News
Festive treat from the BBC
THE BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES performed at Sir Thomas Picton School on December 21 as part of its Christmas Celebrations concert season. Grant Llewellyn conducted the orchestra, which performed alongside members of the Pembrokeshire Youth Choir. The programme included a wide variety of festive favorites, both classical and modern including Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas by John Williams from the Home Alone film, Troika by Sergey Prokofiev, Christmas Lullaby by John Rutter, Waltz (The Sleeping Beauty) by Tchaikovsky.
Also performed was the theme of The Polar Express film by Alan Silvestri, When Christmas Comes To Town.
The concert was rounded off with a Christmas sing-a-long where the audience was encouraged to participate.
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales occupies a special role as both a national and broadcasting orchestra, acclaimed not only for the quality of its performances but also for its importance within its own community. The work of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Thomas Søndergård is the Orchestra’s Principal Conductor, and is greatly admired for his interpretation of Scandinavian repertoire, as well as his opera performances. He joins the formidable conducting team of Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen, Associate Guest Conductor François-Xavier Roth and Conductor Laureate Tadaaki Otaka; with whom the Orchestra has won considerable critical and audience acclaim over recent years.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales is Orchestra-in-Residence at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, and also presents a concert series at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. As well as international touring, including most recently a tour to China in July 2012, the Orchestra performs every year at the BBC Proms and biennially at BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.
The Orchestra is based at its state-of-the-art recording and rehearsal base, BBC Hoddinott Hall at Wales Millennium Centre.
Business
Ascona CEO honoured at 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
ASCONA GROUP, the seventh-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK and one of Wales’ fastest-growing companies for the past three years, has achieved a significant milestone. Darren Briggs, CEO and founder, has been recognised at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, securing wins in two prestigious categories: ‘Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales’ and the inaugural ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales.’
Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards highlight innovators and trailblazers shaping the UK economy. The newly introduced ‘Randall Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year’ award celebrates business leaders whose ventures align with the foundation’s mission to save lives, improve life chances, and positively impact local communities.
Pembrokeshire-based Ascona’s commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of its success. The company established The Ascona Foundation in 2020 and has since donated over £400,000 to local, national, and community organisations.
Reflecting on the achievement, Darren Briggs said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised with such prestigious awards at this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
“I am incredibly proud of Ascona and everything we have achieved over the years. This is another milestone for our business and a testament to the hard work, commitment, and ethos of ‘Team Ascona.’
“However, I am most proud of our charitable endeavours and the team’s dedication to giving back. This year, we remain committed to our fundraising efforts, including our partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, as we continue to support the communities we serve.”
Since its founding, Ascona Group has focused on driving innovation in the forecourt sector while fostering community engagement. This dual commitment to growth and giving back has positioned the company as a leader in its field.
Ascona’s charitable initiatives have supported various causes, enhancing lives across Wales and beyond. Through partnerships with organisations such as Wales Air Ambulance, the Group continues to make a tangible difference.
Darren Briggs’ recognition at the awards underscores Ascona’s impact on both the business world and the communities it serves.
Crime
Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest
A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.
Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.
The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.
During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”
The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Community
Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop
ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.
Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”
Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.
Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.
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