CAMPAIGNERS from across west Wales are planning to lobby a meeting of the Dyfed Pension Fund Committee at County Hall, Carmarthen, this morning (Wednesday Mar 26).

Groups from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire under the banner of Solidarity with Palestine say they will hand in petitions as part of their ongoing campaign calling on the fund to divest from companies they claim are complicit in Israel’s war on Gaza and military actions in the West Bank.

Research by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), published in February, claims that Dyfed Pension Fund holds £235 million in investments in companies that “produce weapons and military technology used by Israel in its attacks on Palestinians; provide technology and equipment for Israel’s infrastructure of military occupation; or are active in illegal Israeli settlements based on stolen Palestinian land.”

Campaigners are calling on the committee to divest from all such companies.

The Herald understands that Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire will be handing in a petition with more than 500 signatures, which was previously rejected by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Campaigners also cite a recent statement from UNICEF that said at least 200 children have been killed within four days of renewed Israeli bombing. According to them, hospitals in Gaza are so under-resourced that amputations and other emergency procedures are being carried out without anaesthetic or pain relief.

They say that since March 18, at least 673 people have been killed in Gaza, including 200 children.

NEIL THOMAS thought testicular cancer was something that happened later in life — until he was diagnosed at 35.

In April 2019, Neil, who was working as a teacher in Doha, Qatar, rolled over in bed after a long day at work and felt something unusual. A self-check revealed a hard lump in one of his testicles.

The next morning, the now 41-year-old from Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, spoke to his wife Zoe, who urged him to see a doctor. An ultrasound confirmed the tumour and within a week he was in surgery to remove his left testicle.

“It was all very quick,” Neil told The Herald. “The biopsy showed it was a fast-growing cell type, so they gave me two rounds of chemotherapy as well. It was a traumatic time — for me, my wife and my family. Those first four weeks were particularly hard. I was constantly worried and struggled to process what was happening.”

Neil credits his mum — a breast cancer survivor — with encouraging him and his brother to regularly check themselves. That habit may have saved his life.

“I didn’t realise testicular cancer mainly affects younger men,” he said. “In my head, cancer was something for older people. I would advise anyone with concerns to get checked out straight away. Catching it early meant it could be treated fast and stopped from spreading.”

His experience reflects a wider lack of awareness among young men. A recent Movember survey found that 61% of men aged 16 to 40 didn’t know their age group was at risk of testicular cancer — which is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men aged 15 to 39 globally.

Despite the importance of early detection, the survey found that:

• 17% of young men feel unsure how to check their testicles
• 26% feel very confident
• 51% feel somewhat confident
• 5% have no idea at all

Worryingly, 15% of young men never check themselves, and only 20% do so once a month.

When asked why they might not go to a doctor after finding something unusual, 18% said they would be afraid it was something serious, 23% said they wouldn’t go unless there was pain, and 22% would wait until it got “really serious.” Still, 67% said they would make a doctor’s appointment if something didn’t feel normal.

This April, during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, the global men’s health charity Movember is encouraging men to “Know Thy Nuts” — a campaign aimed at helping men get familiar with what’s normal and what to do if something feels off.

A recent survey by the charity found that 84% of men who visited Movember’s testicular health guide felt more confident performing self-checks afterwards.

Professor Simon Rice, Global Director of the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, said: “Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is about taking control of your health. The simplest action young men can take is to get to know their nuts. That way, if they notice any changes, they can see a doctor. When caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable.”

Movember is urging men to take a few minutes this month to check themselves, learn what’s normal, and encourage others to do the same. Visit the Know Thy Nuts website to find out more.

The Herald understands that 70 men died of testicular cancer in the UK in 2019 — an average of nearly six each month. That year, the death rate was 0.2 per 100,000 men.

Movember has invested in more than 25 testicular cancer projects worldwide and has also developed its Nuts & Bolts support hub, co-designed with survivors to offer advice, resources and a sense of community.

THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.

The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.

The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”

Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.

“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”

The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.

“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.

Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.

Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”

Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”

James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”

And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”

Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.