News
All the candidates standing in Ceredigion – who has got your vote?
Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru)
Ben Lake, the Plaid Cymru candidate, has been representing Ceredigion since 2017 and seeks re-election to the newly formed Ceredigion Preseli constituency. Lake’s campaign focuses on achieving a fair deal for rural communities, investing in infrastructure, and increasing funding for public services. He emphasises the importance of creating a sustainable economy that prioritises local needs over those of large corporations. Lake has a strong record on public service and environmental issues and aims to continue his work in improving healthcare, boosting the local economy, and safeguarding public services. He also highlights his commitment to working tirelessly to champion the issues that matter most to his constituents, such as public service investment and economic development.
Jackie Jones (Labour Party)
Jackie Jones is the Labour candidate for Ceredigion Preseli. Her campaign emphasises the need for a Labour government to address the economic mismanagement and corruption she attributes to the Conservatives. Jones focuses on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, reducing energy prices, and improving public services such as the NHS. She criticises the current government for high living costs and pledges to bring a fresh start to the constituency with better economic policies and a stronger focus on social justice. Jones argues that a Labour government would work hand-in-hand with the Welsh Government to deliver better outcomes for the people of Ceredigion Preseli.
Mark Williams (Liberal Democrats)
Mark Williams, the Liberal Democrat candidate, previously served as the MP for Ceredigion from 2005 to 2017. His campaign focuses on addressing the cost-of-living crisis, supporting the agricultural sector, and promoting sustainable development. Williams aims to reconnect with voters by offering practical solutions to local issues and emphasising his experience and dedication to the community. He highlights the importance of improving public services, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that the voices of Ceredigion Preseli’s residents are heard in Westminster.
Aled Thomas (Conservative Party)
Aled Thomas is the Conservative candidate for Ceredigion Preseli. His campaign emphasises support for rural communities, farmers, and local businesses. Thomas, who has a background in agriculture and local governance, pledges to address issues such as economic stability, education, and infrastructure development. He criticises the policies of Labour and Plaid Cymru, arguing that they have failed rural areas. Thomas aims to provide a strong voice for his constituency at Westminster, focusing on practical solutions to local problems, such as improving broadband access and supporting agricultural development.
Karl Pollard (Reform UK)
Karl Pollard represents Reform UK in the Ceredigion Preseli constituency. His platform focuses on supporting the agricultural sector, opposing overregulation, and addressing economic mismanagement. Pollard advocates for policies that reduce the burden on farmers and local businesses, and he strongly opposes the current government’s approach to Net Zero policies, which he argues are detrimental to the economy. He highlights the need for practical solutions to help families and individuals struggling with the cost of living, particularly in rural areas.
Tomos Barlow (Green Party)
Tomos Barlow, the Green Party candidate, focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice. His campaign emphasizes the need to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, if not sooner, through innovative and accountable policies. Barlow criticises the current political landscape for its handling of rural community issues and aims to offer a greener alternative that prioritises environmental protection and sustainable development. He advocates for policies that address the severe bus cuts and other issues impacting the most vulnerable in rural areas.
Taghrid Al-Mawed (Workers Party)
Taghrid Al-Mawed is the Workers Party candidate for Ceredigion Preseli. Her platform focuses on returning power to the local population, improving public services like the NHS and schools, and supporting local businesses and farmers. Al-Mawed advocates for policies that reduce reliance on imported food and rejuvenate coastal towns to make them thriving hubs for local communities. She promises to listen to the people and address their concerns directly, aiming to bring significant improvements to the constituency. Her campaign emphasizes community engagement and direct responses to local needs.
These expanded sections provide a comprehensive look at each candidate’s platform and priorities, highlighting the diverse range of issues and perspectives in the Ceredigion Preseli constituency for the 2024 General Election.
Crime
‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby
IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.
The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.
It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.
After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.
Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.
Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.
The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)
News
Milford Haven honours fishermen with annual memorial service
MILFORD HAVEN held its annual Fishermen’s Tribute Service on Saturday (Sept 28) at The Rath, in a heartfelt event that drew members of the community to honour its maritime legacy.
The Milford Haven Town Band played, adding to the solemnity of the occasion, attended by Mayor Councillor William Elliot, who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.
This year’s service, led by Reverend Samuel Patterson, focused on commemorating those connected to the fishing industry, reflecting on their contributions to the town’s prosperity. The event underscores the challenging conditions faced by fishermen and the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in Milford Haven’s economy and culture.
As part of the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at the memorial, which bears the inscription, “A Tribute to Our Fishermen,” affirming the community’s gratitude and remembrance of their efforts.
(Photos Lloyd Jones / Fiona Galliford)
Community
Narberth Food Festival: A feast of flavours and fun for all ages
NARBERTH’S annual Food Festival has returned this weekend, bringing together a delicious mix of food, music, and educational activities that highlight the best of Welsh culture and cuisine. Held in the picturesque town of Narberth, the festival promises an exciting lineup of chefs, musicians, and local artisans, showcasing the rich diversity and culinary talent of Wales.
The festivities began with an Education Day, an enlightening experience for local school children from Narberth School and St Oswald’s VA School. The day was packed with engaging workshops hosted in a large marquee, including sausage making by Andrew Rees Butchers, seaweed discoveries with Câr y Môr, cake decorating skills by Ysgol Greenhill School, essential food preparation with Corinne Cariad, and delightful chocolate making with Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Co.
This educational initiative, heavily supported by local businesses and volunteers, is designed to teach the young attendees about the origins and production of food, a foundational knowledge that the festival organisers are keen to impart to the next generation.
As the festival opens to the public, attendees are invited to a culinary journey through the Food Theatre events on Saturday. Highlights include chef demonstrations from noted chefs like Dougie Balish of The Grove and engaging taste sessions with local food innovators such as Owen Rosser from Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm.
The Music Stage offers a melodic backdrop to the delicious fare, with a lineup that spans folk, rock, and acoustic performances. Saturday’s performances will see the likes of Abbie Jebbers and the dynamic duo BoxSet, while Sunday welcomes talents like Rosey Cale and the unique sounds of Ella Guru.
The festival is not only a platform for food and music but also a spotlight on the innovative local traders. Among them is James from Still Wild, who returns to share his foraging insights and his latest creation, Oystershell Vodka, already lauded with two Great Taste stars.
For the youngsters, the festival is packed with additional fun. Entry is free for under 16s, encouraging families to enjoy the face painting, circus skills workshops, and the antics of beloved street performers. These elements ensure that the Narberth Food Festival is a weekend where learning, fun, and gastronomy delightfully intersect.
Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or just in search of a vibrant community event, Narberth Food Festival offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all tastes and ages. With its commitment to education, local entrepreneurship, and cultural celebration, the festival continues to be a standout event in Wales’s festival calendar.
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