News
Werndale Hospital to sponsor work visas for Ukrainian refugees
WERNDALE HOSPITAL in Bancyfelin has announced it will seek to sponsor visas for Ukrainian refugees and their families.
Werndale Hospital is part of Circle Health Group, the largest independent healthcare provider in the country, which is collectively sponsoring up to 500 work visas for Ukrainian refugees, creating high-quality jobs in their 54 sites across England, Scotland and Wales.
As one of the UK’s largest employers, with a national footprint that covers every corner of the country and 10,000 existing staff, Circle Health Group announced the move ahead of the Government’s new sponsorship programme for businesses to provide visas and employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees.
As well as clinical roles, Circle sites across the country will offer administrative, engineering, logistics and project management positions.
Circle was recently ranked as one of the 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and has extensive experience in recruiting and integrating staff from overseas – with hundreds of clinicians joining the group from across the globe in recent months and years.
Circle will partner with the Government and third sector organisations to remove bureaucratic barriers and move rapidly to offer a lifeline to individuals and families in need.
Paolo Pieri, Circle Health Group CEO said: “As one of the UK’s big employers, Circle want to offer jobs and a fresh start to Ukrainian refugees forced to flee from their homeland. We are eager to help in some small way and stand with the Ukrainian people in this moment of unspeakable suffering.”
Jacky Jones, Executive Director of Werndale Hospital, said: “We are also extending our support at Werndale and have mobilised the collection of vital medical supplies which are being sent this week to front-line hospitals. Earlier this month, we organised a collection of practical aid, in partnership with Haverfordwest Golf Club and our staff, this was delivered to a hospital in Ukraine, supporting refugees and in particular new mothers. We were overwhelmed by the donations and thank everyone who supported, for the kindness and generosity shown.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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