News
Fab Lab joins the heavyweights


Pictured are (left to right, standing) Dave Thomas BIC Manager, Nik Curcio of Pembrokeshire Design, Thomas Wheeler of Insite, Cllr Keith Lewis, Jamie Thain of CADTEK, (sitting) Annabelle McLaren of Insite, Gethin Davies of CADTEK, Ellie Wheeler of Insite.
PEMBROKESHIRE can lay claim to having some of the most hi-tech design software in the UK following a donation made to Pembroke Dock’s Fab Lab.
Fab Lab, based at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) promotes the advancement of education in science, technology, mathematics, creative design, engineering and business skills, through the media of digital design and manufacturing.
Fab Lab recently took delivery of ‘Solidworks’ a state of the art 3D Computer Aided Design Software (CAD), which allows users to design, build and develop products through digital design and then fabrication.
Donated by the Solidworks Corporation, Bristol based CADTEK provides Fab Lab with technical and design support. CADTEK is a company that provides solutions for designers and engineers across a variety of disciplines and industries, the software allows users to bring their designs to life through computer controlled machines, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) lathes, routers and 3D printers.
Nik Curcio of Pembrokeshire Design Ltd together with Annabelle McLaren, Ellie Wheeler and Thomas Wheeler from Insite Technical Services Ltd, were given a hands on training day by CADTEK to see the software in action.
Insite Technical Services was formed by six engineering and operations managers from the former Murco Refinery in Milford Haven. They offer services in CAD for systems and process design for industrial settings.
Pembrokeshire Design Ltd recently joined the BIC and provides services in 3D Laser Scanning and 3D CAD.
Gethin Davies of CADTEK said that the donation of Solidworks’ licences to Fab Lab provides a great prospect to work with the Lab in developing skills for the future and a relationship that he looks forward to.
He said: “We are keen to see digital design skills develop and to be able to support Fab Lab Pembrokeshire is a remarkable opportunity to work together for the future.”
Mike Scott, director of Indycube and co-trustee of Fab Lab Pembrokeshire said that being able to provide development to schools, businesses and members of the community encapsulates Fab Lab.
Mike said: “We have just started at the beginning of what we hope will be a fantastic journey of offering amazing Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing equipment to skill up the next generation for the digital design age.
“Being able to produce designs for services and products using tools such as Solidworks and then being able to replicate that design into reality using digital fabrication equipment is a dream come true.”
Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities Councillor Keith Lewis was delighted to see Fab Lab open its doors for the first time.
He commented: “These facilities are just what we need to develop technical digital design and digital manufacturing skills in our next generation. I am amazed at what can be done using 3D CAD design and making those designs a reality with 3D printers.
“I am really looking forward to Fab Lab Pembrokeshire and the BIC opening its doors to our schools on the 18th Oct for the BIG BANG so everyone can see what is going on. It’s fantastic.”
Health
GPs across Wales trained to spot endometriosis earlier

GPs across Wales are being trained to better recognise the symptoms of endometriosis as part of a national initiative to improve women’s health and reduce diagnostic delays.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in Wales and is a key priority in the Welsh Government’s Women’s Health Plan, launched six months ago. The condition—often painful and difficult to diagnose—can significantly impact women’s daily lives, careers, and relationships.
The new expert-led training programme, delivered through Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has already led to a 43% increase in participating GPs’ knowledge of endometriosis. It has also improved their confidence in discussing symptoms and treatment options with patients.
Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: “Women have told us they feel unheard and their symptoms dismissed. This training helps ensure women’s voices are at the heart of their healthcare, empowering GPs to provide better, more responsive care.
Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on women’s lives. Through our Women’s Health Plan, we are committed to delivering real improvements and tackling inequality.”
Dr Mirka Slavska, obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who led the training, said:
“We were pleased to deliver training that covered differential diagnosis, referral pathways, and the latest diagnostic and treatment options.
We also introduced the Endometriosis Cymru symptom reporting tool. The positive feedback we received underlines the importance of practical, up-to-date training for frontline healthcare professionals.”
Endometriosis is one of eight priority areas identified in the Women’s Health Plan, which aims to improve care and support for women and girls across Wales. Since the plan’s launch in December 2024, key milestones include:
Early-stage work to develop a women’s health hub in every health board area by March 2026
Establishment of Wales’ first Women’s Health Research Centre, funded by Health and Care Research Wales
A dedicated research call focused on communication in women’s healthcare
At the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff today (Saturday, 7 June), Dr Helen Munro, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health in Wales, provided an update on the development of the new health hubs:
“Meeting women’s needs throughout their lives will be at the core of our new women’s health hubs. These hubs will bring together professionals and services in community settings, with local population needs and existing infrastructure shaping their design and delivery.”
News
Coastguard rescues casualty near Goodwick pier

HM COASTGUARD was called to assist police in locating a casualty near the Ocean Lab in Goodwick on Saturday evening (June 14).
The Fishguard Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked at around 8:30pm to support officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, including units from Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and St Davids.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Fishguard said: “The team was tasked to assist Dyfed-Powys Police with locating a casualty in the area of Ocean Lab, Goodwick. A quick search was carried out and the casualty was located nearby.
“Once found, the casualty was assisted and brought back into the care of the police. With the individual safe, the team was stood down.”
The nature of the incident has not been confirmed.
News
Pembrokeshire Council invites public to have their say on 20mph zones

PEMBROKESHIRE COU TY COUNCIL is calling on residents to share their views on potential changes to 20mph zones across the county.
The consultation, launched at the start of May, invites the public to give feedback on whether any roads should be removed from the new 20mph default speed limit or whether additional areas should be considered for the lower limit.
As part of a broader review of the Welsh Government’s controversial rollout of 20mph default limits, councils have been given the opportunity to identify roads that may be better suited to a 30mph limit instead.
Residents who wish to contribute their opinions can do so by emailing: [email protected]
The move follows widespread concern from motorists, businesses and community leaders who have argued that the blanket approach does not always reflect the realities of local road use in rural counties like Pembrokeshire.
The council has not yet confirmed which roads might be considered for changes, but feedback from this public engagement will help shape recommendations to be submitted for review.
The Herald understands that responses will be collected throughout June, with the findings passed on to the Welsh Government in due course.
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