DR RICHARD LEWIS has announced his retirement as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, bringing a 25-year policing career to a close.

The force, which serves Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, will now begin the search for his successor.

Chief Constable Lewis, who was born and raised in west Wales and has worked across all four counties, described leading the force as “the professional privilege of my life.”

He said: “I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing. It has been a real honour to work alongside PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, a true leader and nationally important figure in Wales who has invested so much in the development of Dyfed-Powys and the safety of its communities.

“I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next Chief Constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18% over the past 12 months – by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales.”

Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn paid tribute to Dr Lewis, praising his leadership during a period of major change.

Mr Llywelyn said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.

“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through significant transformation over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to our communities.

“During his tenure, Dr Lewis has overseen a major force review, delivering essential reforms that achieved £10 million in savings. He has also modernised the force’s infrastructure, including the introduction of a new crime records management system – a critical step in addressing HMICFRS concerns about data integrity.”

The Commissioner confirmed that the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will begin in the coming weeks.

Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary Chief Constable until a permanent appointment is made.

Mr Llywelyn added: “On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I thank Richard for his service and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”

Haverfordwest Tennis Club is celebrating game, set and match this week following the official switch on of its new LED floodlighting system.

The installation project over courts one and two was led by chairman Dean Richards, with valuable contributions from Laura Davies and Heath Coombes in the application process and marks several years of painstaking work by the club committee.

And what makes the project even more special is that it coincides with the club celebrating its 90th anniversary at the Parade.

The LED lights were primarily funded by a grant from the county council’s Enhancing Pembrokeshire Fund with match-funding from the Sport Wales Be Active Fund and the Haverfordwest  tennis club and are a welcome addition with the club now boasting over 300 junior and adult members.

The next part of the project will involve creating step-free access to court one to enable wheelchair tennis to take place, making the sport accessible to all.

The lights were officially switched on by club president Brian Hearne.

“I’m aware that there have been challenges in the process of this installation and it’s needed a great deal of time and effort from a lot of people,” commented Brian Hearne.

“I want to congratulate the chairman Dean Richards and his committee on their initiative and commitment to ensure the completion of this project, which is an outstanding achievement.

“I’m sure the members will appreciate this extra playing time these lights will provide and that the club will continue to provide excellent facilities for its increased membership.”

The ceremony was attended by county councillor Thomas Tudor.

““Pembrokeshire County Council is delighted to provide some of the funding for this amazing project which is to the benefit of everybody in Haverfordwest,” he said.

“The Parade is definitely a jewel in the town’s crown.”

Two of Wales’ finest seafood delicacies – the Pembrokeshire rock oyster and the Pembrokeshire native oysters – have officially been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which is the UK’s mark of authenticity, regional identity and quality.

This recognition celebrates the pristine waters and rich biodiversity of Angle Bay, at the mouth of the Cleddau Estuary in Pembrokeshire where they are grown in Class A waters surrounded by seagrass beds in a Special Area of Conservation.

 The PGI recognition is a proud milestone for the partnership between oyster farmer Dr Andy Woolmer of Tethys Oysters Ltd and shellfish processor and distributor Jake Davies of Atlantic Edge Shellfish. Together, they manage the entire journey from seed to plate, comprising the growing, harvesting, purifying and distributing of the oysters with minimal environmental impact.

“We’re delighted that our oysters have gained PGI status,” said Dr Andy Woolmer, who is the founder of Tethys Oysters. “This is a recognition of both the unique flavour of our oysters and the sustainable way in which we farm them. And PGI now helps to protect that identity.  We hope this will encourage more chefs and food lovers to discover what makes Pembrokeshire oysters so special.”

 The Pembrokeshire Rock Oysters are available all year-round and are prized for their delicate clean brine, cucumber freshness and subtle citrus notes while the Pembrokeshire Native Oysters are harvested between September and April and are known for their meaty texture, umami depth and vibrant marine overtones.  And according to the experts, these really are the “oyster lover’s oyster”.

Both have won Great Taste Awards and are now being served in top restaurants across the UK, particularly in London, with growing interest from seafood connoisseurs and sustainability-minded chefs.  These include Douglas Balish, who is the Executive Chef at The Grove Hotel in Narberth.

“Pembrokeshire Native Oysters are something really special,” he said.  “They have a punchy ozone flavour and an incredible crunchy texture which means they really are a true delicacy.

PGI status protects the name “Pembrokeshire Oysters” in law, ensuring that only oysters grown and processed in the designated area – and to the approved specification – can use the name. It safeguards the heritage and quality of this small Welsh industry, while helping customers make informed, provenance-led choices.

“This is a win for Pembrokeshire, for Wales, and for sustainable aquaculture,” said Jake Davies. “We’re proud to fly the flag for Welsh seafood and hope more people will now seek out Pembrokeshire Oysters, whether at their local fishmonger or on the best restaurant menus.”