News
Why we still need to protect ourselves from COVID-19

EVEN though restrictions are being eased, COVID-19 has not gone away and we all have a reason to keep our communities safe reminds Hywel Dda University Health Board.
With COVID-19 cases rising across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, everyone is asked to remember what we can do to protect ourselves and each other.
As at 26 August, the rolling weekly rate per 100,000 saw an increase in all three counties, with Carmarthenshire increasing to 287, Ceredigion to 271 and Pembrokeshire 396. The overall rate for Hywel Dda increased this week to 319 per 100,000.
The number of tests carried out in Hywel Dda UHB area has also increased for the same period, with results showing an increase in positivity to 17% (11% the previous week).
While the most significant increase is amongst the under 30s, there are still positive cases among the over 70s.
Even if vaccinated, following these simple steps can keep us safe, and remember that some rules are different in Wales.
– Work from home whenever we can
– Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms, even if mild
– Meet outside, it is safer than inside
– Limit our social contacts and keep a distance when possible
– Wear a mask, especially in crowded places
– Wash our hands regularly and thoroughly
We can do this to keep ourselves, our friends and family safe, and to protect our frontline services to serve our communities when you need us most.
Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We are still very much in this pandemic which continues to disrupt our everyday lives. I’m proud of how much effort people have put into staying safe since it began. The rise in cases shows that, whilst hospital admissions are not as high as in previous waves, COVID-19 remains a risk to our health and our health service.
“I’m appealing to everyone to continue doing our bit by sticking with the ‘keep safe’ behaviours that have almost become second nature. Without your help, we will struggle to contain further spread of coronavirus here in west Wales.”
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, including cold and flu-like symptoms, must self-isolate and book a test via the UK portal (opens in new tab) or by calling 119 as soon as possible. By doing this, you can help to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus across our communities.
You must continue to self-isolate until you receive your test result, which will usually be within 24 hours of the test. If your result is negative, you can end your self-isolation, when you feel well enough to do so.
If your result is positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. A contact tracer will be in touch with you and will only contact you from 02921 961133. If you miss the call, don’t worry, they’ll call you back.
Why it’s important to speak to a contact tracer? By sharing information on recent contacts, tracers can ask those who may have caught the virus to self-isolate to help stop further spread. It’s important that people answer the contract tracer’s call so they can help you, especially if you or your contacts need extra support. Information you share with them will be kept safe and treated confidentially, as with all health information.
Read more about symptoms, Test, Trace, Protect and vaccinations here
Together we can keep Hywel Dda safe.
Entertainment
Let’s ‘raise a little hell this spring’ at The Torch Theatre

STARRING Tony-Nominee Jeremy Jordan and Olivier-Nominee Frances Mayli McCann, this award-winning, cult-favourite production Bonnie and Clyde The Musical (including Best New Musical – What’s On Stage Awards 2023) re-tells the unbelievable true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Watch the lovers as they go on a crime spree on the Torch Theatre screen this May.
Captured in stunning, world-class quality, the musical follows the most notorious lovers and bank robbers who take the country by storm in a sexy and compelling adventure. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie and Clyde went from being two small-town nobodies in west Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes who created a serious headache for the law enforcements. From kidnappings to murders in the 1930’s, the lovers robbed gas stations, restaurants, and smalltown stores in the areas of New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas and it is believed that they murdered at least nine police officers and four civilians before being shot and killed in an ambush near Sailes, Louisiana.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Thursday 1 May at 7pm. Tickets: £15.00 | £13.00 Cons | £8.50 Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Community
Give Cardigan Bay marine wildlife the space they deserve

Visitors and residents reminded to stay at least 100 metres away
VISITORS and residents enjoying the stunning coastline of Cardigan Bay are being urged to keep their distance from marine wildlife as the nesting season gets underway.
Under the North and West Wales Marine Code, people are advised to stay at least 100 metres—the length of a football pitch—away from dolphins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife, whether on the water, cliffs or shoreline.
This is a crucial time for nesting seabirds, and disturbances can have fatal consequences. Chicks or eggs may be knocked from the cliffs into the sea if humans or dogs get too close.
Melanie Heath, Marine Protected Area Officer for Cardigan Bay, said: “If you encounter any sick or injured wildlife, such as a stranded seal or dolphin, do not attempt to intervene.
“Do not try to put the animal back in the water yourself. They have stranded for a reason—because they are unwell or injured and need urgent professional medical assessment. Keep your distance and ensure others, including dogs and gulls, are kept away too.”
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member, added: “It’s important to follow the Marine Code and stay at least 100 metres away. We are proud to work in partnership with many agencies to protect wildlife along our coastline and inland.”
To report a live stranding, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999. For dead strandings, contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333. Disturbances can be reported online at: www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk/disturbance/
The North and West Wales Marine Code has been developed by the Wales group of European Marine Site Officers to help protect the region’s unique coastal ecosystems.
Cardigan Bay is cherished both for its rich marine biodiversity and as a popular location for recreational activities on, in, and under the water.
However, past disturbances have included motorboats, kayaks and paddle boarders getting too close to marine mammals, passing through flocks of resting seabirds, and people attempting selfies with seals and pups hauled out on the rocks.

Business
Caban Pendine celebrates launch of new 12-hole crazy golf course

A BRAND-NEW 12-hole crazy golf course has officially opened at Caban Pendine, bringing fun and adventure to the heart of Pendine Sands.
The course was unveiled at a special launch event held at 2:00pm on Friday (April 11), with families, residents, and visitors among the first to enjoy the colourful and creative course. The attraction features imaginative obstacles, bold designs, and plenty of twists and turns—offering a light-hearted challenge for players of all ages.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Pendine Sands, the new course adds to the area’s growing reputation as a leisure and tourism hotspot.
Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“We are delighted to officially open the Crazy Golf course at Caban in Pendine. It’s been fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves and getting into the spirit of friendly competition. This new addition enhances our leisure offering and provides a great activity for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.”
Course now open daily
The Caban Crazy Golf Course is now open every day between 11:00am and 5:00pm, offering an affordable and entertaining experience. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a casual game with friends, or just looking for something different, the course promises plenty of fun and laughter.
Visitor information
Location: Caban Pendine, Pendine Sands
Opening hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm daily
Admission: Adults £5, Children £4, Concessions £4
For more information, visit www.cabanpendine.wales or follow @CabanPendine on social media for updates, events, and special offers.
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