News

Pembrokeshire care home worker scoops national award ceremony

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2023

A PEMBROKESHIRE service manager has been recognised for their outstanding contribution during the past year at the annual Shaw Star Awards 2023.

The 14th Shaw healthcare national awards ceremony took place at The Tortworth Court Hotel in Gloucestershire on Thursday 23 November and was hosted by Welsh singer, TV presenter and actor Wynne Evans, best known as the face of GoCompare, and the recently crowned winner of Celebrity MasterChef 2023.

Sarah Lees, a service manager at Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, won the ‘Outstanding Management Contribution’ award after being nominated by staff members and residents’ families. The award – sponsored by Nexon Group – recognises and celebrates those within management roles who demonstrate a high level of expertise combined with exceptional leadership skills.

She was commended by colleagues for showing an unwavering commitment to her work and exceptional leadership skills, which has resulted in the care service having a healthy waiting list for people wanting the best care.

Ms Lees said: “It’s been really rewarding seeing Pembroke Dock develop positively in the time that I have been here. It’s been a brilliant team effort. To be recognised with this award for the work I do is wonderful.”

Her colleague, Laura Holbrook, was also a finalist in the ‘Rising Star’ category which recognises and celebrates team members who are new to Shaw but have made a positive impact on their team and residents in a short period of time.

The care home in Pembroke Dock provides rehabilitation and enablement for residents, many of whom have experienced extended periods of hospitalisation.

Ms Lees was one of eight award winners who were recognised at the event, which aims to celebrate the achievements of outstanding staff members across Shaw’s 60 UK facilities.

Russell Brown, CEO of Shaw healthcare, added: “The Shaw Star Awards are always the highlight of our calendar and this year’s event was no exception. The quality of submissions was terrific, and it was – as always – extremely hard to pick a winner from the incredibly talented pool of finalists.

“As an employee-owned company it is important that we celebrate the Shaw family, so I want to say a huge congratulations to Sarah, our other winners and also all the nominees – all of whom exemplify Shaw’s ethos of going above and beyond to provide the best possible care to our residents.”

As part of the event, the guests were treated to a powerful burst of song from Wynne Evans and also to music from rock and pop covers band, The Forgery, and a prize draw sponsored by Arjo.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

4 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

4 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.