News

Badger and the cost of everything

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

badger84image GREETINGS to you all from Badger’s sett readers. The recent downpours have been distressing as they have compelled Badger to have his annual bath unexpectedly early. Nevertheless, one makes do with the cards dealt and so Badger’s loofah and coal tar soap have had an early excursion. Being the frugal sort, Badger likes things that last a long time and is prepared to pay a little extra for durability (but not the price of Bryn Parry Jones!). And that readers is where Badger has some issues with current trends in our public life.

If everything is based upon providing the minimum for the least then the world of public service provision has gone mad. Time and time again across the UK demented ideologues have tried to treat essential services like public transport and its infrastructure. policing. prisons, health, and education as though they are things that could and should be delivered by private money for private profit. Successive governments of whatever stripe have bought into the lie that “the discipline of the market” is all that is needed to make public service delivery fairer, better, more efficient and — of course — cheaper. There are other factors that are important to public services. not least of which is the service element itself.

Forgetting the fact that public services often deliver essential services free at the point of delivery (please note, Badger did not say “free”) and that people depend upon those services to learn, live
and survive is to ignore that most important service element. Taxpayers are relieved of part of their income, whether directly or indirectly, and some of that money goes towards providing them with public services. Far too many people have bought into the fallacy that all human relationships are shaped by calculations of profit and loss and that a service is a product to be delivered like a bag of crisps or a fizzy drink. No wonder economics is called “the dismal science”, readers. And it is cost-cutting that is at the heart of the Welsh Government’s drive to cut health services in our county. Badger does not blame the Board for the direction of that policy.

That would be like pelting the monkey when the organ-grinder plays a false note. The Welsh Government “reviewed” health care in a report it commissioned and with terms of reference it set. It received the outcome of its rigged review and over the last few years it has imposed its wishes across Wales. Readers. virtually every strategic decision coming out of each and every consultation. has come up with the result the Welsh Government wanted. It’s a miracle, readers. Or not. if like Badger you are somewhat less inclined to think that Mark Drakeford and his predecessors are wonder workers. Goodness knows, readers. how many hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money have been wasted on the con job perpetrated by Welsh Labour on the people of
Wales. Its “review” has always been about cuts. The aim has always been to trim the budget. For all the fine words from the Bay uttered by Welsh Labour ministers, the outcome boils down to slashing services in the vain hope that not too many more people die as a result. Faced with a gaping hole in its health budget, the Welsh Government has decided to pack it with “efficiencies” and “service improvements” and artists’ impressions of maternity suites that look like a Premier Inn without Lenny Henry.

All the glossy pictures in the world will not save one life or deliver one child safely into it. Mark Drakeford promised a safety net not an artists’ impression of something not yet even built (Did the unit closing come as a bit of a surprise. Health Board?) Nothing can hide the fact that Mark Drakeford’s “robust safety net” is held together with something less than a lick and a promise. How lucky is Mark that the Senedd isn’t sitting so he can be asked about it? It is the nature of nets that they have holes, readers. Mark Drake ford’s net has hole. One bloody big one and nothing else. Lies, damned lies, and politicians’ promises. It’s almost enough to make Badger think that Mark Drakeford is an extremely large hole, himself. The Board is still recruiting staff to staff the magic ambulance it says will replace a dedicated maternity ward with consultant cover. As for specialist equipment, that will presumably materialise at the same time as the specialist staff to crew the magic ambulance. The Health Board has the advantage of being unelected. Welsh Labour Senedd members and aspiring Labour politicians do not. Which one of our local Labour politicians will be the first to say that the Welsh Government has treated, is treating and will continue to treat Pembrokeshire’s voice with contempt.

The first transfer from Withybush took two and a half hours. Badger does not know how mother and baby are doing. but Badger hopes it is well. And if it is. it will be thanks to those doing a difficult job in impossible circumstances. The credit will not go to the Health Board and still less will it go to Welsh Labour in Cardiff Bay. Every life lost in transit that could have been saved in Haverfordwest; every mother hoicked away from her family and friends at a distressing and difficult time; every child kept in pain for a minute longer than necessary. The Health Board and Welsh Labour can have the “credit” for those. And when they are given the proper “credit” for ripping apart caring communities they might just realise that while they know the cost of everything. readers, they know the value of nothing.

Charity

Salvation Army calls for more volunteers across Wales

Published

9 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

10 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

14 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.