News

Army and Jobcentre combine to combat unemployment

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

A CAMPAIGN to attract thousands of new recruits to the British Army will target job seekers in Wales with a series of Jobcentre Plus recruitment clinics throughout January. The clinics come as research reveals unemployed people are only half as likely as those already working to consider a job in the Army.

According to research commissioned by the British Army and carried out by One Poll, just one in 20 unemployed people said they would consider signing up to the Army, compared with one in 10 employed people who said they viewed it as a potential career choice.

The Army’s new campaign — ‘More than Meets the Eye’– aims to highlight the huge range of full-time and part-time careers available, with thousands of different roles on offer across hundreds of jobs. Some of the jobs currently open to new recruits include bricklayers, communications specialists, logistics, drivers, welders, veterinary technicians, musicians, environment health technicians, health care assistants and infantry soldiers.

Jobcentre Plus in Wales is supporting the British Army in its recruitment drive, and will be hosting clinics at various Jobcentre Plus locations including Cardiff, Newport and Mold throughout January.

People will be able to speak to serving members of the Regular Army and Army Reserve, get more information about the wide variety of roles available to new recruits and find out about the online application process. Potential recruits will be able to talk to local careers advisors about what they could gain from joining the Army.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, Director of Training and Recruitment for the British Army, said:

“Regardless of their skills or background, young people who are interested in taking on a challenging and exciting new career should look at the hundreds of opportunities we have across the Army and Army Reserve. We want to do as much as we can to encourage potential recruits to come forward and find out more about what’s on offer.

“There is so much more to learn in the Army and Army Reserve than combat and military skills, and we are always recruiting. With the support of Jobcentre Plus, these clinics will provide a great opportunity for us to reach out to job seekers face-to-face and help them make the first step towards a successful Army career.

“I would urge anyone in Scotland who’s looking for a new career challenge to head down to one of our many Army Careers Centres and speak to our recruiting team.”

Neil Couling, Director for Jobcentre Plus, said:

“With the economy growing, there are lots of opportunities out there for jobseekers and we are always looking for innovative ways to work with recruiters to help people find their perfect career, or help them move into a new role. Following a similar programme of Army clinics last year, more than 100 events in Jobcentres across the country will be held over the next few weeks to make sure jobseekers are aware that the Army is recruiting.”

Anyone aged upward of 16 can apply for a job in the Army, or 18 for the Army Reserve, regardless of background, skills, or experience. There is no one type of person that the Army is looking to recruit, and the current campaign aims to show there is a role to suit everyone.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

3 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).

Climate

National emergency film screening in Narberth calls for urgent climate action

Published

30 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Campaigners warn climate and nature crisis is already affecting communities and say stronger government action cannot be delayed

PEMBROKESHIRE FRIENDS OF THE EARTH has renewed calls for urgent action on climate change and nature loss following a recent film screening and discussion at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth.

The event focused on the growing threat posed by climate change and the decline of the natural environment, with campaigners warning that the challenges facing the country are more immediate and serious than many people realise.

The film featured broadcaster and environmental campaigner Chris Packham introducing presentations from a range of experts, including climate scientists and military voices. They called on the Government to launch a national response to the climate and nature crisis, showing the same level of leadership seen during World War Two and the financial crisis.

Those involved in the campaign say the aim is to push for a much stronger national effort to reduce emissions, protect wildlife and prepare communities for the effects of a more dangerous climate.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth said extreme weather, including heavier rainfall, is only the beginning of what lies ahead if urgent action is not taken.

They warned that climate and nature breakdown could increasingly damage public health, food systems, infrastructure, national security and economic stability.

The group says there is strong evidence that bold action would not only cut emissions and improve resilience, but also create jobs and improve lives.

Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth is calling for emergency legislation to speed up cuts in climate-changing emissions while investing in measures to help communities adapt.

For further information, contact Bettina Becker at Pembrokeshire Friends of the Earth on [email protected]or 01437 563657.

Local Government

Dog bin misuse causing mess at Haverfordwest Racecourse

Published

37 minutes ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town council says general litter is blocking dog waste bins and leaving walkers with nowhere to dispose of bagged waste properly

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL has urged Racecourse users to dispose of rubbish responsibly after repeated misuse of dog waste bins.

The council said it provides both general waste and dog waste facilities at the Upper and Lower Racecourse, as well as at most other green spaces it owns or maintains.

However, it has received ongoing reports — backed by photographic evidence — of general litter, including coffee cups and other rubbish, being placed in dog waste bins at Haverfordwest Racecourse.

Council officials say this misuse is causing the bins to become blocked and appear full when they are not. As a result, dog walkers are sometimes left with no option but to place bagged dog waste beside the bins, creating what the council described as an avoidable and unpleasant environment for everyone.

The council said this was not acceptable and could easily be avoided.

Dog waste bins are intended for bagged dog waste only and should not be used for general litter.

The council is asking all users to avoid putting general rubbish in dog bins and instead either take litter home or use the appropriate general waste bins available elsewhere on the Racecourse.

The town clerk thanked the majority of responsible users for their cooperation and said their support helps keep the Racecourse clean and welcoming for everyone.