgery, I was not able to inform them that it had been rescheduled.

Everyone who had been booked into the surgery had been notified on Wednesday that it would not be taking place due to urgent ministerial responsibilities. “I am very happy to meet with any individual or group in my constituency to discuss any issue of concern and everybody who writes to me receives a reply.” This met with a bemused response from People’s NHS Wales representatives, who told The Herald that they had been trying to contact the Preseli Pembrokeshire MP since July 6, through emails, twitter, and finally a letter hand-delivered to his constituency office.

We were shown an email from July 8 from David Williams, which expresses his concern surrounding the future of the NHS both in England and Wales, as a result of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment partnership (TTIP). This received an automated response, which stated that ‘This acknowledgement has been triggered electronically as I have not yet had a chance to read your message’. Mr Williams wrote to Mr Crabb the next day, to confirm whether or not he had received the email, or indeed had chance to read it.

He received the same automatically triggered response, and had heard nothing more at the time of going to press. The People’s NHS are protesting against the privatization of the NHS in England, something that Mr Crabb denied had taken place under the coalition government at a hustings in Haverfordwest before the General Election. There are fears that TTIP will lead to NHS privatization over the border becoming irreversible, and the knockon effects this may have for the NHS in Wales. The People’s NHS is calling for an 83 word clause to be inserted into the TTIP agreement.

This clause, in full, reads: “The UK reserves the right to adopt or maintain any measure with regard to the organization, the funding, and provision of the National Health Service in the UK as well as with regard to the public and/ or the not for profit character of the National Health Service in the UK, where services may be provided by different companies and/ or public or private entities involving competitive elements which are thus not services carried out exclusively in the exercise of governmental authority.”

The People’s NHS is lobbying MPs, asking them to put pressure on Minister for Trade and Investment Francis Maude to ensure that this clause is inserted. After meeting with People’s NHS Wales representatives, James Davies, MP for the Vale of Clwyd, wrote to Lord Maude asking for his comments on their request. The organization would like Mr Crabb to do the same, or at least reassure them regarding the Westminster Government’s stance. However, on this occasion Mr Crabb had urgent ministerial responsibilities.

The Herald phoned the Welsh Office on Friday to try and get some idea of what these were. When asked what Mr Crabb’s urgent ministerial responsibilities were, we were told that he was visiting north Wales with the Chancellor, and we could find out more from his Twitter page. Entering into the realms of Twit, we found pictures posted by George Osborne and Mr Crabb of two cabinet Ministers apparently assembling an aeroplane wing, whilst dressed in hard hats and suits. Assuming that this was not the sole reason for missing a constituency surgery, and discounting the notion that it was a brazen photo opportunity, we trawled the North Wales newspapers, and found an article on the visit in The Leader, one of Wrexham’s finest publications.

Apparently: “George Osborne MP visited the 700 acre site along with Stephen Crabb AM, where he also discussed how the Government’s long term economic plan will benefit the area.” The italics are ours. In what was described as a ‘hands on visit’, Mr Osborne described how North Wales was ‘absolutely a part’ of the Northern Powerhouse, and pointed out the extent to which HS2 would benefit north Wales. Mr Crabb also made a pertinent contribution: “It is particularly impressive to see the indoor facilities that have just been completed for the Beluga Aircraft at Broughton,” he said. “These huge craft can now be loaded in all weathers, and I hope that leads to ever busier order books for Airbus.”

When we told People’s NHS Wales representative Jodie Evans why Mr Crabb failed to attend the surgery, her response was to-the-point: “He is letting residents and constituents down. A number of residents have written to him asking for reassurance on this matter.” Mr Crabb has yet to announce when he will be holding another surgery in the Milford Haven area.

News

An action-packed summer season of fun for all at the Torch Theatre

Published

22 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THIS summer season, the Torch Theatre invites you to get involved and to get creative. With acting, choral singing and creative writing all on offer, the Torch has something for everyone.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch explains more:

“We’re incredibly proud to be offering a smorgasbord of activity for our community. We know that having the opportunity for regular artistic expression and connection with other people offers huge benefits for people’s mental health and well-being. From May through to September we’re providing a range of opportunities for all ages to get creative – and the best thing about it is that no experience is necessary!”

This summer the Torch Youth Theatre’s production is Wind in the Willows. A firm favourite, loved by all generations, the loveable characters of Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole will take pride of place on the Torch stage at the end of July with a cast of 40 young people aged 7 to 18 taking on this brilliant show.

There are no auditions required to join Torch Youth Theatre, and all members can be part of this amazing production. With four age-appropriate groups meeting across the week, come along to any session starting from 1 May. The termly fee (including the production) is £90.

But our work with young people does not stop there. The Youth Theatre Summer School, with activities for all, is also ready to roll.

Amazing Adventurers for Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7 -11) runs from Monday 5 to Friday 9 August with daily sessions from 10am to 3pm, and as Tim explains, it’s going to be an interesting one:

“Someone has misplaced the end of our play here at the Torch Theatre! Through sessions on creative play and storytelling, children who take part in Amazing Adventurers, will help us find our ending and create their own original adventure story. The sessions will see the children working together, being very creative, learning about the theatre and making new friends.”

For older young people in Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11 – 18) Loud and Clear will run from Monday 12 to Friday 16 August with daily sessions from 10am to 4pm.

“We invite your young people to join our creative writing and performance skill sessions. We need them to make a brand-new play for an imaginary future world which has banned theatres! Do you know a young person who is up for the challenge?” said Tim, who can’t wait to get started.

Amazing Adventurers and Loud and Clear will cost £75 (with a sibling discount for £65).

And Torch Theatre has not forgotten adults either. Thursday nights are for Torch Voices. Join Angharad Sanders for 90 minutes of joyous singing that’s sure to make you feel fantastic! No experience is necessary, and you get to choose the songs you sing. Open to everyone aged 18+. The termly fee is £50.

Angharad said: “We have lots of fun, we laugh a lot! We work on vocal technique through fun warm-ups that are tailored to support technique and strength of the voice. The members themselves chose the music we sing, and whilst sheet music is provided, there is no requirement to read or audition. It’s just a space to come and sing your favourite music in lovely harmony with the group.”

Torch’s incredibly popular Creative Writing sessions also continue fortnightly from 9 May. This is where the professional team encourage you to pick up a pen and tell a story that you’ve always wanted to. Introducing you to the techniques which go into creating work for the stage.

Finally, Torch is pleased to announce its weekly Adult Summer School (running from 8 August to 31 August).

Tim explains: “We are looking for adults to join our weekly evening sessions across August to build their creative skills. We’ll be looking at writing, directing and performing. This brilliant short course concludes with a showcase performance. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to advanced.”

Torch Theatre knows that cost can be a barrier, but staff members are always happy to discuss ways to make paying the fees easier for anyone who wants to access its provisions, and if there is a way which you would like to spread the cost which works better for you, please do get in touch.

Tim concluded: “We cannot wait to welcome even more of you along to Torch Theatre to take part in some incredible activity.”

To book your place at any of our fantastic and inspiring creative sessions, call the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

News

Opportunity to request changes to the 20mph limits in Pembrokeshire

Published

42 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Design Team

Pembrokeshire County Council is opening up an opportunity for residents to request changes to 20mph limits in their locality.

The move follows a speech outlining his transport priorities by new Transport Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates, who pledged to put the voice of Welsh citizens at the heart of decision making on transport, while setting out a three-phase plan on 20mph.

To aid this approach Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes constructive views from residents.

If you wish to forward a suggestion, with valid reasons, for why a road should be exempted from the 20mph national speed limit in Pembrokeshire, the Council will log your feedback and review it once new exceptions guidance is available from the Welsh Government. The Council expects to receive this guidance by the summer.

The Council will not be able to log any general comments about the 20mph National Policy, as that is a matter for the Welsh Government and Welsh Government Ministers.

If your feedback relates to a Trunk Road, these also are not the responsibility of Local Authorities. For queries relating to Trunk Roads please email [email protected].

More information on Trunk Roads is available on Datamap Wales.

Please note, for your feedback to be recorded/considered we will require the first line of your address and post code.

This will assist Council officers during the review process to ensure that requests for change are made by those who reside within the same area / community for which the request is being made.

Please ensure all the required details are forwarded to the following email account for consideration:

[email protected]

Charity

RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white

chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.

In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice: