News
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners

A WEST WALES couple who scooped £1M on EuroMillions say one of the most important benefits of their win is to give them more time, to enjoy with family and friends, and importantly, with their honey bees.
And for Jeff (60) and Davinia Pritchard (58), this extra time has meant life really is sweet as they’ve dedicated even more hours to expanding their bee ‘empire’, improving quality of life for themselves, and the local bee population.
The couple, from Carmarthenshire, who won £1M in a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker draw in June 2015 had always loved to keep bees and found their perfect zen time to be spent channelling their love for the environment and all things home and locally produced.
And today – thanks to their National Lottery win – they have been able to grow their small honey bee empire with more than ten hives producing delicious local honey.
Davinia said, “One of the most important things our win has bought us is time – time for us to pursue a hobby we love and maintain the land to ensure it’s the best environment for our bees, and us! Pottering about at home definitely brings us just as much joy as the new cars and exotic holidays we’ve been able to enjoy.”
Jeff continues, “I’ve always loved being outdoors with my bees, and our win made that easier to do! I was able to retire early, giving me more time to spend with the family, but also time for the simple things in life like tending to my bees and improving the land around our home to ensure a truly bee-friendly environment. As a result, the hives are thriving, our home looks amazing and we are producing plenty of lovely local honey!
Davina adds, “our bee adventure actually started well before the win, when Jeff decided to build an ornamental beehive for the garden, and then figured if he had the hive he ought to get some bees. We’d never have imagined that 20 years down the line we’d have won on The National Lottery and be living the good life.”
When Jeff and Davinia Pritchard won the life-changing sum of money they were working full time, Jeff as a works manager for a UK Modular Building Manufacturer and Davinia as a coordinator for the Welsh Ambulance Service. And while they were already living in their dream home, they thought that they would be selling it to fund their retirement. That all changed the day Jeff checked a message from The National Lottery and discovered that instead of the usual £6.40 they’d won £1M. Davinia told The Herald:“Before we won, we already felt we’d hit the jackpot having bought our dream cottage with some land for the bees, but there was lots of work still to do and we considered it our retirement plan, sadly not a forever home.

“Then, thanks to that dose of Lottery luck, we were able to clear the mortgage and complete the renovation works that we had started sooner than planned so that we had more space for the family and can make the most of the garden, and views across the paddock to the beehives.
“During the pandemic I was still working and being able to come home here to recharge and forget the horrors of the day was utterly priceless; it really is our own slice of heaven. Alongside the bees we have a small flock of Jacob sheep who make the most of the land we have, and while we enjoy the basics of shepherding, after an entertaining first attempt we now leave the shearing to the local professionals!”
Making the most of the great outdoors is so important to the couple who met at school and were married at 18. Jeff is a keen walker and has summited most of Wales’ and UK mountains while since her recent retirement, Davinia has finally summited South Wales’ highest peak, Pen Y Fan. Davina comments,
“That’s just one of the many bonuses that has come from our lucky win. Before the win I couldn’t have dreamt that I would ever have been able to afford the professional help I needed to lose weight and join a lovely gym that is helping me to get fit. Having finally reached the top of Pen y Fan, I’m literally at my peak fitness!”
By playing any National Lottery game, players generate £30M each week for National Lottery-funded projects. This money helps fund projects across the nation, with over 685,000 grants – supporting projects both big and small – having been made across the UK to date.
Players can buy and check their tickets online by downloading the National Lottery app or at national-lottery.co.uk. Players can also buy and check tickets in retail. Playing online via the app or website means that your ticket is checked, and you get an email notification if you win a prize. You can also scan your retail tickets on the National Lottery app to check if you’re a winner.
Charity
Shalom House adapts to community needs amid financial struggles

A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.
Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.
In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.
Balancing priorities
While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.
“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”
The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.
Community campaign brings hope
Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.
Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”
Looking ahead
The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.
“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”
For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.
Entertainment
A Christmas spectacular at St Davids Cathedral delights audience

A CHRISTMAS celebration of music and song enthralled audiences at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday (Dec 14), as the St Davids Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica presented A Christmas Spectacular. The event, which began at 7:00pm, offered a festive evening of performances set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks.
The concert featured the talented harpist Bethan Semmens, who captivated listeners with her intricate and emotive playing. A Cardiff native, Semmens studied at the Royal College of Music and has performed at prestigious events across the UK and internationally. Her contributions to the evening brought an enchanting touch to the programme.
The night was packed with beloved seasonal pieces, showcasing both choral and soloist performances. Highlights included the timeless Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, and festive classics such as The Twelve Days of Christmas. The Cathedral Choir delivered stirring renditions under the vaulted ceilings, with carols and arrangements that beautifully resonated throughout the space.
Special moments featured solos by Harriet Pearce and Sophie Cooke, who lent their voices to favourites like There Is No Rose and Balulalow. The audience was further treated to a moving arrangement of A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, performed in harmony with Bethan Semmens’ harp accompaniment.
A medley of carols encouraged audience participation, culminating in a joyful and spirited atmosphere. Families, friends, and visitors joined their voices for classics that brought warmth and festivity to the wintry evening.
The performance concluded with an uplifting recessional, leaving attendees with a sense of seasonal cheer. The Cathedral, adorned with Christmas trees and lights, provided the perfect setting for what many described as an unforgettable musical experience.
The Herald understands that A Christmas Spectacular was a resounding success, with plans already underway for next year’s event.
News
Greyhound racing in Wales: Future hangs in balance as decision delayed until 2025

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S decision to postpone a ruling on the future of greyhound racing until 2025 has sparked mixed reactions, with animal welfare groups voicing disappointment and industry representatives welcoming the extended timeline for discussion.
Welfare groups demand urgent action
Animal welfare organisations, including Dogs Trust, RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue, have expressed dismay at the delay. The coalition, known as Cut the Chase, has long advocated for an end to greyhound racing in Wales, calling the postponement a missed opportunity to prevent further harm.
Their concerns mirror recent developments in New Zealand, where greyhound racing will be banned by August 2026 due to concerns over injuries and fatalities. Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, stated:
“The call to end greyhound racing in Wales has received overwhelming support from the animal welfare community, Members of the Senedd, and the public, with over 35,000 people signing a petition demanding change.
“It is unacceptable that so many dogs die or are seriously injured every year, all in the name of entertainment. Wales now stands alongside only a handful of countries, including England and Scotland, where this outdated and inhumane practice persists. The Welsh Government must take the only meaningful action to stop this cruelty: end greyhound racing once and for all.”
Public supports a phased ban
A consultation conducted by the Welsh Government revealed that 64.69% of respondents supported a phased ban on greyhound racing. Despite this, officials have opted to extend deliberations, with a final decision now expected in 2025.
Animal welfare groups highlighted troubling figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), which reported 359 racing greyhound deaths and 4,238 injuries in 2023 – a 47% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year. Concerns extend to off-track welfare, including reports of poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and lack of enrichment for retired greyhounds.
Industry defends its welfare standards
The GBGB has countered criticism by emphasizing welfare improvements at licensed tracks such as Valley Stadium in Wales. Mark Bird, GBGB Chief Executive, said:
“Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought significant welfare improvements, overseen by expert veterinarians and our national network of professionals. Racing greyhounds receive more oversight and protection than many pet dogs across Wales.
“We remain committed to working with the Welsh Government to promote and protect greyhound welfare through effective and proportionate regulation.”
Broader calls for change
The debate in Wales reflects a growing movement to end greyhound racing across the UK and beyond. In Scotland, a Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing Bill aims to outlaw the sport, while New Zealand has committed to a ban, citing ethical concerns.
Decision delayed but debate intensifies
The Welsh Government has emphasized the need for thorough consideration before making a final decision. However, the delay has intensified divisions, with animal welfare groups urging an outright ban and the industry advocating for improved regulation as a viable alternative.
A final verdict is not expected until 2025, leaving the future of the sport – and the welfare of thousands of greyhounds – uncertain.
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