This weekend, Haverfordwest, one of the two Welsh towns to retain the historic ‘civic’ office of Sheriff, proudly hosted the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales (NACTSEW) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference for 2024. The event, which marks a significant occasion in the town’s calendar, drew past and current Sheriffs from across the nation to celebrate and deliberate on the venerable role of Sheriff, a tradition steeped in history.

The current Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Jill Owens, who served as Mayor in the previous year, was at the forefront of the weekend’s activities. The town last welcomed the Association back in 2007, making this event a notable return and a festive reunion for many members.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the Cricket Club, where the Town Council, led by Mayor Cllr Martin Lewis, welcomed the Sheriffs and their consorts. The Mayor took the opportunity to express the town’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Association and encouraging membership among past and present Sheriffs.

The main proceedings of the AGM took place at County Hall, followed by cultural tours to the iconic St David’s Cathedral and Pembroke Castle, enriching the visitors’ experience of Welsh heritage. Concurrently, consorts enjoyed exploring local shops and sites, adding a communal and economic boost to Haverfordwest.

A highlight of the gathering was the Gala Evening held at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, providing a grand setting for the Sheriffs and their guests to dine formally and socialize.

The ceremonial highlight of the weekend was the Sunday Shrieval Service at St Mary’s Church. The Sheriffs, dressed in their ceremonial robes, processed from the Town Council’s offices on Quay Street up to the High Street, a spectacle that invited public participation and celebration. The service was followed by a gathering where attendees enjoyed traditional Welsh Cakes, capturing the spirit of community and heritage.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of NACTSEW, a testament to the enduring relevance and appeal of the Sheriff’s role in the civic life of English and Welsh communities. The idea for the Association was conceived by the former Sheriff of Gloucester, Andrew Gravells, MBE, who now serves as the Honorary Life President.

As the event concluded, Haverfordwest Town Council extended its gratitude to all who contributed to the successful hosting of the AGM and Conference. The baton passes to Lichfield for 2025, with Haverfordwest setting a high precedent in celebrating the historic and continuing significance of the Sheriff’s office.

IN CARMARTHEN, the West Wales Motorcycle Club is changing lives by blending a love for motorcycles with community and mental health support. Founded in 2017, this not-for-profit organisation offers a unique approach to well-being through hands-on mechanical work and social interaction.

The club’s bi-weekly workshops, held every second Saturday between 9 am and 3 pm, provide members with access to a well-equipped space for repairing and restoring motorcycles. These project bikes, some seemingly beyond redemption, are revived thanks to the combined expertise of the members. The process is not just about mechanics; it fosters a sense of accomplishment, builds confidence, and diminishes feelings of isolation among participants.

Inclusivity is at the heart of the club’s ethos. Membership does not require motorcycle ownership, allowing anyone interested to join the community. Whether they wish to learn about motorcycle maintenance or simply enjoy a cup of tea with fellow enthusiasts, members find a welcoming and supportive environment. The club also boasts members with mental health support backgrounds, including trained mental health first aiders, ensuring that those struggling can access a listening ear and be signposted to specialist organisations if needed.

Originally supported by a significant National Lottery Grant, the club has since sustained itself through smaller grants and recently secured funding from the National Lottery’s All Wales Grant Scheme. This funding guarantees at least another year of operations, providing the necessary time to see.

The club’s workshops not only serve as a hub for mechanical learning but also as a means to promote positive mental health. The collaborative efforts on motorcycle restoration projects provide a therapeutic outlet for members, allowing them to connect with others who share their passion. Through these social and mechanical interactions, the club offers an innovative approach to community well-being.

Graham Sines, the club’s Secretary, highlights the project’s uniqueness and invites interested individuals to visit during a workshop session to see the initiative in action. The club’s focus on inclusivity, social interaction, and mental well-being makes it a standout organisation in the West Wales community.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.westwalesmotorcycle.club or contact them via email at [email protected].

IN Mid & South Pembrokeshire, over 5,600 residents aged over 80 face the prospect of losing their Winter Fuel Payments. This follows recent government cuts, revealed by the latest official statistics released on the 24th of September.

The Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats have urged the Labour government to urgently reconsider its stance. The party’s spokesperson, Andrew Lye, highlighted the critical situation, stating that many pensioners are now forced to make a distressing choice between heating their homes and buying food. “Thousands of pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter,” said Mr. Lye. He described the cut as the “completely wrong thing to be doing” in the face of such dire circumstances.

According to the data, 5,622 local pensioners who do not receive pension credit will be affected by the discontinuation of the Winter Fuel Payment—a benefit that previously granted them £300 each to assist with their energy bills during the colder months. Last year, pensioners over 80 in the area received a total of £1,702,500 in support, with a broader constituency figure reaching £4,072,500.

The figures indicate a significant reduction in financial support for the elderly, a demographic that Age UK warns will be in “serious trouble” this winter. The charity has previously reported that across the nation, around 2.5 million pensioners could suffer greatly due to the withdrawal of these essential payments.

The Liberal Democrats have called for a reversal of these cuts, urging the government to protect vulnerable pensioners amid increasing living costs. Mr. Lye emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals, and protect vulnerable pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency, this winter.”

With the local community and advocacy groups raising alarms, the issue has garnered considerable attention, placing pressure on the government to address the potential crisis looming over some of its most vulnerable citizens this winter.