TWO SCHOOL pupils from Pembrokeshire came out on top as the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has revealed the winning designs for its Christmas card design competition.

Children from primary schools across Wales had been invited to submit a farming themed Christmas card design in aid of Wales Air Ambulance, the FUW’s current Presidential charity.

The competition was split into two categories – English and Welsh designs. The English category was won by Will Smith, 10 years old, from Roch Community School, Haverfordwest. The Welsh category was won by Keira Lewis, 9 years old, from Narberth CP School, Pembrokeshire.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “The competition was a roaring success once again and has attracted hundreds of entries from across Wales. The standard was very high and presented the judges with a tough task when it came to choosing the winners.

“I would like to thank every single child who entered the competition and to tell them that without their participation the contest would not have been such a success. I would also like to express my gratitude to the staff at the schools up and down the country that assisted the FUW in the running of the competition.

“It gave children in urban and rural areas of Wales an opportunity to connect with the farming industry and express their thoughts in a creative and colourful way. I believe it is vital that we as farmers maintain a strong link with young people so that they understand the way that food is produced in this country.”

The cards can be purchased either from the FUW’s head office by calling 01970 820820 or from respective FUW county offices.

WALES AIR AMBULANCE has continued to benefit from being the chosen charity of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s president Adam Thorne.

Throughout the year the society has come together to raise much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Adam chose the Wales Air Ambulance Charity because of how valuable the service is to the rural and farming community in West Wales.

Following a successful harvest festival service and pre-Pembrokeshire County Show service, donations were made towards the charity of £1,400.

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery. 

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident. 

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every ensure to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s fundraising journey will continue, with a carol concert on 16 December and a luncheon in February.

Mike May, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for West Wales said: “Firstly a huge thank you to President Adam Thorne for picking our Charity as Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s Charity of the Year. Thank you to everyone who has helped to raise the funds and will continue to assist with fundraising events for Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. 

“The Charity relies on donations, like these to be able to continue to provide our lifesaving service for the people of Wales. We hope the up and coming concert and luncheon is just as successful as their previous fundraisers.”

ANIMAL welfare advocates have raised concerns over a sharp rise in greyhound races at Valley Stadium, Wales’ only licensed track. Greyhound Rescue Wales claims that streaming contracts are a major factor behind this increase, which has sparked renewed calls for a ban on the sport.

The Valley Stadium in Hengoed, licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2022, hosted 42 races in November 2023. That number surged to 168 last month. The GBGB, however, argues this growth reflects the benefits of regulation, ensuring formal welfare measures are in place for the first time.

Welfare concerns linger

Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales, dismissed the notion of greyhound racing as a harmless evening pastime. He said: “The main output of the Valley track, like most tracks in the UK, is to serve live streaming contracts, not to entertain crowds at the venue.”

Mr. Doyle, alongside gambling reform advocate Matt Zarb-Cousin, criticised the industry’s reliance on betting revenues, which they claim disproportionately come from individuals with gambling problems. Both campaigners also raised alarms over the welfare of racing dogs.

“It’s not regulation; it’s self-regulation,” said Mr. Doyle, pointing to GBGB data showing over 18,000 injuries and 2,000 fatalities on regulated tracks between 2018 and 2021. He also highlighted the challenges of rehoming retired greyhounds amid rising living costs and vet bills.

Calls for a phased ban

The Welsh government is expected to respond soon to a consultation exploring a phased ban on greyhound racing. This follows a petition signed by 35,000 people and a Senedd committee recommendation for gradually ending the sport in Wales. However, a counter-petition in support of greyhound racing garnered more than 10,000 signatures.

The GBGB defended its role, emphasising improved welfare standards at the Valley Stadium, including on-site veterinary care and robust rules to ensure safety and integrity. A spokesperson said: “British licensed greyhound racing contributes £166 million to the economy and remains a popular product for broadcasters worldwide.”

Industry divided

A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson welcomed the improvements at Valley Stadium, noting: “Last year, our members voluntarily donated over £7m to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for welfare.”

The Valley Racetrack declined to comment. Meanwhile, welfare groups, including Greyhound Rescue Wales, continue to push for an end to what they describe as an “antiquated” industry, citing the harm caused to both animals and vulnerable gamblers.

The debate is likely to intensify as the Welsh government publishes its findings, potentially shaping the future of greyhound racing in Wales.