News

Frame boss and former council press officer recognised in New Year’s Honours list

Published

6 years ago

December 31, 2020

THE FOUNDER of a Pembrokeshire charity that employs and trains people with disabilities and learning difficulties has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

A former employee of Pembrokeshire County Council has also been awarded.

Jennifer Ann Sims, founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, has been recognised for her tireless work with a British Empire Medal (BEM). Ms Sims established the award-winning recycling social enterprise charity in 1994, helping to change the face of recycling and disability employment provision in the county. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 75-year-old sought grant funding to launch Pembrokeshire FRAME’s Bags of Care Community Fridge Scheme.

The Royal Victorian Order, is a dynastic order of knighthood established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch, and has been awarded to the recently retired press officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, Leonard (Len) Maurice Mullins, for ‘services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire.’

Mr Mullins is the only person in Wales to become a Member of the Royal Victorian Order this year.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, recognised for their extraordinary contributions in all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Public sector workers make up 14.8% of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers – all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to COVID-19.

An MBE goes to Special Chief Officer Mark Owen, who returned from retirement to lead the Special Constabulary’s response in North Wales.

An MBE goes to Karen McDowell for services to the LGBTQ community and fire service in Northern Ireland.

Charity Helpline Housing Adviser for Shelter Nadeem Khan receives a BEM – unable to return to the UK because of the Covid-19 pandemic, he worked from his personal laptop from a rooftop in Lahore, Pakistan delivering housing advice to over 500 people over three months via web chat to people over 5,000 miles away in the UK.

Included in the List are 123 (10%) health and social care workers – from British Red Cross Ambulance Crew to care home managers – all have played a part in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A BEM goes to Cath Fitzsimmons from Greater Manchester, a former palliative care nurse who came out of retirement for COVID-19.

Dr Azeem Alam, 28 years old from Harpenden, Herts receives the BEM for founding BiteMedicine, which provides free medical education for medical students, physician associates and aspiring doctors during COVID-19, teaching over 10,000 students worldwide via online, live webinars.

Deputy Director of Nursing Jacky Copping, 55 from Beccles, Suffolk, receives an MBE for initiating Face Fit Testing at the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ensuring that frontline workers were properly protected against Covid-19.

This Honours List highlights how Britain’s business sector has stepped up to deliver for the country during COVID-19. From small business owners diverting their resources or changing business models to support the response effort to supermarket workers making sure all their vulnerable customers were stocked up with essential items – this Honours List showcases 111 recipients (9%) being recognised for services to business and the economy.

Publican Caroline Halfhide, aged 51 from Ash in Somerset receives MBE for changing her pub into a village shop for residents to drastically minimise the need for travel to nearby towns for food and essentials.

Founder and CEO of Pembrokeshire Frame, Jennifer Sims, 76 years old, receives the BEM for launching #Bagsofcare Community Fridge Free Bags Scheme, providing hot meals and free bags of food to the vulnerable, the elderly and those struggling financially due to the pandemic.

The majority of awards are for the contributions people have made in their communities. Of those receiving an award, 65% are recognised for their community work.

Captain Emma Henderson, living in Moray in Scotland receives an MBE for founding Project Wingman, creating a first class lounge experience in hospitals in the UK for NHS workers.

The oldest person on the list is Anne Baker from Salisbury in Wiltshire, who at 106 years old receives an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC.

She is closely followed by 104 year old Ruth Saunders, receiving an MBE for walking a marathon to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The youngest recipient is 20 year old Samah Khalil, the Youth Mayor of Oldham. She receives a BEM for her work in empowering young people.

Architect David Chipperfield is awarded a Companion of Honour, for services to architecture.

Actor Sheila Hancock receives a damehood for services to drama and charity, as does conductor and musicologist Professor Jane Glover for services to music and make-up artist Patricia McGrath for services to the fashion, the beauty industry and to diversity.

A damehood is also awarded to Angela Eagle MP for parliamentary and political service. The Right Honourables Geoffrey Cox QC MP and Thomas Clarke MP receive knighthoods for parliamentary and political service, and public and political service respectively.

In sport, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs Robert Baxter receives an OBE and Captain Joe Simmonds receives a MBE, both for services to Rugby Union Football. Former professional rugby player Rob Burrow receives an MBE for the awareness he has raised around motor neuron disease particularly during the pandemic. MBEs are also awarded to former England footballers Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers for services to football.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.

“As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all.”

The full list of New Year’s Honours awarded to people in Wales.

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Professor Anthony Keith Campbell. Honorary Research Professor, School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University. For services to biochemistry. (Penarth)

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sara Louise Pepper. Director of Creative Economy, Cardiff University. For services to the creative economy. (Cardiff)

David Thomas Richards. Director of Governance and Ethics, Welsh Government. For public service. (Cardiff)

Emma Swingwood. Physiotherapist, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Physiotherapy. (Monmouthshire)

Giovanni Isingrini. Group Director and Deputy Chief Executive, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. For services to children in Wales. (Pontypridd)

Simon Keith Pirotte. Principal, Bridgend College. For services to further and higher education in Wales. (Ystradgynlais)

Susan Jane Husband. Director, Business in the Community, Cymru and lately Director, Employer and Employee Engagement, Education and Skills Funding Agency. For services to education. (Barry)

Carol Jane Mack. Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Foundations. For services to charity. (Barry)

Craig Stephenson. For services to parliament and to equality. (Penarth)

Professor Farah Naz Kausar Bhatti. Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. For services to diversity in the NHS in Wales. (Swansea)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Professor Laurence John Alison. Director of the National Centre for the Study of Critical Incident Decision Making, University of Liverpool. For services to critical incident handling and to the NHS during Covid-19 (Greenfield, Flintshire)

Mark Anthony Owen. Special Chief Officer, North Wales Police. For services to policing and to the community in north Wales, particularly during the Covid-19 Response (Llanynys, Denbighshire)

Reverend David John Goronwy Evans. For services to charity and to the community in Lampeter (Lampeter)

Thomas Huw Owen. Founder and managing director, Owens Group. For services to employment and to the community in Llanelli and South Wales (Llanelli)

Dr Lynn Elizabeth Sloman. Founder, Transport for Quality of Life. For services to transport. (Ceredigion)

Kathleen Beavan. For services to agriculture. (Abergavenny)

Professor Barbara Lesley Chadwick. Professor of Paediatric Dentistry and Director, Education and Students School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. For services to paediatric dental health. (Monmouthshire)

Richard Royce Lee QAM. Strategic Commander, St John Ambulance. For services to healthcare during Covid-19. (Caerphilly)

Simone Monique Roden. Headteacher, Ynysowen Community Primary School. For services to education in Aberfan. (Ebbw Vale)

Professor Tamas Szakmany. Critical Care Consultant, Royal Gwent Hospital. For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Newport)

Dr Stephanie Joy Tyler. For services to nature conservation in the UK and Africa. (Penallt, Monmouthshire)

Richard Paskell. Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team. For services to mountain rescue and to the community in South Wales. (Pontyclun)

Christine Powell. National Manager, 111 Wales, Welsh Ambulance Service. For services to healthcare and to the 111 service in Wales. (Bridgend)

Robert Andrew Robinson. For public and voluntary service in Powys. (Welshpool)

Professor Alka Surajprakash Ahuja. Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Wales). For services to the NHS during Covid-19. (Cardiff)

Shane Peter Andrews. Project Operations Interface Specialist, Network Rail. For services to diversity and to inclusion. (Cardiff)

Dr Fiona Charlton Jenkins. Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Interim Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. For services to healthcare. (Cardiff)

Judith Stella Rhys. For voluntary service to health and social care. (Cardiff)

Rosemary Bernadertte Stewart. Senior Private Secretary to the First Minister of Wales. For public service. (Cardiff)

Alan Thomas Curtis. For services to Welsh football. (Swansea)

Carol Cecilia Doggett. Senior Matron, Intensive Care, Morriston Hospital, Swansea. For services to leadership and nursing care for intensive care patients and staff, particularly during Covid-19. (Swansea)

Catherine Julie Palmer. Head, Change Governance, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. For services to motorists. (Swansea)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Vicki Broad. Head of Long Term Care, Hywel Dda University Health Board. For services to the NHS in Wales during the Covid-19 response. (Neath)

Robert Malcolm Davies. Special Constable, South Wales Police. For voluntary service to Policing. (Neath)

Reverend William Glynne George James. Principal Police Chaplain, South Wales Police. For services to Police Chaplaincy and to the community in Gorseinon, Swansea. (Swansea)

Karen Jane Kembery. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Neath Port Talbot Hospital. For services to Nursing in West Glamorgan. (Swansea)

Theresa Valerie Conway. Treasurer, Aberconwy Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. For services to People with Disabilities and to the community in Llandudno. (Conwy)

George Leonard Ellis. For services to Young People and to the community in Abergele (Conwy)

Professor Alexander Toogood. For services to People with Intellectual Disabilities. (Ruthin)

Richard Llewelyn Griffiths. Lifeboat Operations Manager, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station. For services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Wales. (Aberyswyth)

Sandra May Morgan. For political and public service in Wales. (Ammanford)

Lisa Jane Randell. Senior Support Worker. For services to Health and Social Care during the Covid-19 Response. (Carmarthenshire)

Helen Refna Williams. For services to Vulnerable Young Parents and to the Elderly in Borth during Covid-19. (Ceredigion)

Alexander John Anderson. For voluntary and charitable services to People with Autism in Caerleon. (Newport)

Sharon Higgins. For services to the Performing Arts in Newport. (Newport)

David Charles Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Michael John Knight. For voluntary service to Newport Community Cricket Club. (Newport)

Sharon Grace Thorpe. Clinical Team Leader, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. For services to Paramedics and Ambulance Staff. (Newport)

Richard Burnell. For services to Young People and to the community in Holyhead. (Anglesey)

Steven Jones. Systems Auditor and Analysis Manager, South Wales Police. For services to Policing. (Bridgend)

Dennis Murphy. For services to Veterans’ Football in Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan. (Merthyr Tydfil)

Jennifer Ann Sims. Chief Executive Officer, Pembrokeshire Frame. For voluntary service. (Milford Haven)

Lorna Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Brian Frederick Keylock. Fundraiser, Brecon and Sennybridge Branch, Cancer Research Wales . For voluntary and charitable services in Brecon. (Brecon)

Catherine Knapp-Evans. For services to the Arts and to the community in mid Wales. (Caersws)

Jeanne Olive Nuttall. Head, Service Nutrition and Dietetics, Powys Teaching Health Board. For services to Dietetics and Nutrition in Wales. (Llanidloes)

Margaret Sims. For voluntary service to the NHS and to the community in Bronllys, Wales. (Brecon)

Catharine Sinnadurai. For services to Dance Education, Training and Performance. (Brecon)

Harilal Narandas Patel. For services to Community Cohesion in Cardiff. (Cardiff)

David Lincoln Williams. For services to the Arts in Wales. (Cowbridge)

Queen’s Police Medal (QPM)

Sergeant Timothy John Barrell. South Wales Police

Royal Victorian Order

Leonard Maurice Mullins. For services to the Lieutenancy of Pembrokeshire. (Pembrokeshire)

Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal (QAM)

Lee David Brooks. Director of Operations, Frontline Emergency Ambulance Response, Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service and Clinical Contact Centre Services, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Clare Elizabeth Langshaw. Ambulance Operations Manager, Resilience and Specialist Operations, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Crime

Welsh-born woman Ruth Ellis granted pardon 71 years after execution

Published

12 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Last woman hanged in Britain receives conditional pardon after Government recognises domestic abuse and “profound injustice” of her death sentence

RUTH ELLIS , the last woman to be hanged in Britain, has been granted a conditional posthumous pardon more than 70 years after her execution.

Ellis was 28 when she was hanged at Holloway Prison in July 1955 after being convicted of murdering David Blakely, a racing driver with whom she had been in a violent and abusive relationship.

The pardon was granted by The King following advice from Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy. It follows an application made on behalf of four of Ellis’s grandchildren.

The Government said the case involved exceptional circumstances, including evidence of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour which would be understood very differently by the courts today.

Ellis shot Blakely on April 10, 1955. She was convicted of murder and executed on July 13 that year. No appeal was lodged and no reprieve was granted.

The conditional pardon does not overturn her conviction. Instead, it recognises that the death sentence itself was unjust, replacing it in legal effect with a sentence of life imprisonment.

Mr Lammy said: “We cannot change what happened seventy years ago. But we can recognise that this was an exceptional case. Today’s conditional pardon is an act of mercy. We hope it brings some measure of peace to Ruth’s family.”

Matrix Chambers, whose lawyers acted on the application, said Ellis had suffered “terrible abuse” by Blakely which affected her mental state and culpability, and that the full circumstances of the killing were not properly investigated or explored at trial.

The chambers said the case prompted widespread public condemnation at the time and helped accelerate the eventual abolition of capital punishment in Britain.

Ellis’s granddaughter Laura Enston said the pardon could not undo what happened, but formally acknowledged that Ellis should not have been executed and that the justice system had failed her.

The case has long been seen as one of the most controversial executions in modern British history, not only because Ellis was the last woman to be hanged, but because later accounts revealed the extent of the abuse she had suffered before the killing.

Under modern law, the Government said, Ellis may have been able to argue partial defences including loss of control or diminished responsibility. Had those arguments succeeded, her conviction could have been reduced from murder to manslaughter.

Lawyers Alex Bailin KC and Jessica Jones, of Matrix Chambers, were instructed by Mishcon de Reya on the application and acted pro bono.

Charity

Calls for Welsh Government action as horse tethering reports almost double

Published

12 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RSPCA Cymru warns heat and rising tethering cases could create a ‘deadly cocktail’ for horses across Wales

RSPCA CYMRU Senedd Members are calling for urgent Welsh Government action on horse tethering after reports to the charity almost doubled in a year.

The animal welfare charity received 122 reports concerning tethered horses across Wales in 2025, compared with 66 in 2024.

Since 2021, and up to June this year, the RSPCA has received 471 reports relating to horse tethering in Wales. A further 67 reports have already been made in 2026, with frontline rescuers expecting numbers to rise further during the summer months.

The charity has warned that high temperatures, combined with increased tethering, could create a “deadly cocktail” for horses left unable to seek shade, water or shelter.

Tethering involves restraining a horse with a rope, chain or strap attached to an anchor point in the ground. While the practice is not illegal in itself, owners have a legal duty to meet their animals’ welfare needs.

RSPCA Cymru says tethering can restrict a horse’s ability to exercise, forage, escape attacks from other animals, interact socially and access water or shade.

The Welsh Government’s Code of Practice for equine care states that tethering is “not a suitable method of management of an animal”, but the practice remains permitted in Wales.

Under the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities have powers to seize horses that are fly-grazing, abandoned or straying on public land without lawful authority.

RSPCA Cymru is urging councils to use those powers where appropriate to prevent welfare issues from escalating and to protect community safety.

The issue was raised in the Senedd on Tuesday, July 7, by Huw Thomas MS, Member of the Senedd for Caerdydd Penarth.

He said horse tethering was a matter of “real concern” to many of his constituents, particularly where horses are tethered along approach roads into Cardiff.

Mr Thomas said: “Horse tethering is an issue of real concern for many of my constituents in Caerdydd Penarth.

“Yet horses continue to be tethered along approach roads into Cardiff, creating welfare concerns, particularly during periods of extreme weather like the recent heat, while also posing a risk to motorists.

“Following the sad death of a horse struck by a vehicle earlier this year, and with public concern continuing to grow, it’s clear we need to look again at whether the current legislation is fit for purpose.

“I’d hoped for a stronger statement of support from the First Minister to my question, but I will nevertheless continue to press for action on the issue of tethering.”

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth acknowledged that while horse tethering is not illegal, it raises “significant welfare concerns”.

Mike Hedges MS, Member of the Senedd for Gŵyr Abertawe, has also recently called for a ban on tethering horses.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, said it was encouraging to see Senedd Members raising the issue.

She said: “Tethering is not compatible with good welfare, and RSPCA Cymru continually receives calls concerning horses left tethered across Wales.

“Our statistics clearly show that concerns from the public and reports are rising each year, with the number having nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025.

“Clearly, Welsh Government action is increasingly urgent, and we welcome the new First Minister’s acknowledgement of the welfare issues associated with tethering.”

She said tethering should only ever be used for short periods where a horse is being given access to grazing.

She added: “For the remainder of the day, the horse should have access to shelter, opportunities to freely roam, forage and, where suitable, interact with other horses.

“We understand it can be hugely frustrating to animal lovers when they report animals being kept in conditions which they do not approve of but which meet the minimum legal standards, for example, when horses are tethered.

“It is upsetting to our officers too, many of whom are horse owners themselves, as they can only act within the law.”

RSPCA Cymru is calling for a review of the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014, which it says is now 12 years old.

Billie-Jade Thomas said: “The Welsh Government must now lead a review into the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 to assess its effectiveness and determine whether any changes are needed to enable local authorities to utilise it better, and better protect horses.

“With us having experienced several heatwaves already this year, and with more likely in the coming months and years as a result of climate change, such action is needed now more than ever.

“The hot weather combined with increased tethering could be a deadly cocktail for many helpless horses. Tethered horses may struggle to seek shade or access water during spells of warm weather, and it can be highly detrimental to their welfare if they overheat.”

RSPCA Cymru has also written an open letter to Llyr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, calling for animal welfare commitments made in Plaid Cymru’s manifesto to be prioritised by the new administration.

The charity is calling for action in several areas, including granting RSPCA inspectors limited statutory powers, making pet abduction a specific offence in Wales, regulating livery yards, addressing horse tethering, improving farm animal welfare, and taking a humane approach to bovine TB that does not involve badger culling.

Billie-Jade Thomas added: “To truly protect animals in Wales, we would love to see action on specific penalties for pet theft, improvements to equine welfare, the raising of farm animal welfare standards, a humane approach to bovine TB, and more.

“We need your help to ensure these critical issues aren’t left behind.”

Members of the public are being encouraged to support RSPCA Cymru’s open letter and its Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign, which aims to highlight rising levels of animal cruelty during the summer months.

Local Government

Pembrokeshire communities urged to strengthen emergency resilience

Published

12 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY councils in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to develop local emergency plans to help protect residents and strengthen resilience during major incidents.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Emergency Planning Team recently met members of Stackpole and Castlemartin Community Council to deliver a briefing on emergency preparedness.

The session covered national and regional risks, the Civil Contingencies Act and the importance of locally owned Community Emergency Plans.

Council officers said the aim was not to suggest that an emergency was expected, but to ensure communities recognised potential risks and were prepared to reduce their impact.

A Community Emergency Plan can help local people respond to a wide range of incidents, identify and support vulnerable residents, and make better use of local knowledge and community networks during difficult situations.

Attendees were also briefed on the Wales Resilience Framework, which sets out how government, public services, voluntary organisations, businesses and communities can work together to reduce risks and improve emergency preparedness.

The council’s Emergency Planning Team also highlighted the Dyfed-Powys Local Resilience Forum Community Risk Register, which is currently being updated.

Community representatives were invited to give feedback on how the register could be improved and used as a trusted source of information.

The register is designed to inform communities about the most significant risks in the region and their potential impact, provide links to partner organisations and further guidance, and encourage practical steps to improve preparedness in homes, businesses and communities.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Preparing for emergencies is about protecting our communities and ensuring local people have the information and support they need when it matters most.

“Community-led resilience planning strengthens neighbourhoods, supports vulnerable residents and helps communities work together during challenging situations.

“I would encourage other community councils to engage with the Emergency Planning Team and explore how they can develop their own plans.”