News
DJ Tommo: Tributes to a big personality with a massive heart
TRIBUTES are flooding in this evening after the death of popular Cardigan DJ ’Tommo’.
The Cardigan-born radio presenter hosted shows for Radio Cymru and Nation Radio, and was also a stadium announcer at Wales’ home football matches and at Parc y Scarlets rugby ground in Llanelli.
It was only in the last few days that he had he was planning to make a return to Radio Pembrokeshire and Radio Carmarthenshire.
Former colleague and manager Carl Hartley said Tommo was “a lovely person, a big personality with a massive heart.”
He went on to say: “He would light up a room whenever he walked in with his booming gruff voice.
“There was the creative and fun Tommo that brought a smile to everyone’s face, but he was also so sensitive and caring. His love for Donna and Cian shone through everytime he spoke about them.
Some of my best broadcasting memories involve him, from a spoof James Bond video to a sun dance in the rain in just a towel after a very wet summer in Pembrokeshire. He was totally mad.
“The entertainment world in Wales has lost such a talented man, who was taken from us far too soon.”
Marc Tierney, who also worked with Tommo said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the untimely passing of local legend.
“I first met Tommo when he joined Radio Pembrokeshire – I had to ‘manage’ him! – what seems like a very long time ago now. Words you could use to sum up Tommo – wild, caring and genuine.”
“He will be remembered fondly by so very many people across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire but Donna and Cian – our thoughts are with you at this sad time.”
Scarlets posted this evening: “We are devastated to hear that the voice of Parc y Scarlets, Andrew ’Tommo’ Thomas has passed away suddenly. Tommo was a hugely popular figure as the Parc y Scarlets matchday announcer, a passionate Scarlets fan who brought his huge character and energy to every match.”
Former Nation Radio Sales Manager Kevin Hire said: “I think God has just won a Radio licence and wanted the best presenters to host the Breakfast show and Late night show on Heaven FM
“Because hes taken two of the best in a matter of days in Chris Needs and today. The world is a lesser place without you in it mate.
“We will all miss your larger than life character, you made the people who knew you feel special and loved. I hope and pray that you are cwtching your Dad tonight.,RIP my friend.”
More recently, Tommo had been doing promotional work for CK Foodstores. Richard Arnold, on behalf of CK Foodstores told said: “We were with him from 6.30am this morning though to 2pm. He was on amazing form, and we’ve hours of footage to prove it.
“We’ve been working with him for almost two years now, he was wonderful with our staff, our suppliers and our customers, and went way beyond what was asked of him at every turn.
“He will leave a huge hole in so many lives, not least ours.
“We were due to meet up on Thursday to record more material with another supplier.
“He left us at the top of his game, with a huge lust for life, and delighted to be back on the radio too.
“Our thoughts are with his wonderful family, and his legion of friends.”
The one-time local footballer launched his broadcasting career with Radio Ceredigion whilst still working as a postman in his home town.
Ceredigion MS Elin Jones said: “Such sad news of Tommo’s death.
“A natural radio DJ on Radio Ceredigion and Radio Cymru. He had a big voice and a big heart.
“Cardigan is a quieter town tonight.
“My thoughts are with his dear family.”
Education
More Pembrokeshire schools championing going mobile phone free
SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire are leading the way in reducing issues with mobile phones with the Council among the first in Wales to develop a policy to support it.
The rationale behind the policy is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and devices that presents significant challenges to how pupils behave and learn in school settings.
Increasingly, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the unchecked use of mobile phones in schools is having a detrimental impact on pupils’ mental health and academic progress, while also draining the energy of school staff who must manage resulting problems.
As well as distraction by normal messaging there are the risks of bullying, sexting or sharing inappropriate chats and images.
Education officers set up a Local Authority and Schools working group to develop guidance on removing mobile phones during the school day following the success Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi had when it was introduced last year.
Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High, Pembroke Dock Community School and Gelliswick VC Primary School were involved in the group which has developed mobile phones guidance for schools to introduce this academic year.
Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “Establishing good habits in primary school to be mobile free supports the transition into secondary schools with the same policy.
“Nearly all Pembrokeshire schools prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day, which has helped learners have a clearer focus on their work and reduces distractions. In addition the policy reduces the risk of any inappropriate use. The policy has been working well and will have long term benefits all round.”
Rachel Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi added: “The prohibited use of mobile phones and storage of them during lesson time has changed our entire school community’s safeguarding, wellbeing and learning environment completely.
“My latest mantra is that we live in a society where children are banned from playing conkers but are allowed mobile phones and online devices which put their safeguarding, wellbeing and childhood at risk.”
Funds have also been allocated to support schools with the logistics of removing phones, such as storage facilities, and all secondary schools are now implementing or are planning to introduce the policy guidance this year.
Sean Thomas, Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour, Culture and Ethos at Milford Haven School said: “As a school, we anticipated this policy being challenging to implement, at least for the first few weeks. However, the pupils, staff and parents have bought into it fantastically, it has been a huge success.
“Pupils and staff have all commented on an increased focus during lessons, less distractions and a calmer environment.”
The Prefect Team, Communications Team and Headteacher collaborated to create a fun and informative video for social media, addressing concerns about the new mobile phone policy after the pupil voice session to ensure pupils felt heard and informed about the changes ahead.
Headteacher Ceri-Ann Morris added: “I am extremely proud of how our pupils have embraced this positive change. Listening to our pupil voice prior to implementing the new policy has been instrumental in its success as their input and cooperation have helped shape a smoother, more positive transition for everyone.
“The Prefect Team did a wonderful job addressing concerns from our pupil voice in a fantastic video that was released to parents and pupils prior to the new policy being in place. We have seen tremendous positive impact in classrooms as pupils are more focused and an increase in social interactions at break. The feedback from staff, parents, and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Our schools are leading the way in improving safety and learning for their learners, this mobile phone policy supports them in this work to protect young people.
“‘I’d like to thank all those involved in developing and implementing this new and effective policy.”
Business
Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city
CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.
The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.
UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.
Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”
The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.
With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.
Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.
Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.
With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.
Business
Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December
THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.
In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.
Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:
“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”
Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”
The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.
For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.
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