News

Politicians question Hart’s £800 tickets and hospitality from bank firm

Published

6 years ago

July 19, 2018

SIMON HART MP has been embroiled in controversy as it has emerged he accepted £800 worth of hospitality from a bank who has recently shut branches in the county.

Earlier this year, Mr Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, hosted a high profile public meeting with NatWest and local community leaders in what appeared to be an attempt to prevent the bank closing branches in Pembroke and Narberth.

It followed similar closures in St. Clears and Whitland, which have left many rural towns without any banking infrastructure, a move which has dismayed and angered local small businesses. Branches have been replaced with a weekly 45 minute mobile bank visit.

Mr Hart also expressed dismay that the mobile NatWest bank in Narberth is going to be placed on the outskirts of town and not in the High Street or the main town car park.

Yet The Parliamentary Register of Members’ Financial Interests shows that Mr Hart accepted £800 worth of tickets and hospitality to attend test match cricket at Lords from NatWest’s parent company, The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Local Labour Politicians Cllr Vic Dennis and Parliamentary Candidate Marc Tierney say that they are shocked Mr Hart would accept such a substantial gift when businesses and the wider community are unhappy at the way the big banks are treating rural constituencies like Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Vic Dennis said: “During our meeting, called by Simon Hart, I made it clear he should lobby the Treasury to tell RBS and NatWest to think again before proceeding with their closure programme. The closure of NatWest in Narberth also meant the removal of the town’s last remaining ATM on the High Street.

“I’m assured by businesses and customers that Narberth was a busy branch but our MP has failed to do what he set out to do, retain the bank and protect our most rural towns.

“I was horrified to learn that our MP has been accepting gifts of this nature particularly whilst this closure programme was underway.”

Marc Tierney said: “Our rural, coastal constituency deserves the best public representation. Local voters will be rightly feel betrayed by the insensitive actions of their Tory MP, who on the one hand is courting publicity for appearing to listen to local concerns, meanwhile when he is away in Westminster is accepting very generous donations from a bank who is actively acting against local interests.”

Mr Hart was not available for comment on the issue.

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.