THE PRESIDENT of the Union of Welsh Independent Churches has used his Easter message to highlight the continuing suffering caused by violence and war — and to call for a future where graves remain empty.

The Revd Jeff Williams, who represents more than 300 chapels across Wales, drew parallels between the hatred that led to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and the modern-day violence that continues to claim innocent lives around the world.

He said: “The same hatred and systems of oppression that crucified Jesus are still killing countless thousands of innocent people by bullets and bombs today.”

In a heartfelt reflection on current global conflicts, Revd Williams spoke of the pain seen daily on television screens, as grieving families bury their loved ones.

“As we watch heartbroken relatives weeping over graves being filled with the bodies of their loved ones, we pray for the day when graves remain empty — free from the victims of war and violence,” he said.

The Easter story’s central image of an empty tomb was offered as a sign of hope and challenge.

“The empty grave of Easter speaks of a future where peace and reconciliation prevail,” he said. “It challenges every one of us — whether we have a religious faith or not — to do all we can to promote peace, beginning in our own hearts.”

The Union of Welsh Independent Churches, known in Welsh as Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg, is a fellowship of congregations rooted in the tradition of Welsh nonconformity, with deep historical ties to peace-making and social justice.

PLANS to convert a print works, and former church, close to Pembroke Castle to a holiday let have been approved after being refused last year.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Criag Odlin sought permission for a change of use of the Printing Works, The Green, Pembroke – in the town’s conservation area – to holiday accommodation.

The site is located within the 500m buffer zone of Schedule Ancient Monuments Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Town Wall and Priory Farm Cave.

A previous application was refused last year on the grounds “the nature of the proposed development is considered to have a potential to impact on the protected species and their habitats,” adding: “ Whilst the application includes a Green Infrastructure Statement and demonstrates biodiversity enhancements, the application lacks the provision of a protected species survey.  In the absence of such information, the proposed development fails to demonstrate a positive approach to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and thus fails to accord [with policy].”

An officer report on the latest proposal, recommending approval, said: “The development would provide new self-catering accommodation within the settlement boundary for the Hub Town of Pembroke, resulting in positive environmental and social impacts through the appropriate re-use of the building and the increase in availability of varied accommodation in the local area and positive economic benefits through expenditure on building materials and on labour during constriction.”

It went on to say: “With regard to ecology, there are multiple bat records in the area, with the building having the potential to support bats. A Preliminary Roost Assessment and a Green Infrastructure Statement (GIS) have been submitted, the assessment identifies that bats were not using the site and that no further survey work is considered necessary.

“The GIS demonstrates a stepwise approach to the development and proposes biodiversity enhancement measures.”

The application was conditionally approved.

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.

Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.

Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.

Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.

There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.

“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”

The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3^rd and 10^th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.

To find out more please contact Alex on Alex.Evans@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 07584642534.

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