News

Badger and a question of honour

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

badgersquestion READERS: Badger finds himself in an unusual position today. Admittedly a position not quite as unusual as the one involving a snorkel, a small rubber chicken on a spring, and a set of bagpipes which made last weekend so entertaining; but a very odd position, nonetheless. There have been times (many times), readers over columns (many columns) in which Badger has suggested that if the combined integrity of certain members of the IPPG were converted into manure, the resultant odour would not manage to stink out a matchbox. Now, readers, integrity comes in many guises: Badger always had a soft spot for the late Rev Dr Ian Paisley. Badger eschewed the late Doctor’s anti-Catholicism and immoderate social views, but there is always something attractive about absolute certainty and fixity of purpose. You did not have to agree with anything Ian Paisley (Lord Bannside) did and said to know that there was a man totally sincere in his beliefs and possessed of the will and integrity to persuade others to follow him. And that sincerity led him to reach a conclusion to his political career that caused him to understand that there is, indeed, “a time for war, a time for peace”. Badger never thought that the day would come that in a certain black-hearted and bleak way he would ever say that in a Council vote, Brian Hall acted with integrity and consistency. Not least as the only thing that Councillor Hall (Pembroke Dock: Market) has in common with the late Ian Paisley is an inclination towards a certain shouty, puce-faced rage. Along with John Allen Mirehouse (Hundleton), whom Badger respectfully suggests needs a long run up and a following wind to catch up with current events, Brian Hall was one of only two IPPG councillors to stand up for the position their group has maintained since time immemorial.

The third councillor to back Bryn, Owen James (Scleddau), who palpably dances to a tune only he can hear, is unaffiliated. Daphne “Brains” Bush; David Pugh, the grants guru: and John “Cwrnbetws” Davies, Stalin to Jamie’s Krushchev, abstained. Of course, readers, Daphne might have been confused in the no confidence vote by the two IPPG voters ahead of her in the alphabetical list being Adams (For) and Allen-Mirehouse (against) and just picked the middle option. The other two are, by and large, yesterday’s men. Badger wants you to be very clear about this readers: apart from this paper’s revelation about his conduct towards councillors and the content of East Williamston blogster Jacob Williams’ website, no new information has reached the public domain about Bryn’s conduct since the last time the !PPG rallied around him to save his skin. Moreover, The Herald had the guts to publish a story about Bryn’s behaviour by following up a story that was known in County Hall for some time before it hit our front page. In other words, readers, it is not Bryn’s faults and flaws that have caused the MPG to abandon him but public knowledge of the same. Think about it readers: what has changed to compel Jamie Adams to drop the !PPG’s pilot? What has come to the !PPG’s attention that has changed their minds about whether or not Bryn retains their confidence? Nothing. There was no moment on the Road to Damascus. No blinding light that led them to the paths of righteousness. The IPPG made the same sort of decision that any political party would make:

even a political party which is not a political party. Faced with the little boy shouting that their emperor had no clothes, the IPPG voted to try and save its own skin. Now readers, Brian Hall is not the Messiah. In fact, Brian is notorious for being a very naughty boy. But Brian, who has been close to Bryn Parry Jones for many years, did not abandon Bryn for reasons of expediency. Brian stood by his man. And for that, Badger can sort of respect Councillor Hall. Brian Hall is wrong but he showed more spine than the hordes of the IPPG who played follow-my-leader after Jamie’s tortuous and tortured address. Brian Hall is wrong but, compared to others in the IPPG, he had the courage to be unpopular. Reverend Huw George, the Minister of Mirth and Pancakes (please, readers, watch last Friday’s webcast for more on this Batter of Faith; you will not believe your very eyes and ears!), will be familiar with John 15:13. In Badger’s King James Version of the New Testament, the verse goes something like “Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

The !PPG’s conduct reminds Badger of a famous political quote. In 1962, Harold Macmillan, the Tory Prime Minister, sacked seven of his Cabinet in an attempt to bolster his administration’s rapidly declining popularity and enhance its electoral chances. Even the loyal Selwyn Lloyd, then Chancellor of the Exchequer was thrown to the wolves. The Liberal politician Jeremy Thorpe, freely adapted the biblical text for political purposes. He opined: “Greater love bath no man than this: that a man lay down his friends for his life.” And so it was with the IPPG and Bryn. Theologians have found inventive ways to re-interpret the Bible. Some of the Ten Commandments are apparently negotiable, although – as a non-believer – Badger would hesitate to say which. Perhaps the Maenclochog Mystic can tell Badger which of The Commandments are open to flexible interpretation. When he exhorts his congregation to follow the precepts of “the good book”. perhaps Huw likes to skip over John 15:13 as one of those more “problematic” passages. However Huw chooses to mangle his words and play with their sense. Badger has concluded that there is more likely to be honour among thieves than honour (or a sense of shame) within the IPPG. Apart from — and in a very
limited sense Brian. A man called Brian.

Charity

Salvation Army calls for more volunteers across Wales

Published

10 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE SALVATION Army is encouraging more people to get involved in their local communities as Volunteers’ Week marks its 42nd anniversary.

Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, recognising the contribution made by volunteers across the UK.

Across Wales, volunteers play a vital role in The Salvation Army’s community services. They help run activities and classes in community centres, prepare and serve food at lunch clubs and community cafés, support charity shops, and provide meals for people who might otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

Lyddia Kibaara, The Salvation Army’s Volunteering Manager said: “We’re incredibly privileged to have the support of so many dedicated, kind people who keep our community services running.

“Time is the only non-renewable resource we have, and our volunteers give it generously. Their time transforms the communities we serve.

“We have families who have volunteered with us through the generations, students who are looking for their first volunteering experiences, people who can cook for a crowd, help others with debt advice, or share their digital skills to make sure others aren’t left behind.”

A chance to help others

Anne Evans, 74, began volunteering at The Salvation Army shop in Newtown after retiring and looking for something worthwhile to do.

She said the experience had opened her eyes to the problems faced by people in her community, including poverty, loneliness, relationship breakdowns and employment issues.

Anne said: “I enjoy talking to people who pop into the shop as everybody has a different story to tell. It makes you realise that you don’t know how many problems people can face.

“They are glad to have someone who listens to them and takes an interest in their lives.

“Also, with the rising cost-of-living, people appreciate that we sell items at affordable prices. That’s such an important thing for people right now. Life is becoming more expensive.”

‘More than just a shop’

The Salvation Army supports some of the most disadvantaged people in communities across Wales, including those experiencing homelessness, older people, people affected by drug and alcohol addiction, and those looking to develop skills for work.

Gary Chapman, 43, volunteers at The Salvation Army charity shop in Llanelli.

After his marriage broke down, Gary experienced homelessness for a number of years. He said volunteering at the shop had changed his life and helped him support others.

Gary said: “We are more than just a shop. We are a meeting place. A focal point in the community.

“We offer support, love and care in so many ways, whether through a friendly chat, a listening ear over a cup of tea, or practical help in someone’s hour of need.

“There could be one person comes through the door who is really struggling. Hopefully I can be there for that person.

“I enjoy interacting with people and helping them if I can. That’s what we are here for in The Salvation Army. We are here to help people. We are here to listen to their concerns.”

How to volunteer

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to thank those who give their time, passion and skills so generously, while also encouraging others to get involved.

Anyone interested in volunteering with The Salvation Army can visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer

News

St Davids lifeboats launched twice in one day after yacht damaged and kayaker rescued

Published

11 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BOTH St Davids RNLI lifeboats were launched on Wednesday (May 27) after separate incidents involving a damaged yacht in St Brides Bay and a kayaker who had become separated from his craft in Ramsey Sound.

The all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley was first tasked at 3:12pm to assist a yacht in St Brides Bay after its mast snapped and its sails were lost during gusts in a thunderstorm.

The lifeboat launched at 3:27pm and made its way to the scene, encountering patches of fog and thundery showers en route. Conditions were otherwise described as smooth to slight, with good visibility and winds of between three and five knots.

The volunteer crew arrived at 4:00pm and found the yacht had also lost engine propulsion. A tow was established and the vessel was taken safely to a mooring in Dale.

The yacht was secured to a buoy before the lifeboat departed at 7:00pm. The crew returned to station at 8:00pm and the boat was back on service by 8:15pm.

While the all-weather lifeboat was still at sea, St Davids’ inshore lifeboat was tasked at 5:18pm to a kayaker who had become separated from his kayak.

The crew launched at 5:35pm and headed to the south end of Ramsey Sound, off Treginnis Head. The casualty was located on Shoe Rock, where crew members helped him aboard and carried out a medical assessment.

The kayaker had been wearing a buoyancy aid and had a means of calling for help, allowing him to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard after becoming separated from his kayak.

He and his craft were safely returned to Porthclais Harbour, and the inshore lifeboat returned to station, where it was back on service at 8:00pm.

RNLI inshore lifeboat helm Chris Limbert said: “This rescue was a brilliant example of why it’s so important to always wear a buoyancy aid and carry a means of contact.

“If the kayaker had been without a buoyancy aid, he may have struggled to stay afloat and get himself safely onto the rock.

“He was also carrying a mobile phone which allowed him to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“Our crew of volunteers are on call 24/7 to go to people’s aid. Never be afraid to call for help.”

Pic: RNLI/Rosie Rees

Crime

Haverfordwest sex offender jailed over child abuse material

Published

15 hours ago

May 30, 2026

Court Reporter

Registered offender used library computers to hide social media accounts

A HAVERFORDWEST sex offender who used public library computers to exchange child abuse material and discuss the sexual abuse of minors has been jailed for 20 months.

Euwyn Draper, aged 22, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, appeared at Swansea Crown Court after admitting four breaches of a sexual harm prevention order.

Recorder Greg Bull KC told him the courts had “bent over backwards” to assist him in the past, but said those efforts had failed.

He told Draper: “I’m not going to lecture you because I would be wasting my breath. You knew you had to comply with the order.”

Secret accounts

The court heard that Draper had been made subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order in 2024 after earlier convictions for possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

The order banned him from holding social media accounts in any name other than his own and required him to disclose relationships or friendships to police when asked.

Despite this, Draper secretly maintained accounts on a number of platforms, including X, formerly Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and BlueSky. The BlueSky account had been registered under a false name.

His use of Snapchat was specifically prohibited because of the platform’s auto-delete function.

Library computers

Prosecutor Megan Williams said Draper’s latest offending came to light on May 5 this year during a routine meeting with his offender manager at Haverfordwest police station.

When asked about his internet use, Draper claimed he only went to the library to watch YouTube and listen to Spotify. He denied having any social media accounts or communicating with anyone online.

But as questioning continued, he became “flustered” and admitted he had been chatting to a male online and had an X account which had not been disclosed to police.

Officers attended the library with Draper the following day to examine his digital activity.

After he logged in using his library ID and opened his Google account, police reviewed his X profile and found sexually explicit conversations between Draper and another male in which the pair discussed sexual activity involving children aged five and above.

The court heard that explicit photographs had also been exchanged.

Police also discovered that Draper had reinstalled Instagram after previously deleting the account in front of officers.

Previous offending

Draper has three previous convictions for 14 offences.

In April 2024 he was given a suspended prison sentence and made subject to the sexual harm prevention order for possessing and distributing child sex abuse images.

Within months, he breached the order by maintaining an undisclosed social media account. In September 2024 he was jailed for 16 months for possession of further indecent images.

When interviewed about the latest breaches, Draper answered “no comment” to all questions.

‘Immature young man’

Alex Scott, defending, described Draper as an “immature young man” who lived an isolated life in rented accommodation and acted “impulsively” in relation to social media.

He said Draper had co-operated with police by accompanying officers to the library and recognised the need to address the underlying causes of his behaviour.