News

Crabb launches campaign with promise to “keep putting Pembrokeshire first”

Published

4 months ago

May 30, 2024

WITH the UK Parliament now dissolved, Stephen Crabb has launched his election campaign in Mid & South Pembrokeshire with a promise to “keep putting Pembrokeshire first”.

Stephen Crabb previously served as MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, having been successful at the last five general elections. For this election, the boundaries of the constituencies have been redrawn and a new Mid & South Pembrokeshire seat has been created which stretches from St Davids to Amroth, and from Dale to Llandewi Velfrey.

Commenting on the start of the campaign, Stephen said: “As a local man who lives and was raised in the heart of Pembrokeshire, I’m committed to providing a strong voice for our County. It has been an incredible honour to have served as the MP for my home constituency since 2005. I am pleased to have helped thousands of individual residents with casework over the years – always trying to get the best result for local people.”

“When I first visited Parliament as a sixth former at Tasker Milward School in Haverfordwest during the summer of 1990, I would never have imagined that 15 years later I would return there as the local MP. Back then it wouldn’t have even occurred to me that it would be possible to one day have that opportunity. Every day since has been a total privilege. My promise from the very start was always to do my very best for local people, and to always put Pembrokeshire first.”

“I want to continue to work hard for the people of Pembrokeshire. During the campaign I look forward to demonstrating why a vote for me is a vote to keep a strong local MP, who understands the needs of our community, and has a trusted track record of delivering on our priorities for Pembrokeshire.”

Stephen will also use this campaign to shine a spotlight on the Welsh Labour’s involvement in the Withyhedge landfill scandal, and the lack of progress in tackling the pollution at the site.

Stephen said:

“I am the only candidate at this election who has fought against Vaughan Gething’s Withyhedge landfill scandal which has ruined the quality of life of thousands of Pembrokeshire people. This election is an opportunity for local people to send a message to Welsh Labour that Pembrokeshire must not be turned into a dumping ground.”

Comment from Paul Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire: “Stephen has been an outstanding local MP. We worked together on the campaign to defend Withybush Hospital and local health services. 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.”

Comment from Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire: “I have worked alongside Stephen for the last eight years and I know just how dedicated he is. He is passionate about seeing new jobs created for local people, and is widely respected by the business community in Pembrokeshire and across Wales. Stephen’s leadership on the Celtic Freeport was essential, and he’s been a strong champion for our local energy industry. We need him to stay on as our local MP.”

Charity

Local RNLI crews honour local heroes before annual rugby match

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a heartfelt tribute to local heroes, the first match of the annual Willington Slate rugby trophy was held yesterday at Pembroke RFC, featuring a unique display of sportsmanship and remembrance.

The match, now a key fixture in the local rugby calendar, is celebrated with a the passing of the rugby ball between the St Davids to Angle Lifeboat RNLI teams during a poignant training exercise.

The Willington Slate rugby trophy commemorates Gareth and Daniel Willington, a father and son duo who tragically lost their lives on 28 April 2016. Their vessel, the Harvester, sank near St Davids Head, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. On that fateful day, RNLI teams from St Davids, Angle, and Fishguard launched multiple lifeboats, including the Tyne, Tamar, and Trent classes, in a valiant effort to aid the stricken fishermen.

“It is our honour to participate in this commemoration,” said a spokesperson from the RNLI, reflecting the deep emotional connection between the lifeboat community and the annual event.

The tribute at Pembroke RFC not only highlights the bravery of those who risk their lives at sea but also serves as a reminder of the strong bonds within these coastal communities.

News

Angle RNLI assists broken down motor vessel

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AT 7:18pm on Thursday (Sept 19), Angle All-Weather Lifeboat launched on service following a call for assistance from a 27ft motorboat with three persons onboard that had suffered engine failure off Lawrenny.

The lifeboat launched on service shortly after and around 25 minutes later located the vessel at anchor opposite Benton Castle. With a flooding tide pushing the vessel towards the shore, the crew swiftly set about passing a tow to the vessel.

With the tow set, the crew began the journey to Milford Marina. Arriving off the entrance to the docks channel just after 9pm, the casualty vessel was placed into an alongside tow and left safely alongside in the lock pits to await assistance back to their berth from the marina workboat.

With no further assistance required, the crew were stood down and returned station where the lifeboat was back alongside her berth and readied for further service by 10pm.

Business

Freshways expands UK presence with acquisition of Totally Welsh Dairy

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SURREY-BASED dairy supplier, Freshways Group, has completed the acquisition of Haverfordwest’s Totally Welsh Dairy. This development, which was finalized on September 11, represents a significant expansion for Freshways.

Established in 1990, Totally Welsh Dairy is renowned for its commitment to quality, sourcing its milk exclusively from Welsh farmers within a 40-mile radius of its bottling plant. The company prides itself on sustainable practices, notably its use of reusable glass bottles and its dedication to local packaging solutions.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Freshways, following its earlier purchase of Milk & More from Müller in January 2024. The integration of Milk & More has already enhanced Freshways’ home delivery service and its overall sustainability initiatives.

Bali Nijjar, Managing Director of Freshways, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are delighted to incorporate Totally Welsh Dairy into the Freshways family. Their dedication to quality and sustainable practices complements our values perfectly. This acquisition not only broadens our product range but also supports local Welsh agriculture and enhances our delivery capabilities, catering to the increasing consumer demand for convenient, eco-friendly dairy products.”

Mark Hunter, Managing Director and owner of Totally Welsh, commented on the sale: “Joining forces with Freshways ensures a promising future for Totally Welsh. It opens new avenues for growth and opportunities for our committed team.”

In response to the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging, Totally Welsh Dairy has recently upgraded its facilities with a new glass bottling line. This enhancement will benefit the doorstep delivery customers of Milk & More.