News

Haverfordwest: Demonstration planned to seek Crabb’s resignation as Mencap patron

Published

10 years ago

March 28, 2016

PEMBROKESHIRE People’s Assembly Against Austerity are organising a demonstration outside Stephen Crabb’s office on Saturday, April 2.

Organisers have said they plan for the demonstration to take place between 1100HRS and 1300HRS in Market Street, Haverfordwest.

Activists will be demanding that Mr. Crabb recognises what they view as “public opinion” and resigns as Pembrokeshire Mencap’s patron.

Stephen Crabb recently voted to cut ESA by £30 for some disabled people.

Despite not going forward with the announced cuts to PIP and announcing there will be no further welfare cuts, Mr Crabb has stood by the cut to ESA appearing to suggest that placing claimants on the lower JSA rate would be to their benefit, but failing to take account of the purpose of ESA to support those with additional support needs for finding work.

Mr Crabb remains an unabashed apologist for benefits cuts, and even his assurance that no further benefit cuts will take place before 2020 is potentially moot. If benefits are frozen, for example, their value will reduce in real terms.

Organisers say the reason for the demo is that as there has been no statement from Stephen Crabb’s office, nor Mencap Pembrokeshire indicating that Crabb is to resign as Mencap patron. They say that they have no other option but to press ahead with the demonstration.

An online petition calling for Mr Crabb to resign as patron of Mencap Pembs is close to reaching 12,000 signatures

Jim Scott, who started the petition told The Herald: “There is now overwhelming pressure from all quarters for Crabb to resign this post. The Mencap Facebook page has been inundated with comments requesting that Crabb be removed as their patron.

“A great many people have written and emailed Mencap locally as well as nationally.

“Many people have even said that they will be withholding their donations until this matter is resolved.

“The petition continues to grow.

“Public pressure as well as the efforts of DPAC (Disabled People Against Cuts) has already forced four MP’s to resign their patronages of other disability charities.

“It is just a matter of time now. Mr Crabb simply cannot and will-not get away with voting in Westminster for cuts such as the ESA cut which is a ‘done-deal’ now for Mr Crabb and cannot be ‘undone’ .

“Yet then masquerade as some kind of champion for disabled people while back in Pembrokshire, his game is up! These cuts have already caused widespread poverty, destitution, homelessness and many suicides among our most vulnerable and deserving members of society. Crabb, and all other ESA voting MP’s simply have to go.”

Romayne Phoenix, National Co-Chair of The People’s Assembly said: “With Iain Duncan Smith’s resignation and the government forced to backtrack on Osborne’s disastrous budget, there are many more British people now recognising the hypocrisy of having Tory patrons of these disability charities & charities which focus on care.

“The pressure is on – and Crabb’s appointment looks to have been a mistake made in a hurry that the `Tories will regret for a long time.”

Natalie Bennett – Green Party leader has publically signed the petition. Bennett was joined in by Alice Hooker Stroud – Wales Green Party leader, Chris Overton – Withybush Hospital campaigner and Kay Dearing of SOS (Save our Sixth Forms Pembrokeshire).

Organisers say that organisations who have been invited to Saturdays demonstration include, National People’s Assembly Against Austerity, DPAC (Disabled People Against cuts) and other local disability groups, Wales Green Party, Plaid Cymru, The Labour Party, The Green Party, The Lib-Dems, Plaid for Pride, Welsh Green Pride, TUSC and others.

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Last week Stephen Crabb MP posted on his Facebook page following an act of criminal damage to his office in Haverfordwest.

He wrote: “A few days ago my constituency office was vandalised in response to my recent vote to approve changes to the Employment Support Allowance (ESA). This was not an isolated attack as other MPs offices were targeted by individuals involved in a social media campaign.

“I’m disappointed that some individuals choose to do this instead of making an appointment to see me to discuss their concerns. Sadly all these individuals achieved on Saturday was to create an inconvenience to my office staff, local residents, and the Police. There are lots of ways to communicate to convey concerns but criminal damage just isn’t an option.

“There has been a lot of miscommunication about this vote which I want to put right. A decision was taken by MPs to change the benefit awarded to a specific group of people who receive Employment Support Allowance. These people are in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) and they do have a disability or illness but are considered able to work with support in the future.

“The overwhelming majority of people in this group say they want to work, and so I think it is right that we do all we can to help them get back into work. The changes mean that this group will now access the same level of benefit as those on Job Seekers Allowance, but will be given better tailored support to help them into employment. It doesn’t affect anyone who is already claiming ESA, they will receive the exactly the same amount of benefit as they do now.

“The truth is that not all disabilities prevent people from working. A great many disabled people get enormous fulfilment from being in work. They would be extremely offended not to be considered equal in the job market, and this benefit change means that more people will be able to take these important steps from being benefit-dependent to the workplace.

“Of course we absolutely continue to protect those who are ‘too ill to work’. There is no question about that. Those with the most severe health conditions and disabilities will quite rightly continue to get a higher rate of benefit and support. And despite the political banter from Labour, the disability budget is actually going to be rising by more than £1 billion over the next 5 years which means that more money is being spent in real terms on support for disabled people than at any point under the previous Labour government.”

Entertainment

S4C commissions 60-part TikTok drama set to begin filming at Royal Welsh Show

Published

21 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New vertical drama Signal will follow a romance between a Cardiff teenager and a girl from rural Wales

S4C has commissioned a new 60-episode drama created specifically for TikTok, with filming beginning at the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells this week.

The Welsh-language series, titled Signal, will be released through S4C’s Hansh social media channel and will tell the story of a developing relationship between a boy from Cardiff and a girl from rural Wales.

Produced by Mojo Productions, the drama will be filmed vertically to fit mobile phone screens, with each short episode lasting just a few minutes.

The format has grown rapidly in popularity internationally, with tightly scripted episodes designed to be watched and shared on platforms such as TikTok.

The commission follows the success of S4C’s first vertical drama, Yr Alwad, which was also produced by Mojo Productions.

The series received nominations in the Best Vertical Series category at the National Film Awards and the Best Short-Form Scripted category at the Broadcast Digital Awards.

S4C said the new production would also be used to develop emerging Welsh writing and acting talent.

Four writers will work on the series, including Brynach Higginson, Mari Izzard, Rhiannon Williams and Yr Alwad writer and director Alexander Williams.

The writing team will be led by Gwenno Hughes, whose previous credits include Hafiach and Fflam.

A number of new performers have also been selected following an open casting call.

Gwenan Lloyd, Gabriel Owen and Joshua Romain will play Elliw, Alffi and Tom respectively.

Siriol Ousey, known for Hafiach, will appear as Angie, while Lili Mai Davies, who has appeared in Y Coridor and Bregus, will play Catrin.

Guto Rhun, S4C’s Young Audiences Commissioner, said the broadcaster needed to adapt as viewing habits continued to change.

He said: “As viewing habits continue to evolve, we have to be bold, especially in creating content for younger audiences.

“I am delighted to see S4C working with production companies to experiment with exciting content which entertains our audiences and meets them where they watch.”

S4C Chief Content Officer Llion Iwan said vertical drama formed part of the broadcaster’s move towards becoming a digital-first service.

He said: “Vertical dramas are a popular international format which reflects S4C’s vision of transforming into a digital-first broadcaster.

“We are very proud of the success of Yr Alwad and are looking forward to seeing content that builds on that success.

“Bold content that travels is key to expanding our audience.”

Filming for Signal is due to begin at the Royal Welsh Showground during this week’s Royal Welsh Show.

Business

Welsh food and drink sector takes centre stage at Royal Welsh Show

Published

25 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

More than 300 Welsh businesses, 2,500 products and over 100 new product launches are being showcased as producers seek new buyers and markets.

Wales’ food and drink industry is taking centre stage at this year’s Royal Welsh Show, with hundreds of businesses using the event to secure new customers, launch products and explore opportunities for growth.

More than 60 companies are exhibiting in the show’s Food Hall, while the Food & Drink Wales Trade Business Lounge is representing over 300 Welsh businesses and around 2,500 products.

Organisers say more than 100 new products are being launched during the week, making the show one of the largest showcases of Welsh food and drink in the UK.

The programme brings together producers, retailers, wholesalers, hospitality businesses, public sector buyers and industry experts.

Last year, activity within the Business Lounge generated more than £3 million in confirmed sales. More than 300 trade buyers have registered to attend this year, including representatives from major retailers, foodservice operators and independent businesses.

Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said the show provided an opportunity to celebrate the quality and diversity of Welsh produce while helping businesses build valuable commercial relationships.

He said: “The Royal Welsh Show provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the exceptional quality, innovation and diversity of Welsh food and drink.

“Bringing together producers, buyers, industry experts and support organisations, it showcases the strength of a sector that makes a significant contribution to communities and economies across Wales and supports thousands of jobs throughout the food supply chain.”

The minister said activity at the Food Hall, Business Lounge and International Pavilion demonstrated the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting an ambitious and growing industry.

He added: “The activity also reflects our ambitions for Wales’ National Food Strategy, which will help strengthen local production, local processing and local procurement, creating a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.”

Businesses exhibiting in the Food Hall represent sectors ranging from dairy, meat and bakery products to alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and preserves.

Among them is Welsh Lady Preserves, whose managing director Carol Jones said the event allowed producers to meet customers and buyers while promoting Welsh products to a wider audience.

She said: “The Royal Welsh Show is a fantastic platform for Welsh food and drink businesses.

“It gives us an opportunity to showcase our products, meet customers and connect with buyers, while championing the very best of Welsh food and drink.”

This year’s displays also highlight companies working on carbon-reduction plans, achieving B Corp certification and taking part in Blas Cymru, also known as Taste Wales.

New attractions include a Fresh and Welsh food-to-go display, a Design Your Own Canapé tasting experience and an exhibition highlighting Welsh products with protected Geographical Indication status.

The International Pavilion is hosting meetings, launches and industry events throughout the week.

These include the launch of the Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster, presentations for local authority caterers and NHS procurement officers, and activities aimed at encouraging young people to pursue careers in the food and drink industry.

Welsh Government support programmes are also being promoted at the show, covering innovation, technical development, exports, sustainability, skills and business collaboration.

Figures from the latest annual report for the government-backed HELIX programme show that it generated an estimated economic impact of more than £103 million during 2025–26.

The programme supported 159 companies and helped businesses develop more than 300 new food and drink products during the year.

With thousands of products on display and buyers attending from across the UK and overseas, industry leaders hope the Royal Welsh Show will provide a platform for further investment, sales and expansion across the Welsh food and drink sector.

This could also take a stronger business headline, such as: “Royal Welsh Show puts 2,500 Welsh food and drink products before buyers”.

Community

Ten-day countdown begins for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

29 minutes ago

July 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Communities across north Pembrokeshire are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for eight days of Welsh language, music, literature and culture

THERE are now just ten days to go until Eisteddfod y Garreg Las opens its gates for an eight-day celebration of the Welsh language, creativity and culture.

The National Eisteddfod will be held at Llantwd, in north Pembrokeshire, from Saturday, August 1, until Saturday, August 8.

Excitement is already building throughout the area, with communities decorating villages, roadsides and public spaces ahead of the festival’s arrival. Construction of the Maes, the main Eisteddfod site, is also gathering pace as organisers prepare the stages, pavilions, exhibition areas and other facilities needed for one of Wales’ largest cultural events.

Although the festival is being staged in Pembrokeshire, the official catchment area stretches beyond the county boundary and includes communities in south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire.

Months of community events, concerts, sponsored activities and fundraising drives have helped build momentum ahead of the Eisteddfod.

Local committees have raised more than £528,000, believed to be the largest amount ever collected by a local fund for a National Eisteddfod.

John Davies, chairman of the Garreg Las National Eisteddfod Executive Committee, described the fundraising campaign as historic.

He said: “More than £528,000 has been raised so far, the largest amount ever raised by a local fund for a National Eisteddfod.”

Volunteers who have supported the fundraising effort will be recognised during a special Celebrating Our Champions ceremony at 10:00am on the festival’s opening day. Representatives from local committees will be invited onto the stage to receive public recognition for their work.

Pembrokeshire on display

Pembrokeshire County Council and its partners will have their own dedicated area on the Maes, known as Pentre’r Garreg Las.

The area will celebrate the people, culture, communities and organisations of Pembrokeshire and the wider Eisteddfod region.

A full programme of discussions, performances, demonstrations and community activities will be held in Pabell Pawb throughout the week.

The programme is expected to feature local performers, community organisations, schools, businesses and projects, giving visitors an opportunity to discover more about the area and the people who live and work here.

Organisers hope the Eisteddfod will not only provide a major economic and cultural boost during festival week, but will also leave a lasting legacy by encouraging greater use of the Welsh language and strengthening links between communities.

Full programme available through festival app

The National Eisteddfod’s official app is now live and includes details of events taking place across the Maes each day.

Visitors can use the app to explore the full festival programme, check competition times and create their own schedules before travelling.

It also contains the programme for Pentre’r Garreg Las, helping visitors plan which talks, performances and demonstrations they would like to attend.

With activities taking place simultaneously in venues across the Maes, organisers are encouraging visitors to download the app in advance so they do not miss their preferred competitions, concerts or appearances.

Extra buses serving the Maes

Additional public transport services are being provided during Eisteddfod week to help visitors reach the site.

The TrawsCymru T5 service will travel directly to the Maes from Haverfordwest, Fishguard and Cardigan, with more frequent journeys and late-evening services operating between Fishguard and Cardigan.

The 430 service, which connects Narberth, Crymych and Cardigan, will operate every day during the festival. An additional late bus will leave the Maes at 11:15pm.

Visitors travelling through Cardigan will also be able to use Bws yr Arglwydd Rhys, a free shuttle service running from Finch Square to the Maes every hour between 7:00am and midnight.

Travel will remain free for holders of an All Wales Concessionary Bus Pass, while eligible passengers aged 21 and under can travel for £1 per journey, subject to a maximum daily fare of £3.

Celebrating 850 years of Eisteddfod tradition

This year’s festival carries particular historical significance, marking 850 years since the gathering widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

That event was held by Lord Rhys at Cardigan Castle in 1176, only a few miles from the site of this year’s festival.

According to historical accounts, poets and musicians were invited to Cardigan to compete for prizes, establishing a tradition of artistic competition that has continued in different forms for centuries.

The modern National Eisteddfod remains one of the most important events in the Welsh cultural calendar. It brings together poets, musicians, writers, artists, choirs, dancers, actors and competitors from across Wales and beyond.

Alongside the traditional competitions and ceremonies, visitors can expect concerts, exhibitions, discussions, food, family activities and opportunities to learn and use Welsh.

The Eisteddfod is open to Welsh speakers, learners and people with no previous knowledge of the language, with organisers presenting it as an opportunity for everyone to experience Welsh culture.

As the final preparations continue, communities across north Pembrokeshire, south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire are preparing to welcome visitors for what is expected to be one of the most significant cultural events held in the region for many years.