News

Badger and the wind of change

Published

11 years ago

February 26, 2015

badger83image BADGER has previously spoken to you about so-called ‘green energy’. Badger is not sceptical of the value of green energy in improving our country’s energy security: far from it. Badger is not sceptical about the threat that humanity’s need to consume more natural resources poses to our planet. Nope. Badger is bang on with that. Badger is similarly, not sceptical about humanity being the prime mover behind recent climate change (either as the cause or the major cause). Badger is, however, rather doubtful that there is any real taste for the implications of adopting green energy, or even that the green energy can get to where it needs to go in the UK market without massive public investment, tax breaks, or subsidies. Let’s start at the beginning, readers, the key issue of price. In the abstract, people will express a willingness to do many things — pay higher taxes to support the NHS; pay a little more for ethically produced food; and accept that the cost of fuel and power will rise. Badger is, however, convinced that – human nature being what it is — when it boils down to pounds shillings and pence, a voter faced with the certainty of price rises and higher taxes on the one hand and the promise of jam today on the other will opt for the preserve of the status quo. The thing about doomsday readers is that it is always tomorrow, while there are bills to be paid and food to be bought today. Badger has similar feelings about France. In the abstract, he is sure France is a beautiful and fine country, rich in culture and heritage. In the particular, however, it is choc-a-block with the French. All the hot air of all Guardian writers, columnists, correspondents and readers combined crying softly

into their polenta while sipping their fairtrade herbal tea is unlikely to change a single mind about green energy; still less in an economy where people at the sharp end are facing the reality of high energy prices and low incomes. Badger believes the problem is more than one of communication and persuasion. there is a massive disconnect between the public and policy. There are several reasons for this.. but Badger wants to draw attention to two in particular. The scientific consensus is that climate change is being either accelerated or caused by humans. Climate change is a fact, even though it is expressed as ‘a theory’. but a scientific theory is not the same as just an idea that is somehow unprovable. Science is built upon the scientific method, a logical process of observation, experiment and analysis subject to peer-review. Scientists arrive at a consensus about the evidence that supports a particular set of principles about the science being researched. Arriving at a scientific consensus is not something that happens overnight. The slow process by which science arrives at a consensus keeps out poorly supported ideas, but gives strength to ideas that have lots of evidence. So, readers, when the media report on climate change and we see — for example — a newspaper columnist being given time to say that there is no such thing as climate change; we should take their assertions with a large pinch of salt. Newspaper columnists are seldom scientists. Politicians do not subject their judgements to the scientific method. if they did, you would have to ask where George Osborne fits into the tree of life. Neither politicians nor columnists even those with public school and

Oxbridge backgrounds understand the important distinction between scientific theory and rabble-musing argumentation. The second part follows closely from the first. The media presents a false equivalence between the scientific consensus and those who do not accept it.

Dr Nedwin Shellwinkle, Professor of Marmalade at the Ohio Institute of Jam-making and Chutney Creation, might be the bees knees on how to get loganberry preserve to the setting point. His qualifications as either “professor” or “doctor” are, however, most unlikely to give him insight into the complex systems of geophysics, chemistry and atmospheric dynamics to enable him to reach a considered and research-validated conclusion about climate change. Similarly, the facts that Lord Lawson has the reputation of being awfully clever and that he was once Chancellor of the Exchequer do not mean that his opinion is of equal weight to a scientific theory. The fact he can find people who believe as he does not mean that he has built a countervailing consensus of similar weight to the scientific one. So, readers, when the public are asked to think about ‘green’ energy and ‘green’ methods of power production, there is an awful lot of bag and baggage to get through. If the public do not believe that climate change is taking place or that it will affect them, they will not be interested in ‘greenness’. The other side of that is self-interest, if it will cost them more, people will cling to any opinion — no matter how facile or misinformed —to justify doing nothing. That is the expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. And so, readers, at the point

we come to superficiality, we come to David Cameron. Funny that. If David Cameron thought there were five hundred votes in every marginal constituency that the Conservatives could get if they were a bit ‘greener’ in word and deed, you can damn well guarantee that the UK would be festooned with wind farms in such density and of such number that it could ride out any increase in sea levels by hovering over the lapping waves. That is die expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. In Pembrokeshire of course, we are no strangers to local politician adopting expedient positions Jolin Allen-Mirehouse said he objected to one wind far development in 0 1 2 on the grounds that it would spoil his view of the peasants working in his fields (or something like that). Funny how old Johnny was rather more on board with being green when there was the chance of having some turbines on his own land. That is the expedient and selfish approach to most issues. It is human nature. All Johnny’s pompous wind-baggery cannot change that. So, if we are to proceed with a ‘green’ agenda those who favour it have to tap into the basest of human feelings. The ones that matter when folk in marginal constituencies vote Conservative but tell pollsters they voted for one of the other lot. Not abstract carbon swaps or our long-term interests. But greed: the here and the now. Persuade the people that you can satisfy their immediate desires — or sate their fear oi and there change -will be real transformation. That readers, will not take a wind of change that will take a miracle.

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

12 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Charity

The Salvation Army in Tenby celebrates 140 years of service

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans