News
Local woman volunteering in Laos
THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE in Laos and local village schools are set to have another pair of hands at work, as Claire Edwards embarks on a unique Volunteer Eco Students Abroad (VESA) volunteer eco-tour.
Claire will play a key role in establishing a new era for the conservation of the Asian elephant. She will get up close and personal with many of the majestic residents of the Elephant Conservation Centre, a rehabilitation, research and breeding facility which also has a purpose-built hospital dedicated to elephant rescued from the logging trade and promotes responsible tourism.
Riding elephants to and from their jungle bedroom and helping with calves in the elephant nursery are just a couple of ‘perks’ Claire will enjoy as part of her volunteering. She will also assist in the veterinary clinic, viewing platform maintenance plus works on new infrastructure projects.
Laos conservation efforts are diverse and Claire will get well acquainted with local flora, fauna and environmental initiatives within the Nam Tien protected area.
Elephants are not the only Laos residents to benefit from Claire’s visit – or to lend rich colour to her Laotian experience. Besides helping elephants, Claire will also support local village schools in improving education opportunities. She will spend time teaching English to school children, boosting their employment options and enhancing their futures.

Claire will also have the opportunity to experience authentic school life in a way that few other travellers will. She will be involved in initiatives like building bathrooms and classrooms to help improve the schools. Another important initiative is planting banana and sugar cane, the main source of food for those stunning elephants.
But it’s not all volunteer work for Claire in beautiful Laos. The second week of her trip comprises an incredible cultural and adventure experience. With so much to explore plus plenty of delicious local food, she will truly enjoy incredible moments in one of the most beautiful, remote parts of the world.
To Claire, the opportunity of a volunteer Laos adventure tour is a once in a lifetime chance.
VESA is the organisation making Claire Edwards Laos adventure possible. This unique initiative offers students the chance to fuse supporting the indigenous people of remote villages with true adventure tourism. Every VESA tour is tailored to the individual student’s skills and experience. So they are able to contribute their fullest potential to communities in need while experiencing authentically immersive adventure travel.
Each student also raises sponsorship funds that help to cover the costs involved in participating in the program. These costs include hiring local skilled tradespeople to supervise and assist in the building projects, building materials and donations to local organisations.
VESA Director Tom McDowell explains the contribution volunteers make.
“The efforts of the students will make a real, positive difference to the elephants, by helping to plant sufficient food for these heavy weight grazers to last them through the long dry season’,” he says.
“By teaching the youngsters basic English,” he added, “we’re also helping them to communicate with the wider world, and empowering them to improve their own lives.”
Currently VESA organises eco-breaks in Laos, as well as South Africa, Fiji and Ecuador. To learn more about VESA, visit www.vesabroad.com.
Claire Edwards can be contacted by email – [email protected] or to donate to this meaningful project, she has set up a gofundme page – https://www.gofundme.com/vesa-volunteer-work-in-se-asia
News
Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’
Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions
FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.
The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.
Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.
Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”
He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.
Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.
He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.
“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”
Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.
He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.
Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.
Community
Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work
A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.
Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.
Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.
Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.
Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.
Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.
“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”
The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.
Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.
News
Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire
A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.
Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.
The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.
The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.
On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.
Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.
Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.
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