News
Welsh lag behind in electric car uptake: Scots lead the charge

A NEW survey has shone a light on the varied landscape of electric vehicle adoption across Great Britain. Scots are at the forefront of the eco-friendly revolution, with Wales trailing notably.
Car finance gurus, Carmoola, highlighted an explosive surge in the popularity of Electric and Hybrid vehicles, with one electric vehicle being snapped up every 60 seconds in July. Astonishingly, Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) registrations saw a rise by a staggering 87.9% to 23,010.
According to this in-depth study, which surveyed 2,202 individuals from around Great Britain, 5% of Scots now own an electric vehicle as their main mode of transport. In stark contrast, Wales lags considerably behind, with just 1% of those questioned claiming they drive an electric vehicle.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the electric and hybrid vehicle ownership across various regions:
- Scotland: 5% electric, 4% hybrid, 8.9% charging point distribution
- East of England: 4% electric, 6% hybrid, 6.9% charging point distribution
- South East: 3% electric, 5% hybrid, 12.4% charging point distribution
- Wales: 1% electric, 2% hybrid, 4.2% charging point distribution … [Continue with other regions as needed]
Despite their evident growth, electric vehicles still remain in the minority on British roads. Only 3% of respondents drive one as their primary vehicle, and 6% opting for a hybrid.
Infrastructure, too, weaves an interesting tale. The UK boasts over 45,737 public charging points. London, despite housing 31.4% of these chargers, sees only 2% of its denizens driving electric. Surprisingly, many are opting for hybrid models.
The cost remains a significant deterrent for many contemplating the switch. While the initial price tag of electric cars may be on the steeper side, they prove to be more economical in the long haul. For example, charging an electric car on the public network in June 2023 averaged at 49p/kWh. Petrol-driven cars, on the other hand, continue to pinch pockets at £1.44 per litre.
Aidan Rushby of Carmoola opined on the findings, “The future looks promising for electric vehicles. With advancements in battery technology and more streamlined production processes, the costs associated with EVs are set to plummet. While they might currently be more expensive upfront, the long-term savings are palpable. Our survey underlines the fact that the overall cost is a major concern for drivers. Yet, as choices expand with an array of models, there’s bound to be an accelerated adoption of these environmentally friendly alternatives.”
The above statistics were collated by YouGov Plc, with a sample size of 2,272 adults. All findings have been weighted and are reflective of all GB adults (18+ years old). For a more detailed breakdown on the distribution of public UK charging points, readers can consult the Zapmap database.
Crime
Haverfordwest man to stand trial over assault and strangulation allegations

A HAVERFORDWEST man is set to face trial later this year after denying multiple allegations of assault and strangulation involving the same woman.
James Jeffrey, aged 41, of Hill Street, appeared in court charged with six separate offences said to have taken place in Pembrokeshire.
He is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on June 30 last year, and of battery on December 29.
Further charges relate to an alleged strangulation and another assault causing actual bodily harm between January 15 and March 10 this year.
Jeffrey also faces allegations of criminal damage and a third count of actual bodily harm, both said to have taken place on March 8. The criminal damage charge relates to the woman’s mobile phone.
He pleaded not guilty to all six charges.
Judge Geraint Walters listed the case for trial on October 27. It is expected to last four days. Jeffrey was granted bail until then.
Community
American madrigal choir brings harmony to Pembroke

MAGICAL madrigal memories will linger long after Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir hosted a visiting youth choir from the United States at Pembroke Town Hall on Monday (April 7).
The 50-strong Mountain View High School Madrigals from California — aged 14 to 18 — wowed the audience with their exquisite close harmonies, delivering an unaccompanied performance from their wide-ranging repertoire.
In a touching tribute to their hosts, the young American singers performed a note-perfect rendition of the Welsh classic Myfanwy, before joining the Pembroke choristers in a moving version of Calon Lân.
The local choir, under the baton of Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, responded with a trio of songs: African Prayer, World in Union, and, fittingly, Elvis Presley’s American Trilogy. Accompanist for the evening was Rev William Lambert, with Matthew John acting as MC.
Pembroke’s Town Crier, Gareth Jones, welcomed the visitors with his trademark booming voice, and the Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Ann Mortesen, presented a town crest to the visiting choir’s musical director, Jill Kenny. Choir chairman Huw Morgan also presented a commemorative plaque, noting that in the choir’s 72-year history, this was believed to be the first joint performance with an American choir.
Earlier in the day, the Mountain View Madrigals had toured Pembroke Castle before travelling to St Davids, where they gave a performance in the Cathedral. The group spent two nights in Pembrokeshire, staying at a hotel in Tenby.
Thanks were extended to Choir Secretary Dave Powell, Gareth Morgan, and the Pembroke Town Hall team for their efforts in organising the memorable visit.
News
Town Mayor opens Llandeilo Bowling Club’s 2025 season

THE 2025 lawn bowls season for Llandeilo Bowling Club (LBC) has now commenced with the formal opening of the green on Saturday April 12.
With the weather remaining onside there was a big turnout for the opening with Llandeilo Town Council’s Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, bowling the first wood of the season with remarkable accuracy. Apologies had been received from Cllr Edward Thomas who was unable to be present due to ill health.
Before games commenced the traditional “spider” competition took place with everyone bowling simultaneously to the jack in the centre of the green. The fun competition was won for the second year in succession by Pat James.
The green was in excellent condition after the winter due to the hard work of volunteers and members bowled on all rinks for a couple of hours all trying to get their hand in before the season’s league competitions commence. Everyone then retreated to the club house for a sumptuous tea prepared by members with a raffle thereafter.
LBC President, Gareth James, congratulated the club’s short mat teams – Tywi (division 1) and Teilo (division 2) both of which had done extremely well in their divisions considering they were relatively new teams to the short mat league but both had proved forces to be reckoned with. It was hoped that now that the 2025 lawn bowls season had started LBC would again meet with success.
Deborah Mathews, Jamie Davies, and Doug Davies, captains of the ladies, mens and veterans teams respectively were wished well for the impending season.
The Mayor, Charlotte Morgan, who remained in the company of members for the afternoon, said that she had followed with interest LBC’S successes and it was hoped this would continue for the coming season. It was encouraging to see the club thriving and in regular use with a cross section of age groups enjoying the facilities.
LBC will be holding an open day on Sunday 27th April from 2pm onwards. No previous experience is necessary. Bowls and free coaching will be provided. All you need is flat footwear. LBC looks forward to welcoming you.
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