Royal Imperial Wrestling expands community-focused initiative in South Wales

ROYAL IMPERIAL WRESTLING (RIW), a growing name in the UK’s professional wrestling community, has opened its latest wrestling training school in Camrose, Pembrokeshire, aiming to discover and nurture local wrestling talent.

The new facility officially opened on Sunday, June 15, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and participate in professional wrestling.

The Pembrokeshire school’s launch follows the successful opening of RIW’s first school in Cefn Cribwr, Bridgend, just five months ago. The Bridgend location has quickly become a thriving community hub, with more than twenty regular trainees and several sold-out wrestling shows.

The schools are run by experienced wrestlers Andrew Griffiths, PJ Schulz, and Zac Parton, who collectively bring 68 years of wrestling and martial arts expertise.

Speaking about the opening, co-owner Zac Parton said: “We are thrilled to launch our second school in another vibrant Welsh community. Our aim at RIW is to make wrestling accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, weight, ability, or neurodiversity. We’re committed to expanding further across Wales and making wrestling an inclusive and exciting part of community life.”

Local councillor Huw David (Cefn Cribwr, Kenfig Hill and Pyle ward) also praised the company’s efforts: “It’s fantastic to see Royal Imperial Wrestling quickly become such a valued and integral part of the community in Cefn Cribwr. Their events and training sessions have provided great entertainment and meaningful community engagement.”

RIW’s next event, Heatwave!, under its developmental sister brand Next-Gen Wrestling, takes place at Cefn Cribwr Community Centre on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are available online for £5.

For more information, visit the RIW Facebook page: facebook.com/RiwWales.

Pioneering move builds on Torfaen success and Future Generations Act

WALES is set to become the world’s first official “Marmot Nation” as part of a bold new approach to tackling health inequalities, the Welsh Government has announced.

The initiative will see Wales adopt the eight Marmot Principles developed by renowned public health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot. These principles aim to reduce the unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes that are influenced by social and economic factors—such as housing, employment, and access to services.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, confirmed the government will work closely with the Institute of Health Equity (IHE), led by Sir Michael, to embed health equity into policy-making across all government departments.

The move follows a successful pilot in Torfaen and the wider Gwent area, which became the first Marmot Region in Wales. Under the national plan, multiple communities across the country will now work to apply the same approach.

“This is a major step forward,” said Jeremy Miles. “We are placing health equity at the heart of government decision-making. By learning from the positive changes in Torfaen, we aim to support better health outcomes for people across Wales.”

The Marmot Principles focus on upstream action to address the social determinants of health. These include giving every child the best start in life, promoting fair employment and decent living standards, tackling discrimination, and supporting sustainable communities.

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, will formally announce the commitment at the Canada-UK Council’s launch of the Fairer Society, Healthier Lives report in Cardiff on Monday (June 16).

“Becoming a Marmot Nation is about acknowledging that health is shaped by the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age,” she said. “By adopting these eight principles nationally, we are taking cross-government action to reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing for all.”

Sir Michael Marmot welcomed the announcement, saying: “Healthcare matters, but social circumstances matter more. Health equity must be a priority for all of government—not just the NHS. Wales is leading the way.”

The plan builds on Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act, which marked its tenth anniversary this year. The Act legally requires public bodies to consider long-term impacts and promote well-being in decision-making.

Professor Nicolas Maclean, UK Co-Chair of the Canada-UK Council, also praised the initiative: “This announcement sends a powerful message globally. Wales is setting an example for how governments can work to overcome unequal health outcomes.”

Cresselly, St Ishmaels, and Pembroke Dock shine as season heats up

THE EIGHTH week of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League saw some dominant performances and thrilling finishes across the divisions, with Cresselly continuing their unbeaten streak in Division 1 and Pembroke Dock II producing fireworks in Division 5.

Division 1

Cresselly cemented their place at the top of the table with a commanding 146-run victory over Carew. Tom Murphy (82) and Simon Cole (68) led a strong batting display, while Tom Arthur (5-28) and Ollie Arthur (3-23) ensured Carew were all out for 140 in reply.

Neyland cruised to an eight-wicket win against Haverfordwest, restricting them to 94 all out before chasing down the target with ease, thanks to contributions from Ross Hardy (2-10 & 23*) and Dai Davies (22*).

Burton enjoyed a 75-run win over Saundersfoot, with Morgan Scale (4-15) and Luke Hayman (3-25) starring with the ball.

Lawrenny edged out Whitland by three wickets, with Jamie Lewis (3-22) and Oscar Lewis (3-24) pivotal in a tight low-scoring game.

Herbrandston’s Charlie Malloy took a sensational 7-27 as they skittled Llangwm for just 55 and wrapped up a seven-wicket victory.

Division 1 Table

Division 2

Pembroke dismantled Carew II by 196 runs, powered by Jack Harries’ century (102) and Billy Wood’s all-round performance (27 & 5-17).

St Ishmaels overwhelmed Cresselly II by 154 runs, with a standout 49 from Jonathan Pawlett and 4-19 from Andrew Pawlett.

Llanrhian beat Burton II by six wickets, chasing 86 with Tom Clarke (38) and Russell Watkins (27) leading the way.

Hook defeated Johnston by 64 runs, while Llechryd took a 35-run win over Narberth, with Jaap Harries grabbing 4-19.

Division 2 Table

Division 3

Lamphey’s David Blackwell struck a superb 82 not out as they secured a 52-run win over Neyland II.

Hundleton defeated Laugharne by seven wickets, with Craig Williamson (40 & 3-19) and Ava Midgeley (4-28) pivotal.

Stackpole edged Haverfordwest II by two wickets in a tight low-scorer, while Pembroke Dock beat Fishguard by 69 runs, thanks to George Smith’s all-round effort (42 & 3-4).

Kilgetty v Hook II was abandoned.

Division 3 Table

Division 4

Three matches were abandoned, but Llangwm II returned to winning ways with a 72-run victory over Narberth II, thanks to Finley Ellrick (84) and Callum Jenkins (58).

Pembroke II made light work of St Ishmaels II, chasing 81 with nine wickets in hand, Paul White unbeaten on 42.

Division 4 Table

Division 5

Pembroke Dock II blew away Cresselly III by 137 runs, with Alex Fearson (84), Luke Murray (56), and Richard Scourfield (50) dominating.

Llechryd II won a nail-biter against Herbrandston II by just two runs, while Haverfordwest IV beat Neyland III by five wickets.

Whitland II v Hundleton II was abandoned.

Division 5 Table

Division 6

All scheduled matches were abandoned due to weather.

Division 6 Table