News
Search for missing teenager Luke continues at Pembroke Dock
THE SEARCH for the missing 19-year-old, Luke, continues unabated into its fourth day, with efforts increasingly centred around the waterways near Pembroke Dock.
Officials from Dyfed-Powys Police have disclosed that the teenager is believed to have last entered the waters close to the BOC Jetty at the terminus of Criterion Way, Pembroke Dock, where the search is presently being concentrated.
Luke was reported missing on Saturday, 13 April, following reports of calls for help heard emanating from the water at Hobbs Point. A multi-agency operation was promptly initiated in response to these distress signals.
A spokesperson from Dyfed-Powys Police provided an update today, stating, “We are persisting in our efforts to locate Luke, aged 19, who is missing in the Pembroke Dock vicinity. He is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, of a slim build, with dark brown hair. He was last observed wearing a long white jacket, black trousers with a white stripe, and black trainers also adorned with a white stripe.”
The police have further revealed that new information suggests Luke might have entered the water from the BOC Jetty on Criterion Way. Search operations, including the deployment of a specialist police dive team, are set to continue in this area.
The public is urged to come forward with any sightings of Luke or information that might aid in the search. Reports can be made to Dyfed-Powys Police through a direct message on social media, by visiting their online contact page at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, via email at [email protected], or by calling the non-emergency number, 101.
For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, communication can be made via text to the non-emergency number 07811 311 908.
The case reference number is DP-20240414-012.
Community
Badger cub rescued and released after cliff fall at beach near St David’s
A young badger cub who had fallen onto rocks at Porthlysgi Beach, St Davids, has been released back into the wild after a period of RSPCA specialist care.
The male cub – which weighed just 1.455 kilograms (3.2 pounds) – which is the same weight roughly as three loaves of bread – was found on Saturday 20 April at around 1pm. He was understandably in a frightened state and was making distressed noises.
RSPCA Inspector and Wildlife Officer Keith Hogben attended the location – a rural cove off the Pembrokeshire Coast Path – to collect the badger and take him to a place of safety.
A video taken by Keith shows when he was initially spotted as he was hidden amongst the rocks. On this occasion a specialist bag designed for wildlife was used instead of a cage due to the difficulties accessing the location safely.
“The cub was found directly below a larger badger sett so we knew where he came from,” said Keith.
“Luckily he was spotted and we were able to find him amongst the rocks and able to get to him before anything happened to him. He would have been very vulnerable out in the open and in the daylight.”
The badger cub was then assessed by Keith and RSPCA Wildlife Officer Ellie West who provided specialist care for the cub.
Ellie said once the badger was fully recovered from his ordeal they were able to return him to his sett.
“On Monday 22 April he was taken back to the sett at dusk and released,” she said.
“We were really pleased he was able to be released so soon as he was still at a suckling age and would have not been out and about yet at this age much at all.”
If you encounter a badger who is injured or in distress please visit our website https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/badgers
or call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.
To mark the RSPCA’s special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives. To find out how you can join their million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200.
Entertainment
Create a dried meadow flower artwork at Roch Castle
ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is hosting a workshop to create a dried meadow flower wall artwork to adorn your home on Sunday, May 19 (12pm-2pm).
During the two-hour session you will learn how to fill a 40cm x 30cm natural wood frame with your chosen mix of dried flowers, grasses and seed heads.
Most of the flowers have been grown and dried by Karen MacKechnie from the Floral Goat on her Pembrokeshire farm, with some additional stems sourced from other British flower farmers.
Places at the dried flower meadow workshop, which will be led by Karen, are priced at £70 per person to include all materials as well as tea/coffee and Welshcakes. Book online via Roch Castle’s website www.rochcastle.com or call 01437 725 566.
Free parking is available on-site but as space is limited please car share where possible. As a 12th century castle, access within Roch Castle is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Business
Women make better homeworkers than men, according to new survey
A GROUNDBREAKING survey conducted by the team behind the British Business Excellence Awards (www.britishbusinessexcellenceawards.co.uk) have uncovered a significant trend in the remote work landscape: women are leading the charge as successful remote workers, surpassing men in both productivity and overall satisfaction with remote work arrangements.
The survey, encompassing more than 2,300 UK adults in full-time employment (a 50/50 split of men and women), revealed a striking trend: over two thirds of employees (69%) perceive female remote workers as more productive than their male counterparts. Contrary to traditional assumptions, women are not only adapting to remote work, but thriving in it.
Additionally, over three-quarters of women (76%) reported increased productivity since transitioning to remote work, compared to 54% of men. This shift in productivity is closely tied to work-life balance, with 72% of women indicating an improved balance since working remotely, compared to 58% of men.
Female remote workers also stood out in terms of approachability and support, with a staggering three-quarters of respondents (75%) perceiving female colleagues as more approachable in the virtual workspace. This accessibility and support contribute to a more cohesive and connected remote work environment.
In a reflection of the evolving priorities in the business world, over half of men (54%) and three-fifths of women (61%) believe that female remote workers are more progressive when it comes to sustainability and environmental initiatives. Women in remote roles were perceived as having a stronger focus on implementing sustainable practices and promoting eco-consciousness in their virtual teams.
Conversely, the survey highlighted a perception that male remote workers are more comfortable with embracing technology and artificial intelligence (AI), with 78% of men and 61% of women expressing this view. This suggests that male remote workers are seen as driving digital transformation and leveraging tech tools more readily in the virtual workspace.
Sarah Austin, Director of the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards, commented:
“These findings challenge traditional norms and underline the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees, especially women, can thrive. The data clearly shows that women bring unique strengths to remote work, contributing to higher productivity, improved work-life balance, and a focus on sustainability.
“The survey underscores the significant advantages of supporting and promoting women in remote work settings. As businesses continue to navigate the remote work landscape, understanding and leveraging the strengths of female remote workers can lead to enhanced productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success.”
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