News
Pembrokeshire campers warned of carbon monoxide dangers
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WITH the arrival of the school summer holidays, the trade association for the UK LP Gas industry (UKLPG) is issuing a timely warning to those of us in Pembrokeshire people planning a camping or caravanning vacation to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
CO is a colourless, odourless gas and is poisonous. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, chest pains, nausea and vomiting. At high levels, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and death. Every year around 200 people go to hospital with CO poisoning and sadly for around 40 of these, it proves fatal. A major cause of these incidents has been bringing charcoal barbecues inside tents, but there is also a need to be vigilant with portable gas appliances, such as gas lamps and gas cookers, used in camping and caravanning. There has been a dramatic increase in the sale of gas barbecues due to their convenience and cost; up by 164% year-on-year according to one major DIY retailer. Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive of UKLPG, said: “Research, carried out by Gas Safe Register in 2013, found that many people do not understand the dangers of CO on holiday. Indeed, more than half of the people surveyed did not realise that a smoking charcoal barbecue in a tent, caravan, motor home or room can result in CO poisoning. More than a third did not realise that using a portable gas camping stove inside can be a potential danger and more than 20% did not realise CO can build up in a poorly ventilated space, such as a caravan, with working gas appliances in it. “UKLPG works closely with the Gas Safe Register as well as the wider industry, to ensure that the potential dangers of CO when camping and caravanning are highlighted so that the tragic deaths that do occur can be avoided. “It is great fun to cook outdoors, especially when the weather is good, but holiday makers need to be aware that they should never take these appliances indoors, even if it starts raining or is particularly cold or windy. “Ventilation is absolutely vital and in small enclosed spaces, such as tents and caravans, the gas can build up to fatal levels very quickly. Here are UKLPG’s tips on how to stay safe: Use LP Gas stoves, lights or heaters OUTDOORS ONLY. Tents and awnings are not ‘outdoors’ and, surprisingly, are not well ventilated Don’t use LP Gas appliances near flammable materials, including fabrics and long grass Don’t smoke when changing cylinders and cartridges Do use appliances in accordance with the instructions Do keep LP Gas cylinders and cartridges outside tents Do change cylinders and cartridges outside away from any source of ignition, never in a tent Do check that the appliance is in good order, undamaged and that hoses are properly attached and undamaged. If in doubt, don’t use it Do know where you are, what the emergency arrangements are on camping sites and how to call for help. “Over a million people use portable gas appliances safely each year and as we look forward to summer, we want to ensure that everyone remains vigilant and avoids CO poisoning. By following these simple rules, holiday makers can make sure that they avoid the risks and stay safe,” added Shuttleworth.
Business
Curiosity kitchen to close doors as owner takes a ‘heartfelt pause’
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PEMBROKESHIRE’S beloved Curiosity Kitchen is set to close at the end of March, as owner Beverley Newman makes the difficult decision to step back from the business.
In an emotional statement, Newman expressed gratitude to her loyal customers, many of whom have described her venture as a hidden gem.
“I’ve always said that my best days were those spent with my most positive, supportive customers—the people who made this journey worthwhile,” she wrote. “Time and time again, I’ve been told that there’s nothing like my place in Pembrokeshire, that it belongs somewhere like Cardiff or even London.”
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However, despite the admiration for her work, she acknowledged that keeping the business going was no longer sustainable.
“To continue would mean treating this as a passion project rather than a viable business,” she explained. “With bills to pay and my own future to consider, I have to make the difficult but necessary decision to step back—for now.”
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Newman, who has run Curiosity Kitchen with a focus on creative, high-quality bakes, reassured customers that this was not a farewell, but rather a “strategic pause.” She expressed a desire to travel and gain fresh inspiration before potentially returning with new ideas and a different venture in the future.
“This isn’t failure. It’s simply a detour,” she said.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from customers saddened by the closure but eager to see what the future holds for Newman.
In response to messages from well-wishers, she hinted that her distinctive flavours could soon be available at another Pembrokeshire venue.
Curiosity Kitchen is expected to close by the end of March.
Business
Karen Wood bids farewell to Dragon LNG after 15 years of community impact
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AFTER more than 15 years at Dragon LNG, Karen Wood, the company’s External Relations and Social Performance Manager, is leaving her role, marking the end of an era in the company’s extensive community engagement efforts. Her departure, effective today (Feb 28), concludes a journey that began in September 2009, during which she played a key role in fostering corporate social responsibility initiatives across Pembrokeshire.
Reflecting on her time at Dragon LNG, Karen highlighted the overwhelming support she has received from colleagues, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, describing it as “incredibly humbling.” She expressed gratitude for the collaborations and friendships built over the years and shared a special memory that encapsulated the impact of her work.
Emily’s story: A legacy of opportunity
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One of Karen’s proudest achievements is the Dragon Darwin Experience, an initiative aimed at inspiring and educating young people in Pembrokeshire. Among the many success stories from the programme, she recalled Emily’s Story, a tale that continues to resonate within the community.
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Emily was the first girl to take part in the Dragon Darwin Experience workshop in 2005, held at Pembrokeshire College under the leadership of then-principal Glyn Jones. Years later, in 2017, Karen commissioned Emily’s Story to support Dragon LNG’s application for the prestigious UBS UK Award for Education at the UK Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards. Competing against corporate giants such as British Land Rover, Greggs, Toyota UK, RBS, Hogan Lovells, and Amazon UK & Ireland, Dragon LNG made it to the final round, facing a grilling from an eight-person panel that included representatives from UBS, Goldman Sachs, Rothschild & Co, and Amazon UK.
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On July 4, 2017, at the Royal Albert Hall, Dragon LNG achieved a milestone moment—winning the award, becoming the only Welsh company to do so that year. While Emily was unable to attend the ceremony due to volunteering overseas, her journey exemplified the long-lasting impact of the programme. The award recognised Dragon LNG as a leader in corporate responsibility, demonstrating how business can drive positive social change.
“Your organisation is a powerful example of the difference business can make to address some of society’s biggest issues,” read a congratulatory message from Business in the Community.
Karen also revealed that an update to Emily’s Story was commissioned last year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dragon Darwin Experience, ensuring the legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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Closing a chapter, looking ahead
As Karen bids farewell to Dragon LNG, she leaves behind a strong legacy of educational and community engagement initiatives that have touched countless lives. While this chapter in her career closes, she remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to seeing the ongoing positive impact of the programmes she helped establish.
“While this particular book is closing, I know the stories, lasting friendships, and connections we’ve built will endure far beyond my final day. I hope our paths will cross again, and I’ll be cheering you on as you continue to achieve great things,” Karen said in her farewell message.
Her departure signals a new phase for Dragon LNG and its community programmes, raising questions about what comes next for the company’s engagement initiatives. However, one thing remains clear—Karen’s contributions have left an indelible mark on Pembrokeshire, ensuring that the seeds of opportunity she helped plant will continue to grow for years to come.
Crime
‘No consultation’ over Narberth police station sale
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NARBERTH councillors have said there was no consultation with them over the sale of the town’s police station; the town council saying it only heard of it after a press release was issued.
Yesterday, February 27, Dyfed-Powys Police announced it is to sell Narberth Police Station and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services (MAWWFRS) in nearby Spring Gardens.
The current Jesse Road station has been identified as not meeting modern day policing requirements, the force has said.
It stated: “As a result, and as part of a £10m savings plan spanning three years, a decision has been made to formally close the station and sell the property.”
Dyfed-Powys Police says it will maintain its presence in Narberth, from a new co-location base.
Reacting to the announcement, Narberth Town Council said it only heard about the sale through a press release shared by news outlets.
A statement said: “Mayor Cllr Chris Walters has written to [Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner] Dafydd Llewlyn to express his disappointment in learning about the closure of Narberth Police Station and its intention to exit the town.
“No correspondence has been received by the town council in any capacity from either Mr Llewellyn or Dyfed Powys Police, and we are now seeking answers as to why the town has been overlooked for their views.
“We as a town council are very disappointed in this press release, especially as this was the first time we were made aware.”
County Councillor for Narberth, Cllr Marc Tierney said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner has informed me that Dyfed-Powys Police intends to sell their police station in Narberth and co-locate their service with that of the Fire Service at Spring Gardens.
“There doesn’t appear to have been any consultation on this proposal which is disappointing. Consultation allows for the co-production of public services and an opportunity for local residents to input suggestions that may enhance the final decision.
“Therefore, I have asked for a meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to ensure that the service in Narberth meets demand and keeps our community safe.”
Speaking about the sale and re-location, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis has said: “This decision has come after careful evaluation to make best use of resources and deliver an effective police service that meets the needs and expectations of our communities.
“The closure and sale of this police station is a step forward in modernising and improving our services, enabling officers to continue their work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“The decision has been made with the best interests of taxpayers and the community in mind, as the current station does not meet modern day policing requirements and is expensive to run.
“I want to reassure our local communities that Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to maintaining the same level of service and support for our local communities, and residents and business in Narberth will see no difference.”
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