News

‘Appropriate’ action taken against AM

Published

11 years ago

February 6, 2014

KIRSTY Williams has said the Welsh Lib Dems took appropriate action after allegations about one of their AMs.

The Welsh Lib Dem leader was speaking at a Cardiff Bay news briefing this week. It emerged at the weekend that Mid and West Wales AM William Powell was given a formal written warning about his behaviour towards a young activist.

The woman alleged that he gave her and two other women the strong alcoholic drink Absinthe, touched her leg and put his hands round their waists in 2011 .

Ms Williams said she was assured that the victim had been told by a local party chairman that Mr Powell had been warned and had apologised.

She told journalists: “There has been a formal process. There is a balancing act to be had because, at the same time as wanting to be open and transparent, there are issues around confidentiality and women coming forward”

She added: “He has been issued with a written warning and he has apologised for his behaviour. As far as we are concerned that matter has now been dealt with.”

Ms Williams said the party’s disciplinary procedure had to “strike a balance” between protecting confidentiality and being transparent. She said she wanted a culture where complainants “can come forward in a confidential manner”.

“We felt that it was appropriate to take forward the (disciplinary) process, as we have outlined in the statement (released by the party on Saturday) and to issue that warning. There is a balancing act to be had because, at the same time as wanting to be open and transparent, there are issues around confidentiality and women coming forward and not wanting to have their concerns splashed all over the media.”

Mr Powell made an unreserved apology to a female activist, now 21, after the incident and he was given a formal written warning last year. A party statement on Saturday said Mr Powell was told that any future misdemeanour could result in more serious sanctions being imposed.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

17 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.