Community
Haverfordwest hosts prestigious Sheriffs’ Conference, an ancient civic tradition

This weekend, Haverfordwest, one of the two Welsh towns to retain the historic ‘civic’ office of Sheriff, proudly hosted the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales (NACTSEW) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference for 2024. The event, which marks a significant occasion in the town’s calendar, drew past and current Sheriffs from across the nation to celebrate and deliberate on the venerable role of Sheriff, a tradition steeped in history.
The current Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Jill Owens, who served as Mayor in the previous year, was at the forefront of the weekend’s activities. The town last welcomed the Association back in 2007, making this event a notable return and a festive reunion for many members.
The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the Cricket Club, where the Town Council, led by Mayor Cllr Martin Lewis, welcomed the Sheriffs and their consorts. The Mayor took the opportunity to express the town’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Association and encouraging membership among past and present Sheriffs.
The main proceedings of the AGM took place at County Hall, followed by cultural tours to the iconic St David’s Cathedral and Pembroke Castle, enriching the visitors’ experience of Welsh heritage. Concurrently, consorts enjoyed exploring local shops and sites, adding a communal and economic boost to Haverfordwest.

A highlight of the gathering was the Gala Evening held at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, providing a grand setting for the Sheriffs and their guests to dine formally and socialize.
The ceremonial highlight of the weekend was the Sunday Shrieval Service at St Mary’s Church. The Sheriffs, dressed in their ceremonial robes, processed from the Town Council’s offices on Quay Street up to the High Street, a spectacle that invited public participation and celebration. The service was followed by a gathering where attendees enjoyed traditional Welsh Cakes, capturing the spirit of community and heritage.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of NACTSEW, a testament to the enduring relevance and appeal of the Sheriff’s role in the civic life of English and Welsh communities. The idea for the Association was conceived by the former Sheriff of Gloucester, Andrew Gravells, MBE, who now serves as the Honorary Life President.
As the event concluded, Haverfordwest Town Council extended its gratitude to all who contributed to the successful hosting of the AGM and Conference. The baton passes to Lichfield for 2025, with Haverfordwest setting a high precedent in celebrating the historic and continuing significance of the Sheriff’s office.
Community
Harry to represent Wales in the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef Grand Final

A YOUNG Welsh chef has taken the first step towards winning a three day stage with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan.
Harry Howell, a first year Level 1 professional cookery student at Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthen, won the Welsh national heat of the Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year Competition.
The heat took place at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) held at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport.
Harry, who works at Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey, cooked a wild mushroom risotto with crisp parmesan and truffle.
One of three gold medallists in the Wales heat, Harry will now go through to the UK and Ireland grand final at Tottenham Hotspur ‘H’ Club in London on June 2.
In addition to the three day stage, the overall winner will tour the Riso Gallo Rice Mill in Italy and experience a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.
Second prize is a three day stage at The Italian Embassy in London with a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.
The judging panel is chaired by renowned consultant chef Paul Gayler, MBE. Competitors must be aged between 17 and 23 and in full time education.
Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer Daniel Williams said: “Harry is a very keen, dedicated and driven young chef who was very calm and collected in his first competition. The sky’s the limit for him if he continues on this path and he’s happy to travel to gain experience.
“The Riso Gallo competition was an amazing opportunity for him to receive feedback from chefs from the Culinary Association of Wales. The Welsh International Culinary Championships opens the eyes of young chefs that the horizon is huge.”
The Welsh national heat was held over three days at the WICC and the high standard of dishes was praised by Domenico Maggi, from the Federation of Italian Cooks and a former Worldchefs continental director of South Europe.
He told Harry and two other gold medallists that their risotto had been cooked perfectly with flavour and balance. He encouraged all the Welsh young chefs to continue to cook with passion.
Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “We are delighted that we have once again found an amazing young chef who has the potential to do Wales proud in the UK final later this year.
“I look forward to attending the final and, hopefully, Wales will for the first time bring home the title following on from winning the runner up spot in 2024.”
Wales representative Oliver Lacey from Lledrod, Ceredigion was runner up last year.
Picture caption:
Harry Howell receives his award from Colin Gray and Arwyn Watkins, OBE from the Culinary Association of Wales and Domenico Maggi.
Community
Milford Haven family appeals for help as eight-year-old battles cancer

A MILFORD HAVEN family is seeking community support after receiving devastating news that their eight-year-old daughter, Darcie, has been diagnosed with cancer. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by family friend Stacey Roberts to help parents Andrew and Laura Duncan cover travel expenses for Darcie’s treatment in Cardiff, ensuring they can stay by her side while managing responsibilities at home.
The fundraiser, which has already raised over £2,300 from 70 donations, aims to alleviate the financial burden of frequent hospital visits. One of the largest contributions so far, £1,000, came from Lincolnshire Competitions, while Stacey Roberts herself made the first donation of £20.
In her heartfelt appeal, Stacey said: “I am absolutely gutted to be writing this but it is with great sadness that I am about to inform you all that two very close friends to me have been given the heart-wrenching news that their eight-year-old daughter, the beautiful little Darcie, has been unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. Please guys, let’s raise enough money to help this loving family out.”
The GoFundMe page continues to accept donations, with community members rallying around the Duncan family during this difficult time.
To donate and support the family, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-raise-funds-to-help-this-family-with-travel-cost
Climate
Pembroke Power Station site to get brand new facility

A SCHEME for a battery storage facility near Pembroke Power Station which it is said will put the county at “the forefront of South Wales’ low-carbon future” has been given the final sign-off.
In an application given delegated conditional approval the January meeting of Pembrokeshire County council’s planning committee, RWE Generation UK plc sought permission for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of up to 212 battery units including ancillary works, along with a connection to the National Grid on land next to Pembroke Power Station, Pwllcrochan, Pembroke.
Members heard that extensive mitigation was planned for visual impacts related to the proposal.
Speaking at that meeting, project manager Victoria Williamson said RWE wanted the Pembrokeshire site to be “at the forefront of South Wales’ low-carbon future,” the battery facility providing storage of excess electrical energy from the ‘grid, contributing to a consistent energy framework by storing energy at peaks and making it available for periods of higher demand.
Members heard local town and community councils had been liaised with, and local households had been informed of the scheme, with “overwhelming support for the proposal” which the applicants hope will start at the end of 2025 and be operational by early 2028.
The recommendation for conditional delegated approval from the council’s head of planning, once a draft Habitat Regulations Assessment had been ratified, was unanimously passed by committee members.
Following that committee backing of the application, a Habitat Regulations Assessment has now been adopted confirming that the proposal would not “adversely affect the integrity of the site,” subject to the imposition of planning conditions, leading to formal conditional approval.
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