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Surrogacy: Carmarthenshire solicitor calls for legal reform

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ON the anniversary of the Law Commission’s call for surrogacy law to be overhauled, JCP Solicitors’ Angela Killa, Director in the Family team, is calling on prospective surrogates and parents to better understand the legal rules around this complicated path to parenthood.

Proposing a new regulatory route for surrogacy arrangements in the UK, the Law Commission’s recommendations for the Government puts forward a change to the law so that intended parents would become parents of the child from birth in certain circumstances. Currently, intended parents must wait months to obtain a parental order ¾ which causes stress and anxiety, not to mention administrative difficulties when registering the child.

A Surrogacy Register would also be created under the new proposals, allowing surrogate children to trace their birth origins later in life. Overall, the recommendations laid out in the report would improve regulation of domestic surrogacy to dissuade UK residents from going abroad, as international surrogacy agreements can bring greater risk of exploitation of women and children in some countries.

A year on from the reform suggestions, surrogacy rates continue to rise in the UK – surging by 350% over the past 12 years. Now, legal experts say it is more relevant than ever to understand the full implications of entering a surrogacy agreement.

Angela Killa, Director in the Family team at JCP Solicitors, explains: “In the UK, a surrogate (and her husband or male civil partner, if relevant) are considered the mother (and father) of a child at birth. Intended parents must apply for a Parental Order, which is heard before the Court ¾ making it highly advisable for those involved in surrogacy cases to appoint a Solicitor.

“We often see immense stresses from both the parents and the surrogate, as the current law means that the parental order can take months to obtain which can be incredibly anxiety-inducing.

“For example, intended parents may worry that the surrogate will change her mind or will not give her consent freely, whereas surrogates may also worry that the intended parents may change their mind(s) or make unreasonable demands during pregnancy.

“This feels particularly difficult given the fact that many intended parents are likely to have dealt with a lot of trauma before considering surrogacy: many have faced fertility struggles and may even have dealt with the devastation of failed pregnancies or baby loss. For LGBTQ+ couples, there may have been additional challenges faced due to discrimination or prejudice. Therefore, empathy and consideration is of paramount importance when discussing this issue.”

The government published an interim response to the report in November 2023, with Maria Caulfield MP stating: “While we appreciate the importance of this work, parliamentary time does not allow for these changes to be taken forward at the moment.” Despite this response, legal experts working in surrogacy encourage the Government to take action and fully consider the proposed amendments. 

Angela explains: “The reforms laid out in the Surrogacy Reform Act by the Law Commission may help to ease the stress and pressure for all involved. The Government are encouraged to provide a full response as soon as possible so progress can be made in this important area of law”.

Angela Killa is a member of Resolution, a family law organisation advocating for a constructive approach to family issues.

News

Coastguard called to Goodwick breakwater after items found

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HM COASTGUARD teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove were called into action on Tuesday morning (Mar 25) after personal belongings were discovered on Goodwick breakwater.

The lifeboat crew from RNLI Fishguard also launched, as emergency services responded to concerns that a person may have entered the water.

The incident began at around 10:34am when Dyfed-Powys Police requested assistance in conducting a coordinated search of the area, both by land and sea.

After a full search involving Coastguard teams and the lifeboat, no missing person was found and the operation was stood down.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “If you’re ever out and about and see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Call 101 to report non-emergencies or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if there’s any danger to life on the coast.”

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Education

County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

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PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. 

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie. 

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated. 

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.” 

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell 

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

 HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble

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Community

Loved and lost baby remembrance service to be held in Carmarthen

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THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.

The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.

Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.

A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.

Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to [email protected] by Tuesday (Apr 22).

Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at [email protected].

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