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Bryn to take ‘leave of absence’ following Herald revelations

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CEO under fire: Bryn Parry Jones

CEO under fire: Bryn Parry Jones

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s embattled Chief Executive, Bryn Parry Jones is to step aside, it has been announced today (Aug 15).

Following a series of shocking revelations in this week’s Herald about the CEO’s conduct, IPPG leader Jamie Adams announced the embattled chief exec is to take “a period of absence” from his post.

East Williamston Councillor Jacob Williams was first to break the news on his website this morning when he reported:

“Within hours of today’s Herald going on sale, council Leader Jamie Adams issued the following press statement:

The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Jamie Adams, has announced that the Chief Executive, Mr Bryn Parry-Jones, is to take a period of absence with immediate effect.

Councillor Adams said: “This decision has been taken in view of the continuing speculation surrounding the Chief Executive’s position.

“It has been reached by mutual agreement between Mr Parry-Jones and myself and I believe is in the best interests of the Authority at the present time.

“There will be no further statements on this matter.”’

Last weekend Councillor Williams was the first to report on the explosive content of a letter sent to Jamie Adams by former Audit Committee Chair John Evans MBE. In that letter, Mr Evans made a series of allegations about the CEO’s conduct at a secret meeting on May 16 after the Herald revealed the identity of a Council Officer who had interfered with the minutes of a grants panel meeting.

A statement released by Cllr Adams after Cllr Williams and the Herald reported the allegations concerning Mr Evans claimed that the former Audit Chair – a former head of a multinational company – had “misinterpreted” events at the meeting. Cllr David Simpson, Cabinet spokesperson for housing, who was one of two councillors who were actually present at the May 16 meeting in the CEO’s office, told the Herald that his recollection accorded with Mr Evans’ other than in relation to the meeting’s atmosphere of alleged ‘hostility’.

Since Mr Evans’ letter’s online publication and the appearance of a series of articles on the Herald’s own website, momentum has grown for dramatic change at County Hall.

That momentum was increased today when the Herald exclusively revealed that the CEO – a Council employee – had launched an expletive-laden rant at two councillors, former British Lion Peter Morgan and local businessman Mark Edwards, following their support of a motion requesting that the CEO pay back unlawful payments made to him by the Council.

The Herald was contacted this morning by Cllr Mike Williams, leader of the Plaid Cymru group, who said:

“Without your efforts there can be little doubt that the shenanigans of County Hall would not have become so publicly known.

“I have to plead guilty as one of the original members who appointed Mr Parry Jones to his current role in 1995, despite being aware that Carmarthen had failed to appoint him, and having received numerous phone calls from then members of Llanelli Council, who up until then had employed Mr Parry Jones warning me that he had been a disaster with them, and pointing out his autocratic verging on arrogant management style.

“Mr Parry Jones is the senior civil servant in Pembrokeshire. What do the revelations of his conduct tell us about him? Can you imagine any Welsh Government officer speaking to elected members in this fashion?

“I find it alarming that the relationship has become almost incestuous between the controlling group and an officer who is supposed to serve all members, not one group.”

Mr Parry Jones’ “period of absence” is widely thought to be a desperate attempt by the Council’s ruling group to preserve its grip on the levers of power and potentially save the position of Council Leader Jamie Adams.

Councillor Adams has been repeatedly and publicly voluble in his support for the Council’s CEO, to the extent where questions have arisen about the CEO’s alleged involvement in the Council’s political processes. Such is the closeness of their working relationship that it beggars belief that Jamie Adams was not aware of issues surrounding the CEO’s conduct towards Councillors and others when crossed.

With a requisition for an Extraordinary Meeting to vote on no confidence motions against both the CEO and IPPG Leader Adams, Jamie Adams’ own position as leader of the council is hanging by a thread.

The Herald has today revealed that a widespread movement exists for the replacement of Councillor Adams with Councillor David Simpson as Council Leader. Councillor Simpson’s reputation for plain-speaking integrity, as befits a serving Justice of the Peace, is thought to be key to restoring public confidence in the Council.

The Herald’s Assistant Editor Jon Coles said:

“Enough people have “known” what has been going on for years. At last there are people prepared to say in public what they whisper in private. And – importantly – those prepared to publish it.”

http://jacobwilliams.com/6397/chief-executive-to-take-period-of-absence/

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Community

Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning

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MILFORD HAVEN is reeling from the untimely passing of Lucy Wind, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.

Lucy, aged just 38, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 21, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of loss among family and friends.

Lucy was known for her devotion to her two boys, Ryan and Adam, aged 15 and 12.

Her passing has left a significant void in their lives, as she was not only a dedicated mother but also a pillar of strength for her family.

Lucy’s parents, Angela and the late John Wind, and her siblings Sharon, Jason, and the late Alison, are mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.

Details surrounding Lucy’s sudden demise have shocked many in the community.

Just hours before her passing, Lucy had been joyfully celebrating her cousin’s 18th birthday at a family gathering. Witnesses recount her vibrant presence on the dance floor, reveling in the company of loved ones. She left the venue early at 10:30pm to prepare for work the following day, but passed away at home. Lucy’s unexpected departure has left many grappling with disbelief.

Lucy was known for her selflessness and frugality, always prioritising her family over material possessions.

In line with her wishes, her funeral service will be a testament to her minimalist approach to life.

The service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 9, at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. In honour of Lucy’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple, her favourite colour.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested donations to support Lucy’s sons, Ryan and Adam, through a GoFundMe page set up by Lucy’s cousin, Kerryanne. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.

Expressions of sympathy and support can be directed to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. For those wishing to contribute to the fund for Lucy’s sons, donations can be made through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucy-wind.

As Milford Haven prepares to bid farewell to one of its own, Lucy Wind’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished by the community she leaves behind.

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Jonathan Davies to say farewell to Scarlets at the end of the season

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ONE of the Scarlets’ greats, Jonathan Davies, will say farewell to the club at the end of the season.

After 16 seasons spanning two spells at the club, the man known as ‘Foxy’ will be moving on at the end of the campaign.

From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan has made 209 appearances in a Scarlets jersey having made his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old back in 2006.

A former club captain, he was an integral member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2016-17, the Scarlets clinching the trophy in style thanks to a mesmeric brand of attacking rugby.

Jonathan has gone on to become one of the most decorated centres in world rugby, representing the British & Irish Lions in the Test series against Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) – where he was player of the series. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). He has also captained the national side on four occasions.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Jonathan said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.

“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.

“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham – who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room – and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”

Recalling the highlights of his Scarlets career, lifting the PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017 figures at the top of the list, as does playing alongside his younger brother James ‘Cubby’.

He added: “There was a span of five or six games in which I never enjoyed rugby as much as I did during the end of that season when we won the PRO12. I have always said, if we were still in European competition at that point we would have won it.

“The rugby we played was so much fun and so natural, we were operating at a level that we didn’t really need to talk about what was expected of us. It felt as if we were operating at our highest level possible and the talent in that group was so high it showed in the games leading up to the final and then in the final.

“Playing alongside my brother was another special moment and winning a trophy as part of the same side is something I am very proud of.”

As for the future, Jonathan has a testimonial year beginning in June and is also hoping to continue his playing career.

“I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not,” he adds. “I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired – if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.

“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”

Paying tribute to one of the Scarlets’ greats, head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special.

“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.

“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”

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Fourth Bank Holiday shout for Angle RNLI

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ANGLE All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch at 5:46pmon Bank Holiday Monday to assist a small vessel in difficulty off the Angle buoy, between Angle and Dale.

The vessel had suffered steering failure, and with a large VLCC tanker inbound the casualty vessel was quickly taken under tow by a Port Authority Pilot Vessel.

As the pilot vessel was required to stay with the tanker as a specified vessel requiring a patrol, the pilot boats crew requested the lifeboats attendance.

The lifeboat launched and rendezvoused with the pilot vessel off Chapel Bay and a tow was swiftly passed to the casualty vessel.

After discussing the options with the vessels skipper, the casualties were taken under tow to their mooring at Castle Pill. Once off the narrow entrance to the Pill, the vessel was transferred into an alongside tow and manoeuvred through the tight entrance.

Around 30 minutes after being taken under tow, the casualty vessel was placed safely on their mooring. Content that no further assistance was required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 6:45pm.

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