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Ascona hits £100k fundraising target for Wales Air Ambulance

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PEMBROKESHIRE based Ascona Group, the 7th largest UK independent forecourt operator and one of the fastest growing companies in Wales for the last three years, is delighted to announce that it has made another £50,000 donation to its charity partner, the Wales Air Ambulance, as it hits its ambitious fundraising target of £100,000 in the 2023/24 financial year. 

After Ascona made initial donations of £10,000 in March 2023 and £40,000 in November 2023, the Group has made this additional donation following the success of its fundraising activities across its portfolio of first-class roadside retail destinations over the last few months.

Following this donation, Ascona has now hit its target of raising over £100,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance over the course of the year-long partnership.

Ascona is also delighted to announce that it has renewed its charity partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance, and has committed to raising over £100,000 in the next financial year once again.

The partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance helps to support their vital mission to deliver lifesaving medical care to people across Wales, whenever and wherever they need it. The service relies entirely on charitable donations as the organisation seeks to raise £11.2 million in funds every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the roads across Wales.

Darren Briggs, Founder and CEO of Ascona Group, commented: “I am thrilled that we were able to make another significant donation to this vital charity. Over the last 12 months, we have been able to hit our ambitious fundraising target and we’re delighted to renew our partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance for the 2024/25 financial year.

“This time, we expect to raise a further £100,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, which will help to ensure this brilliant charity can continue to deliver lifesaving medical care to people across Wales.” 

“Since we launched Ascona in 2011, supporting our local communities has been at the heart of everything we do so I am very proud that we continue to play such an active role in supporting charities like Wales Air Ambulance who make such a difference to communities across Wales.

Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive, Wales Air Ambulance Charity commented: “We are all deeply grateful for the level of support we’ve received from Ascona this year. Working with Ascona on our partnership over the last year has been a positive and rewarding experience, and we are delighted to be able to continue this relationship for the next 12 months.

“On behalf of all crew, staff and patients, I’d like to thank the entire Ascona team for their hard work over the last 12 months, as well as everyone who made donations. Without the help of organisations like Ascona, it would not be possible to do what we do at the Wales Air Ambulance.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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