News
Expenses claim ‘swept under the carpet’

MEMBERS of the Audit Committee of Pembrokeshire County Council on Thursday discussed the controversial expenses claims made by Council Leader Jamie Adams. Cllr Adams claimed £4,649 worth of expenses over a four year period that dates back to 2008, which is before Cllr Adams lost his seat, and reclaimed them when he was re-elected, despite the forms stating expenses should be claimed within a three month period. Cllr Tessa Hodgson said:
“Members of the public have a low opinion of politicians, which is a great concern among councillors. Councillors should not just be whiter than white, they should be seen as whiter than white.
“I propose a wording change on the forms to say expenses ‘must’ be claimed within three months. This will help confusion with expenses and improve the public view.
Welsh Audit Officer, John Dwight said: “I’m confident that claims as part of audit were checked and authorised. Nothing stops you making a claim after the time specified”.
The Director of finance and leisure, Mark Lewis said:
“It’s a difficult issue. When you read the regulations it says you must set a limit. On a personal view, I think there needs to be some review. It’s not the most easy thing to deal with. With regards to this, payments can still be settled”.
Cllr Jacob Williams told the committee: “I’m very disappointed with the director’s report. I don’t think it’s as complicated as you say. Cllr Hodgson mentioned the public view and I think they’re very angry. If anybody’s head is on the block it is Cllr Adams. In a way, I’m not happy that the director wrote the report.
“The council has to show reasonableness in its decision. There were 44 claim sheets for 400 separate journeys, which were handed in April 10, 2013 and approved April 13, 2013. I know that it would take a long time to clear that. That’s very quick to go through each and every claim to make sure he was where he said he was.
“It is reasonable to accept a claim after three months if the person is ill and unable to hand it in on time. The director of finance and leisure has responsibility and to approve travel claims that are four years out is in no way reasonable. And for Cllr Adams to do it for the reason of ‘poor book keeping’ is most certainly unreasonable and I can’t believe it’s being swept under the carpet”.
John Allen-Mirehouse said: “Late claims disrupt accounting. I think Jacob’s claim was that the director was not entitled to do what he did, but he is. Although we say claims must be put in within three months, it is not the law. Payments will be made after whatever is deemed reasonable. It is an unfortunate delay of four years, but the director acted within his power. What has happened is extremely awkward, careless and inexcusable”.
Cllr Thomas Richards said: “If we just deal with the Notice of Motion, we can move on to the future, whether it’s done today or not”.
Cllr Jacob Williams replied: “It seems that I’m the only one who sees it as unreasonable. It was an unreasonable decision to have approved them. We would have to submit Notice of Motion if they weren’t approved. Previously the director wrote a report and approved the payment. The legislation has holes in it, but let’s forget that for now. We mustn’t think it’s reasonable”.
Cllr Allen-Mirehouse said: “You may have a point, but the director was in his remit. Whether or not you think he should or shouldn’t approved it doesn’t matter. There is a chink in the armour, but he was obeying the law, even though I agree that a four year payment is unreasonable”.
Committee chairman,Cllr John Evans said: “We acknowledge affairs, but we need to have greater clarification to deal with the investigation of the first part. Then we will look at how we’re going to propose recommendation of expenses. In addition, we need commentary from Monitoring Officer, Laurence Harding so we have complete pictures. I also request the Welsh Audit office to prepare a new report combined with a statement and commentary from John Dwight for absolute clarity. Proposals are then to be discussed at the next meeting”.
News
Coastguard called to Goodwick breakwater after items found

HM COASTGUARD teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove were called into action on Tuesday morning (Mar 25) after personal belongings were discovered on Goodwick breakwater.
The lifeboat crew from RNLI Fishguard also launched, as emergency services responded to concerns that a person may have entered the water.
The incident began at around 10:34am when Dyfed-Powys Police requested assistance in conducting a coordinated search of the area, both by land and sea.
After a full search involving Coastguard teams and the lifeboat, no missing person was found and the operation was stood down.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “If you’re ever out and about and see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Call 101 to report non-emergencies or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if there’s any danger to life on the coast.”
Education
County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival.
The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.
Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.
In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:
Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson
Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.
Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”
Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie.

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated.
“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”
Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.”
Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:
Woodwind
Initial Grade flute:
1st – Lyra Constable, Spittal
2nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds
3rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle
Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:
1st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach
2nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli
3rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle
Grade 1:
1st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate
2nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast
3rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli
Grade 2:
1st – Eva Evans, St Aidans
2nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston
3rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston
Open:
1st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands
2nd – Osian Kite, Roch
3rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS
Brass:
Initial Grade:
1st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch
2nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch
3rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS
Lower Brass Grade 1:
1st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor
2nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli
3rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor
HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos
Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:
1st – Noah Lewis, Wdig
2nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli
3rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch
HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC
Grade 2:
1st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot
2nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos
3rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun
Open:
1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro
2nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor
3rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS
HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen
Strings
Initial grade:
1st – Archie Hayden, Redhill
2nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli
3rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli
HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong
Grade 1:
1st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi
2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran
3rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen
HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor
Open:
1st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot
2nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell
3rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell
HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen
Piano & Harp
Initial grade piano:
1st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn
2nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi
3rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill
HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey
Grade 1 piano:
1st – Carys Callan, Redhill
2nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn
3rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite
HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite
Grade 1 Harp:
1st – Efa John, Maenclochog
2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran
3rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog
HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen
Grade 2 piano:
1st – Harry Hayden, Redhill
2nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill
3rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm
HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch
Grade 2 harp:
1st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli
2nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen
3rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran
HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran
Open piano & harp:
1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro
2nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans
3rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog
HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli
Percussion
Initial Grade:
1st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot
2nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence
3rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot
Grade 1:
1st – Sadie Neuman, Roch
2nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC
3rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC
HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC
Open:
1st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen
2nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch
3rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen
HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick
Ensembles
1st – Saundersfoot School orchestra
2nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble
3rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)
HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble
Community
Loved and lost baby remembrance service to be held in Carmarthen

THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.
The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.
It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.
Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.
A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.
Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.
Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.
Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.
Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to [email protected] by Tuesday (Apr 22).
Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at [email protected].
-
Health1 day ago
Pembrokeshire man’s shock diagnosis sparks call for awareness
-
News17 hours ago
Workman injured in Pembroke road roller incident
-
News1 day ago
Spring statement slammed as disability cuts spark fear in Wales
-
Crime9 hours ago
Goodwick man jailed for stealing prescription tablets from partner
-
Business1 day ago
Overseas workers allowed to live in caravans at business
-
News2 days ago
Woman found guilty of threatening neighbour on Pembrokeshire housing estate
-
News3 hours ago
Police appeal after fatal crash on A477 involving two vehicles
-
Business1 day ago
Haverfordwest school site could become motorcycle showroom