News
Email from Councillor prompts Pembroke Dock mayor to resign

AN EMAIL enquiring to why the Mayor of Pembroke Dock had been absent from his civic duties has led to confirmation from the town hall that he has now resigned.
Cllr Paul Dowson had sent an email on Thursday explaining that many in his ward were expressing concern that the Mayor had not been seen in a while
His email to the Pembroke Dock Town Council read as follows: “I am somewhat concerned about the situation regarding The Town Mayor Mr Terry Judkins. It appears he is not performing any mayoral duties or attending civic functions, although I am not a member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, As a county Councillor for the town I am seeking an explanation for this highly unusual situation.
“It appears that I am not the only person to notice the absence of the Mayor, as there is a great deal of speculation within the town and we could do without any unnecessary scandal or untruths circulating on the subject.
“I would be grateful for an explanation regarding this matter.”
Cllr Dowson said he then received a message to say that the Mayor had resigned.
The Town Clerk told The Herald by telephone on Friday morning: “The Mayor has resigned and will be replaced temporarily by Cllr Josh Beynon as Acting Mayor. The resignation was for personal reasons.”
The Town Council said that they would send an official statement in due course, following their next meeting.
Cllr Joshua Beynon said: “As the Mayor of Pembroke Dock has resigned from the office of Mayor of the town, as Deputy Mayor, I have administered the mayoral oath of office and I have been sworn in as the Interim Mayor of Pembroke Dock.
“It’s an honour to be the youngest Mayor in both the town and Pembrokeshire’s history and I look forward to promoting the town and the values I hold dear of compassion, equality and kindness.
Sarah Scourfield, Town Clerk has released a statement saying: “It is with regret that the office of Pembroke Dock Town Council has been informed that the Mayor Cllr Terry Judkins will be stepping down as Mayor with immediate effect. “Cllr Judkins has thanked Councillors for support during his short term, but due to personal reasons and extra work commitments this has resulted in him being unable to attend events and give his full attention to the role.
“He therefore felt it was best for him to step down and allow the Deputy Mayor Cllr Beynon to take over the role for the remainder of the term to allow for events to be represented in events throughout the County.
“Cllr Joshua Beynon will undertake the role as interim Mayor until the next meeting of Full Council which will take place on Thursday 2nd December 2021 where the official voting will take place for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who will remain in office until May 2022.”

News
Future of Wales’ last Greyhound track uncertain amid ban proposal

THE VALLEY Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, the last remaining greyhound racing track in Wales, faces an uncertain future following the Welsh Government’s proposal to outlaw the sport.
Greyhound racing has been a part of Welsh sporting history for nearly a century, with the first races taking place on April 7, 1928. At its peak, the sport drew tens of thousands of spectators, with the Welsh White City Stadium in Cardiff once attracting crowds of 25,000. The Valley Greyhound Stadium itself opened in 1976 and has undergone significant renovations over the years, including the addition of an indoor lounge and licensed bar in 2011. The stadium was granted a licence by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2023, ensuring compliance with modern animal welfare and racing standards.

Welsh Government pushes for ban
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced on February 18, 2025, that the government intends to implement a ban on greyhound racing “as soon as practically possible.” He stated: “I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
The proposed ban follows increasing pressure from animal welfare groups and a government consultation that received 35,000 signatures supporting the end of the sport. Welfare concerns, including the risks of injury and post-racing care for retired dogs, have been key drivers behind the move.
Divided opinions on the proposal
The announcement has sparked widespread debate. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the decision, arguing that it aligns with evidence-based policy on animal welfare. BVA President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux commented: “It is crucial that all animals in sporting activities are protected under the highest welfare standards.”
However, industry representatives and racing enthusiasts argue that the decision is not grounded in sufficient evidence. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has strongly opposed the move, with Chairman Jeremy Cooper stating: “This decision has been heavily influenced by animal rights activists. Our industry has made significant strides in ensuring the welfare of greyhounds.”
Essex businessman Dave Barclay, who has owned the Valley Greyhound Stadium since November 2021, is understood to be seeking legal advice in light of the government’s plans.
Impact on local economy and sport
If the ban is enacted, Wales would become the first UK nation to outlaw greyhound racing, leaving only 18 tracks operational in the rest of the country following the closure of Crayford Stadium in January. The closure of the Valley Greyhound Stadium is expected to result in the loss of approximately 30 jobs and leave a void in the local sporting community.
Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby player Mike Burton, now a greyhound trainer, expressed disappointment: “I come to Wales because they are good people, they are all grafters and love the sport. This is a huge loss.”
Uncertain future for greyhound racing in Wales
Despite the outcry from the industry, the Welsh Government remains committed to phasing out the sport. The exact timeline for implementation is unclear, but with the next Senedd election set for May 2026, the ban could be in place before then.
As the debate continues, stakeholders on both sides await further details on the government’s plan, including support measures for affected workers and provisions for the welfare of retired racing greyhounds. For now, the final bend looms for Wales’ last greyhound track, and its future remains uncertain.
Education
Former Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer

THE FORMER headmaster of Ysgol y Preseli, Martin Lloyd, has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Mr. Lloyd dedicated nearly 50 years to the school in Crymych, shaping the lives of countless students and playing a pivotal role in the development of Welsh-medium education in Pembrokeshire.
He joined Ysgol y Preseli in 1960, just two years after it was founded, starting as a French teacher before being promoted to deputy headmaster in 1974. In 1990, he became headmaster, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2009.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Lloyd was a strong advocate for bilingual education and was instrumental in strengthening the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Under his leadership, Ysgol y Preseli became a centre of learning and cultural preservation, nurturing generations of Welsh-speaking students.
Speaking at the time of his retirement, Mr. Lloyd reflected on his years of service with pride and gratitude, highlighting the collective achievements of staff and students in maintaining the school’s high standards.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, students, and the wider community, remembering him as a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader whose contributions left an enduring impact on Welsh education.
Mr. Lloyd’s legacy will live on in the generations he taught and in the continued success of Ysgol y Preseli.

Entertainment
Milford Haven set to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in June

Annual Event Promises Community Fun and Festivities on June 8
MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.
Event highlights:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides, face painting, and small rides.
- Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, pop-up shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.
- Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.
How to get involved:
- Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.
For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at secretary.mhbc24@gmail.com.
The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.

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