News

Change in the political landscape gives hope to millions of 1950s women

Published

6 months ago

July 8, 2024

LOCAL organiser of the Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen West group, Jackie Gilderdale, said that there could be light at the end of the tunnel. Whilst congratulating Keir Starmer on becoming the new Prime Minister, Jackie said she hopes that he and the newly appointed DWP Minister, Liz Kendall, will accept an invitation for mediation talks with the Leaders of All 50s Women’s Groups as soon as possible.

All three Elected MPs who are linked to the local group, due to the boundary changes, Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru); Henry Tufnell (Labour) and Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru) have been contacted by the local group who have asked to meet with them as soon as possible. Jackie said that she has a great relationship with Ben Lake MP already, after doing multiple awareness raising sessions about the 50s Women’s campaign across Ceredigion a few years ago. Plaid Cymru have also said they’ll support a Public Inquiry should the women be forced down that route.

After years of lobbying, attending meetings and providing evidence, Welsh Parliament drew up the ask of Wales in March this year, based on proven maladministration in full and proven discrimination. This ask was sent to the then Conservative Government & former DWP minister, Mel Stride. This will be presented again to the new UK Labour Government, who received a copy back in March 2024.

Keir Starmer has quoted quite often, during multiple campaigns for the 1950s women, that they must be compensated as there is a “debt of honour”. Jackie said, we will now hold him to this.

3.6 million women were impacted by the raise in the state pension age, most without notice. Approximately 270,000 have died during this campaign and currently one 50s born woman dies every 13.5 minutes. So many will never see their state pension, or any financial redress and that’s why the ask from Welsh Parliament is so important and includes posthumous payments to those who’ve passed away.

Over £180 billion was saved by the former Chancellor, George Osbourne, when he made the reckless decision to raise the state pension age in the name of Tory austerity. That money must be used for financial redress in line with the ask from Welsh Parliament.

As Baroness Brenda Hale, President of the Supreme Court stated: “The fundamental principles of equal treatment cannot depend upon how much money happens to be available in the public coffers at any one particular time……That argument would not avail a private employer and it should not avail the state.”

The local group have contacted MPs Henry Tufnell (Labour), Ben Lake & Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru) for imminent meetings. They will also resume their work with Delyth Jewell & Ioan Bellin, Plaid Cymru at the Senedd.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.