News
Hayscastle Cross: Congratulations from chairman as Mrs Mair Scale celebrates 100th birthday
A North Pembrokeshire woman has celebrated her 100th birthday.
Mrs Mair Scale marked the occasion with a party at The Harp Inn, Letterston, on Sunday.
Among visitors to Mrs Scale’s home at Penlan, Hayscastle Cross, was Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Dr Simon Hancock, who presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
Born at Penlan, Mathry, Mrs Scale was married to Mr Parry Scale who predeceased her.
They farmed together at Priskilly Fawr and Mabws Fawr before they retired to Delfyn, Hayscastle.
Mrs Scale moved to her present address 20 years ago.
A great-great-grandmother, she is a member of Noddfa Newton Chapel and the Hayscastle Over 55 Club.
She has two daughters: Stella who lives in Letterston and Helen in London.
Farming
Welsh Government pressed on impact of new farming tax
THE Welsh Government have been urged to clarify how many farms in Wales will be affected by the Family Farm Tax.
The calls come after farming unions rebuked claims from the UK Labour Government and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens that only a minority of farmers will be affected by the new inheritance tax rules.
The UK Labour Government has come under heavy criticism following the announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that farmers would have to pay a 20% tax on farms worth more than £1m.
When questioned on Sunday Politics about the potential impact of the new tax laws on Welsh Farmers, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens claimed that “Three quarters of farmers will be unaffected”.
The treasury has yet to publish an estimate around the impact that the new tax laws will have on Welsh farms.
Both the FUW and NFU Cymru have expressed their concerns at the changes made by the UK Government, stating that it will cause “lasting damage to Welsh farming.”
The Welsh Lib Dems have now called on the Welsh Government to clarify how many farms in Wales will be impacted by the new Family Farm Tax rules.
Party leader Jane Dodds MS has written to the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw Irranca-Davies to express her concern over the “untold damage that farming communities throughout Wales will face as a consequence of the UK Government’s most recent budget”.
In the same letter, Jane Dodds MS pressed Mr Irranca-Davies to confirm how many Welsh farms will be affected by the new inheritance laws.
“We cannot afford to leave our farming communities in the dark when it comes to the impact of this potentially devasting new tax law” said Jane Dodds MS.
Both our farmers and the Welsh Public deserve to know the truth that lies behind Labour’s claims that only a small amount of farmers will be impacted by the Family Farm Tax. Claims that, I should add, have already been disputed by both NFU Cymru and the FUW.
The uncertainty surrounding these new inheritance laws will place more unnecessary pressure on farmers across Wales, many of whom are already struggling under a cloud of financial pressures.”
Community
Sunderland flying boat database will tell stories of the past
AVIATION researchers are aiming sky high with an unique database tracing the remarkable story of the Short Sunderland flying boat and those involved in its long service, in peacetime and war.
The database, to become part of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre Archive, is being compiled by Chris Osborne and John Evans. To date over 12,000 individual names have been listed along with incidents involving hundreds of Sunderlands.
Chris’ fascination all began when he inherited the flying logbook of his grandfather, Mal Osborne, of Swansea. Starting with tracing the stories of each Sunderland Mal flew, and the crewmen he flew with, it rapidly expanded to include Sunderland losses, incidents, rescues and encounters with enemy submarines and aircraft.
“Out of 749 Sunderlands built my grandfather flew 32 of them, including the two preserved examples in UK museums,” said Chris, who lives in London. “He flew with 201 Squadron RAF and had a special connection with Pembroke Dock and also Castle Archdale in Northern Ireland.”
In over 40 years of aviation research – when mostly living in Pembroke Dock – John has amassed a large collection of photographs, records and memorabilia on flying boats, now part of the Heritage Centre collection.
“In the 1980s and 1990s,when Pembroke Dock staged several reunions for flying boat personnel, I met and corresponded with so many people directly involved with these special aircraft and who generously let me access their photographs and records,” said John
Pembroke Dock had a huge part in the Sunderland story, the aircraft serving locally for nearly 20 years, up to 1957.
Chris and John’s project has taken off with the key support of the Heritage Centre’s Collections Team, particularly Volunteer Ken Edwards. A former RAF serviceman, Ken is digitalising John’s aviation archive, a project which has already taken seven years.
“This is growing all the time and will always be added to,” said Chris and John. “The Heritage Centre receives many enquiries relating to Sunderlands and airmen and this database will offer opportunities to find out more about each aircraft and individuals who played their parts in the long story of a famous aircraft.”
(Pic: Martin Cavaney)
News
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code
PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and conservation organisations. This voluntary code, developed in collaboration with local operators, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and the RSPB, plays a crucial role in supporting the sustainable enjoyment of Pembrokeshire’s coastline by minimising disturbance to sensitive marine species and habitats.
Originally established to address the challenges of increasing recreational pressure, the Marine Code provides practical guidelines to help visitors and local communities enjoy the coastline responsibly. By promoting best practices in marine recreation, the Code assists in protecting the unique biodiversity of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The recent updates make the Pembrokeshire Marine Code more accessible and user-friendly, with enhanced resources available online and on-site through beachside noticeboards and the Wales Coast Explorer App. These tools ensure that everyone can understand and follow the guidance to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer, highlighted the significance of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code: “As more people visit our stunning coastline, it’s essential that we protect the sensitive marine and coastal species within the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC. The Pembrokeshire Marine Code plays a vital role in guiding visitors on how to responsibly enjoy these areas, helping to sustain both recreational activities and our precious marine environment. The visibility of the Pembrokeshire Marine Code – through initiatives like beachside noticeboards and the Wales Coast Explorer App – has been instrumental in raising awareness, ensuring that more people understand the importance of protecting our marine habitats while enjoying all that Pembrokeshire has to offer.”
Kate Lock, Skomer Marine Conservation Zone Officer for Natural Resources Wales, also emphasised the Code’s value:
“Natural Resources Wales works to protect and enhance Wales’ natural environments, and the Pembrokeshire Marine Code is an essential tool in ensuring that our marine wildlife and habitats are protected. By supporting the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, we help reduce disturbance to sensitive species, aligning with our conservation goals and helping the public enjoy the coast responsibly.”
James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, highlighted the Code’s alignment with regenerative tourism principles:
“The Pembrokeshire Marine Code represents best practice in the joint management of recreational pressures along our precious coastline. It continues to offer a balanced approach to supporting outdoor recreation providers, as a pivotal sector within the wider visitor economy, whilst safeguarding our fragile flora and fauna which needs protecting now more than ever. The Pembrokeshire Marine Code embodies the Park Authority’s commitment to regenerative tourism principles by ensuring that we leave the National Park in a better condition than we found it and, for this reason, it is vital that we all continue to support the Marine Code in retaining the highest standards of practice possible.”
By assisting in minimising disturbance and promoting education, the Pembrokeshire Marine Code is a key element of PCF’s Responsible Recreation programme. Its continued support from organisations like Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, RSPB, Wildlife Trust, and the National Trust underscores its effectiveness in fostering sustainable coastal recreation.
For more information on the Pembrokeshire Marine Code and the latest updates, visit www.pembrokeshiremarinecode.org.uk.
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