News
Welsh rail passengers still face disruption despite strike cancellation

RAIL passengers in Wales are being warned they could still face disruption on Saturday despite a series of planned strikes being called off.
The RMT union said on Friday afternoon that three days of industrial action by thousands of its members at Network Rail, due to take place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday on lines across the country, would no longer go ahead.
The union said it had secured unconditional talks with Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies.
The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, told Herald.Wales: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense. We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions. Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, welcomed the announcement but said it had come too late to reinstate services on Saturday, and they would remain “extremely limited”.
Special strike timetables will remain largely in place for Monday but operators hope that services will be back to normal after that.
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “It is positive that the RMT leadership have stepped back from the brink and called off their strike action. Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday only travel by rail if necessary.
“We remain committed to intensive negotiations to agree the reforms needed to improve reliability, deliver a pay rise for our people and get the industry back on a sustainable financial footing.”
Merseyrail said its services would be partially reinstated on Saturday as a result of the strike being called off.
Rugby fans travelling to Cardiff for the Wales v New Zealand game will be among those hit by Saturday’s disruption.
The RMT said Network Rail had originally declared discussions and consultations closed and was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with the union.
“They have now rowed back and will continue discussions on the basis that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,” it said. “This takes away the reason for the current phase of action and means talks can continue without preconditions unilaterally set down by the company.”
The transport secretary, Mark Harper, said: “This is a positive development for passengers up and down the country but the very late notice means, unfortunately, there will still be significant disruption across the network tomorrow and into Monday.
“We encourage unions and employers to continue their negotiations, and calling off these strikes has given those talks a better chance of success. It is vital, for passengers and workers alike, that all parties continue to work together and deliver a modern railway we can all be proud of.”
The TSSA announced it was calling off its planned rail strikes on 5, 7, 8 and 9 November after receiving an invitation to “intensive talks” from the Rail Delivery Group.
TSSA members were due to take strike action in five different rail companies on different days over the period.
Its interim general secretary, Frank Ward, said: “We have always said that strikes are a last resort, and we are glad to finally be invited to the first set of formal talks with train operators in months. However, it is ridiculous that the invitation was only issued less than six hours before our strikes were due to begin.
“This will cause rail travel disruption across the weekend, as train companies won’t have time to reinstate cancelled services. This would have been completely avoidable if the Rail Delivery Group and their paymasters at the Department for Transport and transport secretary Mark Harper had invited us to talks sooner.”
Charity
Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles

A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.
Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.
In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.
Balancing priorities
While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.
“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”
The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.
Community campaign brings hope
Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.
Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”
Looking ahead
The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.
“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”
For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.
Entertainment
A Christmas spectacular at St Davids Cathedral delights audience

A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.
The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.
The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.
Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.
A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.
The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.
The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.
News
Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.
Welfare groups demand urgent action
Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.
Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.
“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”
Public supports a phased ban
A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.
Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 – a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.
Industry defends its welfare standards
The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.
“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and proportionate regulation.”
Broader calls for change
The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.
Decision delayed but debate intensifies
The Welsh Government has emphasized the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.
A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds – uncertain.
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