Male Voice Choir visits care homes and Pembroke Castle

FESTIVE invitations have come early this year for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, with a series of mini concerts in the run-up to Christmas.

The choir visited Kensington Court in Steynton for the first time, where residents gave them a warm welcome. Choristers performed seven pieces from their repertoire before leading a selection of carols. Accompanist Rev William Lambert also contributed a solo performance of You Raise Me Up. The concert concluded with Calon Lân, sung at the request of a resident, and a donation to the choir was handed over on behalf of residents by Rosemary Cooper.

The following Saturday the choir performed at Pembroke Castle as part of the Christmas Fayre festivities, again mixing seasonal carols with their own programme. Soloist Mirelle Ryan, who has appeared at several concerts this year, performed Mary’s Boy Child.

A few days later the choir – suitably dressed in Christmas jumpers and ties – led carols at Cartref Cleddau in Pembroke Dock. Musical Director Juliet Rossiter conducted at each venue, with Rev Lambert at the keyboard and Matthew John acting as MC.

Another visit to a local residential home is planned before Christmas.

Laugharne elects jury trial despite CPS saying case suitable for magistrates’ court

A 74-YEAR-OLD Milford Haven man has appeared before a district judge charged with intentionally exposing his genitals on two separate occasions.

Stewart Laugharne, of Dairy Park Grove, Hakin, is accused of committing the offence of exposure on 7 August and again on 26 August. Both alleged incidents occurred at a location in Milford Haven which has not been disclosed in open court.

Laugharne appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he formally denied both charges.

Although the Crown Prosecution Service indicated the case was suitable to be heard summarily at the magistrates’ court, Laugharne elected trial by jury. The matter has now been sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings will begin on 9 January.

Laugharne was granted conditional bail, with a requirement that he must not contact any prosecution witnesses involved in the case.

A LANDMARK BILL aimed at creating Wales’ first smoke-free generation has been backed by Members of the Senedd on Tuesday (Dec 9).

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill — which applies across all four UK nations — will make it illegal for anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 to purchase tobacco products. The legislation has already passed the House of Commons and is currently being considered by the House of Lords.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy welcomed the Senedd’s vote on the legislative consent motion, describing the Bill as vital to protecting young people from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Ahead of the debate, she met school children who shared a poem they had written about a smoke-free future, along with pledges of support gathered from their peers.

Wales has already led the UK in tightening smoking laws, introducing restrictions in outdoor public spaces — including hospital grounds, school grounds and playgrounds — to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, particularly for children.

Sarah Murphy said: “This is a historic day for public health in Wales. Despite real progress in reducing smoking levels, tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and premature death. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives us a unique opportunity to tackle smoking and the growing issue of youth vaping, and to significantly improve public health in Wales and the wider UK.”

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, added: “Tobacco addiction kills thousands of people in Wales every year and continues to drive health inequalities. This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation chance to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.”

The Bill will introduce tougher rules around vapes, including stricter advertising controls to prevent products being marketed to children. It will also introduce a new licensing scheme for anyone wishing to sell tobacco or vaping products, giving enforcement officers stronger tools to tackle illegal sales.

Trading Standards Wales will receive more than £650,000 from the Welsh Government over the next three years to support implementation, including the recruitment and training of five apprentices to assist with enforcement operations.