News

Exciting but challenging times ahead for new Superintendent

Published

8 years ago

August 29, 2018

THE CHALLENGE of a digital revolution, maintaining the basics of policing, and continuing the legacy of his predecessor – the new Superintendent for Dyfed-Powys Police’s Pembrokeshire division has spoken of his hopes and priorities as he takes the reigns.

Ross Evans began his career with the force 16 years ago as an officer in Llanelli. He has since worked in three of the four divisions, spending time on the beat, as well as heading up major investigations as a Detective Chief Inspector in CID.

He now returns to the county he grew up in, leading a team of officers and staff in Pembrokeshire. Looking back, he says joining the police was something he wanted to do from a young age.

“Surprisingly, it was policing or teaching for me”, the father-of-two said. “I won the Bobby Busters quiz with my team at school, and I kept the plaque on my shelf. We had an officer who came into school to give us talks and advice, and I think it stuck in my mind as a career. Funnily enough, when I joined the force I was given his collar number.

“Being out on division in uniform is what I wanted to do when I joined. I was born and bred in this area, so I have a huge affinity with Pembrokeshire. I now have a chance to reconnect with the public and their priorities.

“It’s completely different being in uniform to being in CID. As a detective you’re working on individual cases and have an impact on their outcome, but now I feel like I have a chance to have a positive effect on people’s day-to-day lives, and make a difference to the community.”

While Supt Evans can claim the fame of winning the Bobby Busters school quiz all those years ago, it was his predecessor – outgoing Pembrokeshire Superintendent Ian John – who was instrumental in setting the scheme up for Dyfed-Powys.

“There are a lot of cross-overs in policing – it really is like being part of a big family,” he said.

“I always wanted to be a policeman when I was a child, but it didn’t happen straight away. I worked a lot of different jobs – on the bins, in a pub, I sold insurance, worked on building sites – you name it, I did it! But being an officer was something I always wanted to do, and the police service has been fantastic for 30 years.

“I feel really lucky to have worked in every county in the force, as well as headquarters, but it is time to move on.”

Since joining the force 30 years ago, Supt John – who retires in September – has been involved in a number of major cases, including the search for April Jones in Machynlleth and the subsequent murder investigation, but says it is the people and the environment that make the job what it is.

“I have a lot of standout memories, but the biggest satisfaction is when you see people like Ross who come into the force and are consistently trying to do their best,” he said. “There have been a lot of big jobs over the years, but having been a superintendent for many years and having the opportunity to influence and create an environment for people to give their best is a buzz.

“The greatest satisfaction is knowing you have done your bit.”

Looking forward, both officers agreed that it is an exciting but difficult time for the police service, with different types of crime emerging at a fast pace – particularly with a growing number of offences being committed online.

“We need to keep adapting,” Supt Evans said. “It’s an exciting time, but also a time where there are a lot of changes coming. Digital developments are probably the main challenge – both internally and externally.

“We’re going through a digital revolution, and we need to keep doing the basics of policing and keeping things simple, but we will need to police differently as more and more crime is committed online. It is a lot harder to keep people safe and to protect people when they can become victims of crime in their own homes over the internet. We need to work with our partners to combat these threats, and that’s what I will be looking to progress.”

Following a handover period, Supt Evans will officially take over on September 20. From then he will be responsible for setting strategy, standards and day-to-day operational policy in Pembrokeshire.

He said: “I’m excited and proud – and I know I have a lot to live up to. I’m going to do my best to do the very best job I can. We have got an excellent team of people here, and it’s my job to keep building the momentum that Ian has started.

“Ian leaves a significant legacy, and we all recognise that he has done a huge amount for the county. He has created the right environment for me to come into, and to pick up where he left off. We all wish him well for the future.”

And as he leaves with the intention of enjoying the Ryder Cup and spending time with his family, Supt Ian John added: “My parting shot would be – let’s not overcomplicate things. There are tough times coming for a lot of services, but let’s not forget what our core service it, and make sure we are delivering it.”

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

15 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.

Crime

Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby

Published

17 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Community

Letterston Fun Week raises more than £2,500 in memory of Mabli

Published

54 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LETTERSTON came together for a packed week of entertainment, sport and community spirit, raising more than £2,500 in memory of local girl Mabli.

Letterston Fun Week featured a treasure hunt, bingo, pool, junior football, men’s and ladies’ darts, a quiz night and children’s disco, before concluding with a hugely successful Fun Day.

Organiser Tim Evans thanked the volunteers, performers, sponsors and residents who helped make the week possible, describing the support received at every event as “incredible”.

The Fun Day began with a chicken wing challenge, won by Shaun McVey of Letterston, before young singers Arthur, Mila, Etta and Nancie from Ysgol Ger y Llan took to the stage alongside Cassidy from Tonna.

They were followed by dancers from the Lowri Jones School of Dance, who performed in front of a packed field.

Live music came from Chrissy D and Steve Bartram, while children were entertained by Crazy Clayton.

As the evening continued, the Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club Choir delivered what organisers described as an outstanding performance.

Local band Roccanna then took to the stage, led by Letterston’s own Tristan Mansell, before headline act Forever Elton brought the celebrations to a close with a tribute to the music of Elton John.

Tim said: “This year has been a challenging one to organise, with plenty of obstacles along the way, but seeing the whole week come together so successfully made every bit of hard work worthwhile.

“To every volunteer who helped set up, sold raffle tickets and programmes, marshalled events, cleared away afterwards or simply stepped in wherever needed, I honestly could not be prouder.

“You worked your socks off to give Letterston an event to be proud of, and I cannot thank you enough.”

More than £2,500 has already been raised, with organisers expecting the final total to increase as the remaining proceeds are counted.

Fun Week is held each year in memory of Mabli, whose life continues to be celebrated by the Letterston community.

Paying tribute, Tim added: “Rob, Gwen and all the family, it is a privilege for us to organise this event each year and create a day where Mabli’s life can be celebrated by the whole community.

“We send you all our love and look forward to doing it all again next year.”

Organisers thanked everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, performed, sponsored or supported the events.

Letterston Fun Day will return on Saturday, July 17, 2027.