News

Badger’s Easter message

Published

11 years ago

March 5, 2015

badgerseastereggs HELLO, READERS. Badger begins this week by acknowledging a grave error In last week’s column. In that article. Badger described the IPPG Cabinet as “a gang of time-serving nincompoops.” He apologises: Shelley wrote Ozymandias, not Keats. You know how it is. readers: distracted by the sheer commonplace idiocy of Jamie Adams saying that -change is never popular- (think winning the lottery. bucko!) Badger got his nineteenth century poets confused. Readers of Badger’s past columns will recall that he has. occasionally, expressed views which might lead his readers to suggest that while he appreciates and understands that others are possessed of religious faith. Badger is rather more sceptical. Badger is sceptical about many things: UFO’s. ghosts, the Loch Ness Monster, and conspiracy theories of any stripe.

Simply because some things are on the periphery of understanding does not mean that they cannot or could not be explained. With the caveat that Ken Rowlands clearly defies explanation. Every year. in December. national newspapers of a certain type produce acres of newsprint bewailing the loss of the spirit of Christmas. At some point in such an article painted wooden soldiers. nutcrackers. tangerines and the words “traditional Christmas fayre” appear with startling regularity. Along with an exhortation to say “Hurrah for the Black Shirts!” Easter is different. For an event that should be a celebration. there’s an awful lot of moping around and glumness. One expects on or around religious festivals a given number of (necessarily) pious pronouncements by Church leaders. a reaching for meaning and relevance.

But readers , are you ready for the zillionth showing of The Robe. Quo Vadis. The Greatest Story Ever Told, or Ben Hur as TV networks try to strike the right note of constipated cinemascope solemnity/ When he attended secondary school. Badger remembers one fervently devout teacher espousing the opinion that the television series Jesus of Nazareth, starring Robert Powell. was a blasphemous trivialisation of the message of the Gospels. Even then, Badger remembers thinking that this was a pretty rum position: now. Badger thinks it ignores – providing one believes in an all-knowing and all-powerful God – the likelihood that such a deity would be as much behind the making of television programmes and popular entertainments as he would be behind the oscillations of the stars in the heavens and the existence of the beasts of the field.

And that. for Badger, sitting in his sett and occasionally scratching his head, is at the heart of Badger’s Easter message. If you are inclined to believe in a deity. your faith does not exist in a vacuum. The world changes: faith – does not necessarily change but the context in which one exercises it does. A god – or gods. whatever one believes – did not create an unchanging world. The world might be “without end” but it is not pickled. Change, if one is inclined to believe Jamie Adams (please see above. then take two of the 80mg tablets and go for a lie down), is never popular. Badger could not agree less. Change for the better, whether personal or collective is always popular. It isonly with some people that some change is unpopular. For example the National Health Service is a jewel in the crown of public welfare provision. When it was first proposed it was as unpopular with the BMA as free thought is the County Council’s Cabinet.

The medical profession attended the NilS’s inception in the same way as – according to the Christian bible – Pharisees and Sadducees regarded the person of Jesus. Or as the !PPG greets scrutiny. Badger believes that change is the motor that drives us all forward: a necessary part of living; an essential pan of our growth as human beings. Badger notes that if you are a Christian. your faith is rooted in a radical change in Judaism that your belief tells you took place two millennia ago. While religious faith might he “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”, scripture is itself endlessly changeable. Politics – both worldly and ecclesiastical – as much as faith were behind the collation of the New Testament in the third and fourth centuries and the finalization of the Old Testament around the same time.

The same considerations underpinned the creed at the heart of the Christian faith. As Badger has noted before: words, even ones supposedly divinely inspired. are slippery and elusive. In such a way, doctrine and dogma change while faith can remain constant. Direction of travel remains the same. even when the highway code changes. And so it is with marriage. There’s been an awful lot of hullabaloo about same sex marriage in the sort of papers that buy into Christianity periodically and selectively. At the same time there has been an outpouring of outrage by those who regard the idea of changing the institution of marriage as a sign of the approaching end of times. Badger’s readers might know that before 1753 there was no statutory law underpinning marriage. The absence of banns or a licence – or even the fact that the marriage was not celebrated in a church – did not render the marriage void.

Then Parliament regularised and regulated marriage by statute. Statutes are drawn up and passed – however one regards George Osborne – by humans. And it is by humans they are changed. Human-made law governs the worldly actions of all of us. We render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Badger remembers reading that somewhere. Since 1753. it is the law of the land that has governed marriage. And now the law has changed. It has
changed because the: ad has changed and so has society. Put it this way, if the English language had not mutated and evolved we would have no way of describing how we live. We would be like the French: fighting a losing battle against the modern world of le weekend, e-mail. le parking and le budget. And readers, nobody – surely, nobody! – wants to be like the French.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.