Pembrokeshire singers raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance during 25th anniversary year

A PEMBROKESHIRE a cappella group has been praised for supporting a lifesaving service during a landmark year for the charity.

The “Barnhowlers” recently busked at Cardigan Guildhall Market, raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance as it marks its 25th anniversary.

Since its first flight on March 1, 2001, the service has carried out more than 56,000 missions across Wales, delivering critical care to patients wherever it is needed.

Pam Jones, 74, who lives near Fishguard, said the cause was close to many people’s hearts.

“Most people know someone who has needed the Wales Air Ambulance,” she said.

“I know two people who are thankfully still with us because they received critical care from the service. It makes an incredible difference to patient outcomes.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service, bringing hospital-standard treatment directly to patients at the scene. If required, crews can transfer patients straight to the most appropriate hospital for their condition.

The service operates through a partnership between the public and third sectors, relying on public donations to raise the £13 million needed each year to keep helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

Highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners are provided by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), enabling advanced treatments such as anaesthesia, blood transfusions and even minor operations to be carried out at the scene.

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

Pam said the Barnhowlers take pride in performing for causes that make a real difference.

“There is nothing quite like coming together to sing some of our favourite songs, knowing that we are also making a difference,” she said.

Formed in 2011, the group began as a barbershop ensemble and has since evolved into a versatile a cappella group performing a wide range of music.

“We like to mix it up, performing songs from The Beatles and Duke Ellington to Thomas Tallis and Disney,” Pam added. “We want to entertain people, and we love it when the audience joins in.”

The group performs regularly at community events, including the Friendship Circle, gardening clubs, Parkinson’s support groups and the Fishguard Folk Festival. They have also supported local food banks and other health-related charities.

“Local nursing homes seem to like us too,” Pam said. “We bring a bit of cheer and take people down memory lane.”

Barnhowlers have several performances lined up throughout the spring and summer, including a concert in aid of the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May thanked the group for their support.

“We are so grateful to the Barnhowlers for using the power of music to shine a light on local causes,” he said.

“They entertained the crowds at Cardigan Guildhall Market in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. Every pound raised will help save lives. Diolch yn fawr.”

Sector partnership targets 100% renewable electricity by 2035

A NEW deal has been launched to help Wales meet its renewable energy targets while ensuring greater benefits for local communities.

The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will see the Welsh Government and industry work in strategic partnership to unlock the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future.

The announcement coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of Wales’ electricity consumption.

The Welsh Government has set a target for renewable electricity to meet 70% of demand by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It also aims to deliver at least 1.5 gigawatts of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035.

The Sector Deal is intended to accelerate deployment across onshore and offshore wind, solar, marine and hydro projects. It will also focus on strengthening supply chains, developing skills, and ensuring communities across Wales benefit directly from renewable energy developments.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, is launching the deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project on Anglesey.

The Morlais scheme, owned and managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, is set to become the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe. The Welsh Government holds an £8 million equity stake in the project.

Rebecca Evans said: “Our ambition is to become a world leader in renewable energy, creating jobs and green growth to make families in Wales more prosperous and help with the cost of living.

“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for future delivery, benefiting our economy, environment and energy security.

“The Morlais project shows how sustained partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and turn them into lasting economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“The latest energy report shows we are making progress towards our targets. Combined with the record 20 major renewable projects, totalling 1,400MW, backed in the most recent UK Government Contracts for Difference auction, it is clear we are building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, added: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating growth in Wales and across the UK.

“It recognises the role marine energy schemes like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities such as Anglesey.”

The Sector Deal was co-produced by a task and finish group made up of developers and community organisations.

Town centre sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a person in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the nearby pedestrian bridge has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a ‘body in the water’.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

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