Community

Video spreads hope

Published

10 years ago

July 12, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Hope for people with MS: Belynda and James raise awareness for the condition

HUNDLETON student Belynda Galliard and Chester-based James Martin are on a mission. They are determined to show people that MS (Multiple Sclerosis) need not prove the end of the world. Life, they argue, can be full of potential for those given the chance.

And so , to further their cause Belynda , who will soon commence an MA in Film and Drama, and family friend James, a musician and a recent graduate in Media Studies, are currently producing a video to help everyone adopt a more positive approach to life with MS.

MS is the most common condition of the central nervous system affecting young adults. Over 100,000 people in the UK have MS which is about one in every 600. It is nearly three times more common in women than in men. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, but it can be diagnosed in younger and older people.

But Belynda and James are not motivated by bald statistics .

“I have just started my own media company called Blue Dynasty Media , ” James explained . “I knew that I would have to begin by doing projects for free to show people what I can do . I initially thought I would do something like a music video. But then I thought, if I am going to be doing it for free , I might as well try and do something that makes a difference instead of simply helping a corporate client who really should be paying for what I do .

“And then I spoke to Liz, a family friend who suffers from MS. I didn’t realise she had MS at first because it was not very noticeable. I didn’t appreciate at the time that this disease affects people differently. This led to do some research which in turn prompted me to produce this film for the MS Society . ”

Belynda’s contact is much closer to home. She has a mother who suffers from MS. She explained: “The MS society recently did an employment survey and I found it interesting because I discovered that lots of people have had good careers. Liz’s husband was a journalist for example, and it made me think that with a little bit more understanding and support from his employer , he would have been able to continue working much longer than he did.

“When my mum discovered she had MS her employer basically said ‘Well that’s that. I’m giving your job to someone else’. He was convinced that she would soon be in a wheelchair but she simply needed some help with her fatigue levels. We want to educate and inspire people like that .”

Belynda and James have received no funding to date and are meeting all the expenses incurred from their own resources, which is why they are very keen to meet and interview anyone who willing to talk about their experiences and offer hope to those who are scared as to what a diagnosis might mean.

As Belynda explained: “We need people with inspirational stories to get involved as soon as possible and once the video is complete , we want to share it as widely as possibly. It won’t matter how good it is if no one sees it.”

James added: “We have discovered that MS society, like other organisations ,

needs to look at the way it shares its information. We have discovered ,

for example, that the society has hubs all around the country but they are often not aware of what other groups are doing. We are keen to create an environment in which they communicate with each other.

“There is a Facebook page , for example, but we need to encourage the different hubs to use it more . The content can be improved too. We are hoping this initiative will inspire them to use their resources in a more effective way .”

As for success, Belynda believes 100,000 views o n line is not an impossible target and she says they would be thrilled if it were shared further afield, such as in the US , for example.

“Given the way we can share information today, the sky’s the limit , ” she added. “And the tone is the key to our approach. Lots of campaign videos and appeals follow the same format. They are a little dated. We are determined to highlight the positives. It’s not a case of feel sorry for me but give me a chance!”

For more information contact Belynda: [email protected] or James : [email protected].

Community

Pub reopens with VIP club launch and free drink offer

Published

2 days ago

February 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire pub is reopening its doors this week with a new loyalty scheme aimed at rewarding regular customers.

The Griffin Dale Pembrokeshire will reopen for the season on Thursday (Feb 26), with owners Sian and Simon promising roaring fires, fresh seafood and a warm welcome for returning customers.

To mark the reopening, the team has launched a new Griffin VIP Club, designed to give regular visitors small perks throughout the year.

The scheme includes a loyalty drinks stamp card, occasional meal offers, discounts on drinks, birthday treats and early access to events and promotions.

As part of the launch celebrations, customers visiting on reopening day will receive a complimentary drink along with 20% off food and drinks during a special “Thirsty Thursday” promotion.

The owners said the club was intended as a simple way of giving something back to loyal customers rather than a formal membership programme.

“We’re so excited to be reopening for the season and welcoming everyone back,” they said. “It’s just our way of saying thank you to those who support us and pop in regularly.”

Customers interested in joining the VIP Club can sign up at the bar when visiting the pub.

Business

Bosherston Bistro 10pm alcohol licence granted by council

Published

2 days ago

February 25, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to allow the selling of alcohol as late as 10pm at a rural beauty spot former village tearoom which objectors fear will “create an absolute nightmare” exacerbating an already growing issue with antisocial behaviour from holidaymakers, has been given the go-ahead.

At Pembrokeshire County Council’s February licensing sub-committee, members considered an application by Sarah Jane Partridge and Robert John Secrett for a new premises licence at Bosherton Bistro, Old World Cottage, Bosherton.

A report for members said it was proposed the premises, formerly a tearoom called ‘Ye Olde Worlde Café’ would open 8am-10pm, selling alcohol from 9am on and off site, seven days a week in the village.

Since the proposal for the site, close to the village pub The St Govan’s Inn, was publicised, 13 objections were received, including Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council.

In its submissions, the community council said it “will cause a significant public nuisance in the residential area”.

It said the ordinarily tranquil Bosherston, with its neighbouring beauty spot attractions of the lily ponds and St Govans currently has four well-established camp sites “which already frequently cause late night disruption, littering and anti-social behaviour caused predominantly by intoxicated individuals”.

It went on to say: “Instances of aggressive behaviour and trespass are already prevalent within the village by visitors under the influence of alcohol.”

Concerns raised by members of the public included fears of “an increased problem with drunkenness, drink driving and antisocial behaviour,” and it would “make life for the residents in the immediate area an absolute nightmare”.

Robert John Secrett and Sarah Jane Partridge

Speaking at the meeting, applicant Sarah Jane Partridge said they shared “the same fundamental aims as the residents,” with the scheme “not about creating a drinking venue but a food-based family bistro”.

She stressed that campers were already able to buy alcohol from the pub, or bring their own to the campsites, adding the 84-cover bistro would introduce safeguarding measures around the sale of any alcohol; off-site sales consisting of ‘gift-set’-style alcohol craft packages rather than “cans of lager”.

Objector Rik Guly said there had been many public order incidents over the years in the 36-home village relating to visitors from the campsites, as well as empty beer bottles, tampons and tins littering the area, one farmer also having his ‘honesty box’ stolen on several occasions; the application “effectively throwing a catalyst for more alcohol consumption and more public disorder”.

He also raised concerns it could restrict access along the narrow road to the nearby coastguard building for emergency services.

Another objector Clare Strudwick said “almost half the village” was objecting to the scheme which would cause “unacceptable public nuisance”.

Representing the community council, local county councillor Steve Alderman, who once farmed in Bosherston himself, said post-Covid visitor interest in the area had been raised “immeasurably,” with huge numbers attracted to the area.

He said that, while “antisocial behaviour, both physical and verbal” and “a complete lack of respect for what is a marvellous-looking village” was “society’s fault,” the resident’s had a right to enjoy their quality of life.

After the committee deliberated, chair Cllr Tony Wilcox said they had considered the range of objections but considered they were “not of sufficient seriousness to consider rejecting the application”.

The licensing application was approved, objectors hearing that decision could be appealed within 28 days.

Community

Police step up community engagement in Milford Haven neighbourhood

Published

3 days ago

February 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in Howarth Close, Milford Haven, may have noticed an increased police presence in the area on Tuesday (Feb 24), as officers carried out door-to-door visits to promote a new community messaging service.

Members of the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team spoke directly with residents to encourage sign-ups to Dyfed-Powys Connects — a free email alert system designed to keep communities informed about local policing matters.

The service provides updates on crime, antisocial behaviour, policing activity, community events and crime prevention advice tailored to specific neighbourhoods.

Officers say the initiative aims to strengthen communication between police and the public, helping residents stay informed about issues affecting their area.

Residents can sign up to the free service online at: https://orlo.uk/3POxP