News
Vaughan Gething visits new social care schemes in Pembrokeshire

NEW health and social care projects in Pembrokeshire were under the spotlight yesterday (Wednesday) as Welsh Government Minister Vaughan Gething paid a visit to Havenhurst residential home in Milford Haven.
The Minister for Health and Social Services was given a tour of several innovative schemes on the site delivered largely through the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund (ICF), which aims to provide integrated and preventative services through regional partnership boards.
Among the projects is a new bungalow development equipped with cutting-edge technology, which will enable individuals to be supported within the community as an alternative to hospital admission.
The Minister also heard about the work of the 3 rd sector prevention’s programme in the county; encouraging volunteering, increasing citizen participation, signposting to information and assistance to prevent social isolation and promote independence.

Vaughan Gething AM sharing a joke with George, a visitor to Havenhurst day
centre.
The programme includes close working between Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Service (PAVS) and Swansea University to embed the ‘Most Significant Change’ technique to evaluate the impact and benefit these projects have from the perspective of the person
receiving them.
Christopher Davies, Intermediate Care Project Manager for Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda, explained to the Minister how the bungalows fit in with Pembrokeshire County’s model of care which aims to provide seamless delivery of care across all partners and support for people at all stages of their life journey.
It forms an integral part of the Intermediate Care Strategy which has been developed collaboratively between the Local Authority, the Health Board and third sector partners.

Christopher Davies explaining more about the bungalow’s pioneering
technology and how the strengthening of integrated working between
services can enable people to be supported and recover in the
community.
“Our technology-enabled care project allows us to provide personalised and proactive support,” he said. “All of the schemes and projects shown today play a vital role in helping people live independently in their own homes for longer.”
The ICF-funded projects are set to be complemented by a new £12m Transformation Fund recently announced by the Welsh Government.
Christopher added that said the fund was a ‘once in a generation opportunity to accelerate the pace of change and integration of care in West Wales’.
“The funding enables us to build on changes implemented over the past few years and will be pivotal in allowing the regional partnership to develop the model in Pembrokeshire and across the entire region,” he said.
Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Services, said she was delighted to welcome Mr Gething to Pembrokeshire.
“There are so many innovative and exciting projects coming forward in Pembrokeshire and it was great to be able to showcase one of them to the Minster yesterday. The transformation fund gives us and our partners fantastic opportunities to implement new ideas and innovations.”
Community
Residents thanked as Carmarthen gas works completed on time

ESSENTIAL upgrade works to gas pipes in King Street, Carmarthen, have been completed on time and to plan, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.
The project, which began in early January, was part of the company’s programme to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses in the area—now and for years to come.
The company worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to coordinate traffic management throughout the scheme and minimise disruption.
Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, thanked local residents and traders for their patience.
He said: “We’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in everyday life—from heating homes and cooking meals to running hot baths. We understand how important it is that the supply is safe, reliable and there when you need it.
“This work will keep gas flowing safely to homes and businesses today, while also helping to prepare the network to carry hydrogen and biomethane in future, supporting the journey to a greener energy system.”
Crime
Tenby man charged after robbery incident

A MAN is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court next month after being charged in connection with a late-night incident in Tenby town centre.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that no one was injured during the disturbance, which took place at a restaurant in Tudor Square on the evening of Sunday, March 30.
Mohammed Miah, aged 44, has been charged with robbery, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and criminal damage.
He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, where he was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 2.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Show elects first joint presidents

DAIRY FARMERS TIM AND MARGARET JOHNS HONOURED BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
HAVERFORDWEST dairy farmers Tim and Margaret Johns have been unanimously elected as the first joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
The couple, who farm at Pencnwc in partnership with their son Graham, represent the third generation of their family to work the land. Their 550-acre holding in Castlemorris includes dairy cattle and the cultivation of both winter and spring cereals.
Margaret and Tim have a long-standing association with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show. Margaret, in particular, has achieved considerable success in equestrian showing at events including Royal Windsor, the Great Yorkshire Show, and the Royal Cornwall Show. She also founded and continues to run Castlemorris Equestrian and Pet Supplies from the farm.
Speaking following their appointment, Tim said: “Margaret and I work as a partnership. The County Show is a major part of Pembrokeshire and is an integral part of farming in the county. We are looking forward to the year ahead. We have chosen RABI and the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society as our charities to support over the next 12 months.”
During the Society’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Pembrokeshire Showground, Mr and Mrs James Evans were voted in as Presidents Elect.
Other appointments for 2025 include Miss Alys Owens, who was named as the Society’s Ambassador. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest and works for Castell Howell, is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She served as Club Secretary last year, a role for which she was named Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented musician, Alys plays the cornet with Goodwick Brass Band.
Outgoing President Adam Thorne used the occasion to thank all those who had supported him during his term in office.
Alys Owens, the 2025 Ambassador, is pictured between Margaret and Tim Johns, the 2025/26 Joint Presidents.
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