News

Crabb selected as Conservative candidate in new Mid and South Pembs seat

Published

10 months ago

January 28, 2024

STEPHEN CRABB the current MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has been selected in a meeting held on Friday (26 Jan) by Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Conservative Federation to stand as the local Welsh Conservative candidate at the next general election.

With major changes to existing parliamentary seat boundaries taking effect at the next general election, Crabb will now enter the contest hoping to secure a majority in the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat.

Stephen is an influential local and national political figure and has served his home constituency since winning in 2005. He increased his majority at the last election in 2019 securing a majority of 5,062. He has served as Secretary of State for Wales, and is currently Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee which cross-examines ministers on the impact of Government spending and policies on Wales. He has recently led inquiries into the scandal of sewage pollution in Wales and the problems at Welsh broadcaster S4C. Stephen has a reputation at Westminster for being able to work across party lines and build effective teams.

Growing up in Haverfordwest, Stephen benefitted from being part of a close-knit community, received an excellent education at Tasker Milward School, and had the security of living in good quality Council housing in Portfield Avenue. A keen sportsman, Stephen captained Tasker Milward 1st XV and represented the County at every age group until he left school. Stephen went on to achieve a first class degree at Bristol University. Stephen has always been grateful to have grown up in Pembrokeshire and has brought his passion for his home county to his work over the past 18 years.

Stephen Crabb MP said: “I am delighted to be selected as the Welsh Conservative Candidate for the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat. It’s been a huge privilege to represent my home constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire at Westminster since 2005, and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to seek re-election. I have a strong record of action and delivery for residents in Preseli Pembrokeshire and I look forward to continuing this work and building on it in South Pembrokeshire.”

“Pembrokeshire is a fabulous place to live and grow up, and I want it to stay that way. We face some big challenges that require real knowledge, local experience and a ‘Team Pembrokeshire’ approach. That is what motivates me.”

“I will continue to work closely with both our local MS’s Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz, and, of course, my good friend Simon Hart who continues to be the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire as well as our fantastic group of Conservative Councillors to keep delivering results as we build towards a general election.”

Paul Davies MS for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “I am delighted that Stephen has been adopted as the Welsh Conservative candidate for the upcoming General Election. I’ve had the privilege of working with Stephen for many years now and his commitment to the people of Pembrokeshire is second to none.”

“He’s a man of Pembrokeshire, who fights for Pembrokeshire – and he has worked tirelessly over the years to support local people, businesses, and organisations. He has a record of delivery in supporting constituents on their personal journeys, showing leadership throughout the covid pandemic by bringing together organisations through roundtable discussions, and advocating for Pembrokeshire businesses – whether that’s championing our fantastic farmers, anchoring support for the Celtic Freeport or working with our small businesses.”

“Stephen has my full support and I look forward to campaigning with him.”

Mike Bryan, Chair of Pembrokeshire Conservatives said: “I am pleased that Stephen has been selected to fight the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat Having campaigned with Stephen at every election since 2001, I know what an excellent servant he has been to Pembrokeshire. He is local, understands local issues and is a part of our community. We have a challenging campaign ahead, but I am convinced that we have right person to continue to put Pembrokeshire first.”

Sam Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: “Having worked closely with Stephen for nearly 8 years, I know of his dedicated commitment to Pembrokeshire and its people.”

“As a Member of Parliament, Stephen has long championed our local industries, from farming to tourism and those on the Haven Waterway.”

“Stephen has also stood shoulder to shoulder with constituents and communities who needed his support and has a track record to be proud of.”

“I’m thrilled that Stephen is our candidate for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, and I look forward working alongside him in championing Pembrokeshire in a positive General Election campaign.”

Photo above: Stephen Crabb MP has been selected to stand as the Welsh Conservative candidate in the Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat at the next General Election.

Entertainment

Two-day Christmas fair set for Pembrokeshire

Published

11 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s annual Christmas Fair will run for two days this year, on Thursday, December 14, and Friday, December 15.

Held at the Parkhouse Building on the Haverfordwest Showground, the venue will transform into a festive shopping destination, offering an expanded range of stalls, live music, Santa’s Grotto, and an outdoor food court.

Expanded event

Event organisers Judith Roach and Emma Thomas expressed their excitement about the extended format. They said:
“We are thrilled to announce that our Christmas Fair will run for two days instead of just one. We are building on last year’s success with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. The Parkhouse Building will become a one-stop shop for everyone preparing for Christmas.”

The fair will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days, with free admission for all visitors.

Festive treats and unique gifts

Attendees can expect to browse an extensive selection of unique gifts, handmade decorations, artwork, and homeware. Local food and drink producers will also showcase festive delights, including chocolate brownies, fudge, spirits, and Welsh cheeses.

An outdoor food court will cater for visitors on the go, with a variety of hot and cold options.

Santa’s Grotto

Santa himself will make a special appearance, with children able to visit him for £3 per child. Each child will receive a small gift, with all proceeds going to the Sandy Bear charity. Advance bookings can be made via the Sandy Bear website.

Community effort

Adam Thorne, president of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, praised the efforts of the event’s organisers:
“The society would like to thank Judith and Emma for their dedication in organising this two-day event. We’re delighted to offer visitors a chance to do their Christmas shopping while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society encourages visitors to follow the Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for updates and a complete list of stallholders.

The event promises to be a perfect start to the holiday season, welcoming families and shoppers alike.

News

New hope for rare dormouse after forest find

Published

11 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A RARE hazel dormouse has been discovered in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, bringing fresh hope for the survival of the endangered species in the area.

The golden-brown rodent, known for its distinctive big eyes and long whiskers, has seen a dramatic population decline across Britain—down 70% since 2000. It is now one of seven vulnerable mammals in Wales.

Conservationists made the significant find during a project aimed at linking habitats across the park. Volunteers had set up nesting boxes in the Nevern woodland, roughly five miles west of the dormouse’s known habitat in Pengelli Forest.

A lucky discovery

Park conservationist Mary Chadwick said the team had been trying to connect isolated dormouse populations across the park’s ancient oak woodlands, including Pengelli Forest and areas near the Pentre Ifan Neolithic site.

“We were looking at linking up those important sites and checking whether populations were isolated,” she explained. “A licensed dormouse volunteer took on a new site and set up the boxes. It can take years for dormice to use the boxes, but we got lucky this year.”

The discovery marks the first recorded dormouse population in the Nevern valley, raising hopes for the species’ ability to spread across the landscape and bolster genetic diversity—key to its long-term survival.

Supporting conservation efforts

To ensure a brighter future for dormice, conservationists are calling on farmers and landowners to adopt wildlife-friendly practices, such as cutting hedgerows less frequently.

“We’re asking people to trim hedges on alternate sides each year,” said Ms. Chadwick. “That would be much better for our dormice.”

Building a future

With ongoing conservation efforts and discoveries like this, researchers hope the dormouse can move closer to recovery in Pembrokeshire. The new find has confirmed their belief that dormice could thrive across the Nevern valley, creating vital connections between isolated populations.

*Nesting boxes placed in the forest where dormice were found (Pic: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park)*

Crime

Burglar jailed for stealing cars worth £90,000 from Sinclair Garage

Published

11 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BRIAN DAVIS, 53, of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to three counts of non-dwelling burglary at Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard that Davis and an accomplice targeted Sinclair Garages in Neyland during the early hours of April 2 last year, stealing four vehicles: a Mercedes CLA, an Audi A1, an Audi Q3, and a Volkswagen Tiguan worth around £90,000 in total.

Sentencing Davis, Judge Paul Thomas KC said the crimes were too severe for a suspended sentence and noted little hope of rehabilitation. “These offences display planning and determination,” the judge remarked.

The burglars forced entry into the garage, using a crowbar to access a key storage board. Nine sets of keys were stolen, allowing them to take multiple vehicles. Prosecutor Matthew Murphy told the court: “The men left with two cars initially, returned 14 minutes later to steal a third, and returned again for a fourth.”

The stolen cars were valued at approximately £90,000. Three vehicles – the Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi A1, and Audi Q3 – were recovered the following day. However, the Mercedes CLA, worth £12,382, was only located in January this year. Damages included £5,541 to replace locks on several vehicles.

Police traced Davis through partial fingerprints found on a glove left in one of the stolen cars. He was arrested after surrendering at Haverfordwest Police Station on August 14.

Struggles with addiction

The court heard Davis had left Pembrokeshire in December, breaching post-sentence supervision for an unrelated offence, to stay with family in Glasgow and recover from drug addiction. Stuart John, defending, explained: “The defendant struggled with heroin addiction from a young age. Family bereavements caused a relapse.”

Mr John noted that Davis had been clean when he returned to Pembrokeshire and voluntarily handed himself in. While in custody, Davis completed courses and attended counselling, demonstrating awareness of the consequences of further drug use.

Recovered vehicles