News
Judge orders eggs business to pay over £4,500
THE OWNER of a Pembrokeshire free-range egg packing station pleaded guilty to three food hygiene offences when he appeared before a Judge at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court last Thursday.
Havard Evans, 52, was the owner of Pennsylvania Farm Free Range Eggs in Hayscastle when the offences took place in May 2012 and February 2013. District Judge David Parsons fined Evans £1080 per charge and ordered him to pay £1,200 costs and a victim surcharge of £108, totalling £4,548. The business has since been relocated to Crundale where it continues to be operated by Havard Evans and now has the top rating of five under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. The court heard that following a complaint in May 2012, officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Division visited the premises and carried out a full investigation. They found evidence of significant pest proofing issues within the packing station and rat holes in store rooms directly adjacent to the packing station. The floors, walls and ceiling in the packing station were extremely dirty and there was evidence of dead insects found on the floor. The rough concrete floor covering in the wash up room was impossible to maintain in a clean condition and the wooden wall coverings in the wash up room and the painted wall finish in the packing room were smeared and dirty and could not be maintained in a clean condition. There was also water leaking from the pipes under the sink and the overhead water pipe. Havard Evans pleaded guilty to a failure to ensure that the layout, design, construction, siting and size of his food premises permitted good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and, in particular, pest control (in May 2012) and a failure to ensure that his premises were kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition (in both May 2012 and February 2013). After the hearing, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Councillor Huw George, said: “All food businesses, including activities such as packing stations, must take all necessary measures to protect food from contamination risks. “The public are not there to see the hygiene standards at the premises and rely on the integrity of the business and the local authority to ensure its regulation, so that the public are protected. “The Authority will not hesitate to take action when serious contraventions of the legislation are discovered.” Following the initial inspection the premises received a zero rating (‘urgent improvements needed’) under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, and immediate improvements were sought by officers to address the main areas of risk. The premises received a further zero rating at the subsequent ‘rescore’ inspection requested by Havard Evans. Ratings issued after the November 28, 2013, are required to be displayed on food premises by law, allowing consumers to make an informed choice.
Crime
Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision
OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.
A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.
The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.
Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”
The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.
Charity
Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim
A RECORD-BREAKING number of 1,150 festive bathers have had a splashing time in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim this morning.
The fancy dress theme of Superheroes – in tribute to the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year – saw Batman, The Incredibles, Wonderwoman and a whole crew of emergency services dashing into the chilly water of Tenby’s North Beach.
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there amongst the huge crowds to cheer the brave bathers on their way.
The swim will be one to remember forever for one duo of dippers as they got engaged following a surprise proposal on the sand.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Philip Frith, 34, made one of his best-ever moves when he popped the question to his girlfriend, former professional dancer Victoria Tansey, 34, who is originally from Hakin.
Said swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: “”Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
The swim has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history, and this yeae’s event will see Tenby RNLI as the main beneficiary.
Town mayor Dai Morgan said: ”It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause. I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”
The mayor’s daughter, 18-year-old Erin Morgan, who is Tenby’s town crier, gave a special ‘cry’ to welcome the swim.
Swim chairman Sam supervised 10-year-old Sam Fecci as he fired the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, Stuart, who was not well enough to attend.
Festive tunes and a lively commentary from DJ Steve Briers ramped up the atmosphere on the beach and swimmers emerged from the sea to be presented with commemorative medals and warm up with hot soup donated by the Giltar Hotel and served up by Tenby and District Lions.
‘Taking the plunge’ at a festive swim in Wales this morning meant more than just a dip in the sea for one happy couple.
As hundreds of Boxing Day bathers at the legendary event in Tenby dashed for the water, a magical moment was happening between Victoria Tansey and Philip Frith.
Philip, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria, 37, to marry him.
Fortunately, she said an ecstatic ‘yes’ to the carefully-planned proposal, which saw the couple’s special song Ocean Eyes y Billie Eilish sound out over the beach as the newly-engaged couple celebrated with a splash in the sea.
As a former Royal Marine Philip – who is now a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach – has faced some scary situations in his life but the Boxing Day proposal was up there with the most nail-biting.
“I’ve been so nervous/special moment.
Victoria, originally from Hakin, Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, worked as a professional dancer – appearing on the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Pineapple Dance Studio: Survival of the Fittest -and before setting up her own entertainment agency.
Although now living in Guildford with Philip, she has always loved returning to her Pembrokeshire roots
“When we first met, Victoria couldn’t wait to show me all around Pembrokeshire and we have made the trip as often as work would allow us, to visit her family, go beach hopping and take in the breathtaking scenery,” said Philip.
“I absolutely love sea swimming, I believe that it is so worthwhile for your body and mind, however Victoria has never been one to enjoy the cold!
“So, on our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship!
“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”
Victoria’s mum and her childhood best friend , Sean Griffiths – who she set up Milford Haven’s Unison Dance Group with in 2004 –were on the beach to watch the proposal, with Sean bringing along the engagement ring in his pocket to fellow swimmers crowded round to congratulate Victoria and Philip, and swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall laughed: “Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
Images: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.
The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.
This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.
For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.
Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.
Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.
-
News7 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Community7 days ago
Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire
-
Business6 days ago
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
-
Community6 days ago
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
-
Charity7 days ago
Flats for veterans to be built at VC Gallery, Pembroke Dock
-
Entertainment7 days ago
Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration
-
Crime7 days ago
Police renew appeal to find Darren Markes from Pembroke Dock
-
Community2 days ago
Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor