Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

A thank you goes a long way: A message from Council Leader David Simpson

Published

on

The following is a message from Cllr David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council:

OVER the last two weeks we have again seen a high level of visitors to the county and this will continue as we move towards schools breaking up for the summer holidays.

It is clear that Pembrokeshire is a favourite destination for many.

It is fantastic that as a county we can once again welcome people and I want to thank all the authority’s officers that have been involved in our “unlocking plan” to ensure we are open, can welcome people back and support our communities.

Yesterday we had a special visit to our county from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, where he visited St David’s, Nevern and Haverfordwest.

Understandably the visits were much more low key than they would normally be given the current circumstances but I’m pleased to say the visits were extremely well received by those invited to attend.

His Royal Highness began his day at St David’s Cathedral, his first visit to the Cathedral since 2008.

The Prince of Wales made a ‘pilgrim’s journey’ to the Shrine of St David, which was restored this year.

His Royal Highness also attended a short service to mark the Centenary of the Church in Wales before attending a reception and meeting members of the Cathedral and local community.

His Royal Highness’ visit continued to St Brynach Church in Nevern to view and hear about a major project to restore the church’s 12th century tower and bells.

He met several members of the Tower and Bells Restoration committee and heard about the huge fundraising drive (the project cost more than £500,000) and the work that has taken place.

The number of bells has now been increased from six to 13 and during his visit, HRH heard a full peals of bells – the first to be sounded in Nevern for 120 years.

HRH also met a locally-based artist before being presented to archaeologists and other members of the Nevern Castle Committee HRH also met representatives of Nevern Show, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, and George, a five-year-old shire horse!

The final visit of the day came at St Martin’s Church in Haverfordwest, which is celebrating its 901 year anniversary.

Inside the church His Royal Highness viewed the Stations of the Cross around the walls, the stone coffin lid in the Sanctuary, and the Stephen Sykes bas-relief sculpture in the Lady Chapel.

The Prince met several members of the congregation and some of the amazing people who volunteer in the organisations that form part of the local community.

He thoroughly enjoyed his visit as he chatted to representatives of the choir, the Alter Guild and Members of the Pembrokeshire Blind Society, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary last year.

I’d like to thank everyone involved who have been working on these visits for several months. Royal visits involve a huge amount of work behind the scenes and even more so during the current situation.

Continuing the theme of thanks, Last Sunday, July 4th, we celebrated national “Thank you day”.

It is so important that we all recognise the importance of saying thank you. We all have someone to say thank you to.

I feel the last 16 months has really shown the strengths we have around Pembrokeshire, the strength of our communities, the strength of our businesses, the strength of us all working together and the strength of Team Pembrokeshire.

So I want to take this opportunity to once again say thank you to you all and also a huge thank you to my family for supporting me. Please remember a simple thank you can put a smile on someone’s face.

Thanks were also given on Monday to NHS, social care and frontline workers. It was great to hear that church bells were also ringing to celebrate 73 years of the NHS. Thank you to all our NHS, social care and frontline workers for everything you have done and continue to do.

You will, no doubt, have seen that England has announced major upcoming changes to Covid-19 restrictions.

In Wales, we await the First Minister’s announcements next week.

In the meantime, I do urge you all to keep safe and when offered a vaccination please take up the opportunity.

I would also like to support our partners in Hywel Dda University Health Board who have praised young people across Pembrokeshire who have played an important role in helping to keep our local communities safe and supported throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The efforts of our younger generation who have followed the rules to stay safe, protect themselves and those around them and, more recently, coming forward for vaccination.

With the number of Covid-19 cases now rising across all three counties, it is anticipated that the success of the vaccination programme will continue to result in lower hospital admissions than that seen last year.

However, the key message for younger people (or those not vaccinated) is that there continues to be a risk of contracting the virus. If you are aged between 18 and 29 years, please listen to the advice and protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated and, to safeguard your ability to enjoy day-to-day life.

In another development to tackle the recent rise in Covid, a new Covid-19 vaccination clinic will be operating in Pembroke Dock today (Friday) and tomorrow, Saturday 10th July.

The mobile vaccination clinic will be based at Western Way car park, behind Asda, and will operate from 11am to 7pm. Plus there is no need to contact the health board to book an appointment.

Going forward my updates will now move to fortnightly.

Continue Reading

Crime

Crown Court backlog at a record high, Victims’ Commissioner warns

Published

on

THE VICTIMS’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, has voiced profound concern over the escalating backlog of cases in the Crown Court, which has surged to a record 67,573 outstanding cases. This latest figure not only signifies a 1% increase from the previous quarter but also marks a staggering 65% rise from pre-pandemic levels and a near double increase since June 2019.

Baroness Newlove, reflecting on the dire statistics, emphasized the intolerable delays victims are facing, often stretching to years, before their cases are heard in court. With 27% of all outstanding cases now pending for over a year, the situation has reached a critical point, resulting in unprecedented strain on victims and the frontline services supporting them.

The duration from the receipt to the completion of cases at the Crown Court remains significantly above pre-pandemic figures, showcasing an 82% increase from the end of March 2020 and an 84% rise from the end of June 2019. Specifically troubling is the average completion time for rape cases, which now stands at 393 days, surpassing all previous records and highlighting a 52% increase from before the pandemic.

The Victims’ Commissioner pointed out the growing burden on victim services and the potential for increasing numbers of victims to withdraw from the process due to prolonged wait times. The statistics reveal a 14% victim withdrawal rate post-charge in the latest quarter, coupled with 26% of cases being adjourned on the day of trial, further exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking justice.

Baroness Newlove criticized the apparent systemic issues within the judicial process, noting that despite a 4% decrease in new case volumes, the backlog continues to rise, with completed cases also experiencing a decline. This situation underscores the critical need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies plaguing the court system, ensuring that victims do not continue to suffer from prolonged delays in obtaining justice.

As the Crown Court backlog hits another record high, the call for urgent action to alleviate the pressure on victims and the judicial system has never been more pressing, with justice delayed increasingly equating to justice denied.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Easter Extravaganza: ‘Into The Woods’ takes the stage in Pembs

Published

on

THE FISHGUARD and District Drama Society (FADDS) is set to dazzle audiences with its latest production, “Into The Woods”. Theatre enthusiasts across Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as the show embarks on a captivating three-day run at Theatre Gwaun starting Thursday, April 4th.

The production, which premieres at 7:00pm on Thursday, promises an exciting journey through a modern twist on beloved fairy tales, with additional performances scheduled for the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, April 4th at 7:00pm
  • Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm
  • Saturday, April 6th at 2:00pm and again at 7:00pm

Tickets are swiftly selling out, urging potential spectators to secure their seats promptly by booking through Theatre Gwaun’s official website.

For over three decades, FADDS has been a cornerstone of the local theatre scene, bringing a plethora of productions to life at Theatre Gwaun. Their adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” marks yet another milestone, enriching Pembrokeshire’s cultural tapestry. Since its Broadway debut in 1987 and subsequent West End premiere in 1990, “Into The Woods” has been a fixture in the theatre community, even inspiring a Walt Disney film adaptation in 2014.

The story weaves a tapestry of fairy tale quests, exploring the intertwined fates of beloved characters as they venture into the woods, each harboring their own desires and secrets. Questions abound: What binds a cow as white as milk to hair as yellow as corn? Can Cinderella attend the King’s Festival? Will Rapunzel escape her tower? And who is the mysterious figure obsessed with greens?

FADDS promises a show brimming with intrigue, laughter, and the timeless music of Sondheim, delivering a “fast-paced, super fun” interpretation of these classic tales. This amateur production, orchestrated in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI), guarantees a magical night out for families and theatre aficionados alike, blending nostalgia with the thrill of live performance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this vibrant take on “Into The Woods” – a theatrical journey where fairy tales and reality collide, revealing the heart and humour of these age-old stories.

Continue Reading

Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

Published

on

THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

Continue Reading

Business24 hours ago

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that...

News1 day ago

Police ask motorists to avoid A44 trunk road due to heavy snowfall

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued an appeal to motorists to avoid a 25 mile section of the A44 trunk road between...

Crime2 days ago

Woman will quit the booze after seeing shocking drunken video in court

A HAVERFORDWEST woman this week vowed to undertake ‘a complete alcohol abstinence’ after being shown court video footage of her...

News3 days ago

Family heartbroken by loss of ‘larger than life character’ in M4 crash

THE FAMILY of the man who died in a collision on the M4 motorway say ‘he will be greatly missed...

Business3 days ago

Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on

A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the...

Entertainment5 days ago

A night to remember: Symphonica Tywi’s ‘Film Fantastics’ was a triumph

ON SATURDAY (Mar 23), Haverfordwest High School was ablaze with the soaring melodies and dramatic scores of some of cinema’s...

News5 days ago

Memorial for all those affected by Covid-19 unveiled at County Hall

A LASTING tribute for Pembrokeshire loved ones lost during the Covid-19 pandemic and those working on the frontline has been...

Top News6 days ago

Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis and treatment

CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, has shared her recent health struggles with the public, revealing a diagnosis that has sent...

Charity1 week ago

RNLI lifeguards back on patrol in Pembrokeshire for the Easter Holidays

RNLI lifeguards will be on patrol once again in Pembrokeshire ahead of the Easter holidays. This Saturday, 23 March 2024,...

Community1 week ago

Neglected Pembrokeshire poodles find their forever homes 

THIRTY poodle type dogs were in total rescued after they were found in an unsuitable environment where their owner also...

Popular This Week