News

Board asks charities to dig deeper

Published

11 years ago

March 17, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Handed a poisoned chalice? Steve Moore

CANCER charities and volunteers were left perplexed by the presentation of the Local Health Board’s plans for the future of cancer services in Pembrokeshire.

The meeting, held on Monday (Feb 23) morning at Withybush Hospital’s Postgraduate Centre, was intended by the Health Board to be a discussion of fundraising plans for the often-promised new Cancer Day Unit and new inpatient cancer unit. However, it developed into a thorough and critical examination of the board’s occasionally difficult relationship between charitable fundraisers and the board.

The sailing was not all through difficult waters. There was genuine and touching warmth between many of the people present directed towards those who had treated them.

The goodwill in the room extended to new Chief Executive, Steve Moore, whose efforts to meet with the public and listen to them had evidently been appreciated.

Sue Lewis, the County Director for the board, acknowledged past problems. With regard to the general medical admissions being made to Ward 10, she said that the pressures upon hospital beds over the winter months had meant that those admissions were unavoidable; however, she said that a new Ward 10 would definitely be a cancer ward. Sue Lewis was at pains to say that the discussions on Monday were for the provision of cancer services in Pembrokeshire only.

The good news given by the board was that enough money had been raised to build the new day unit in the location of the current Ward 10. Charities were told that the former Ward 14, as previously revealed by The Herald, would house paediatric care beds. However, the good news was tempered by the Health Board confirming that it had not secured any funding for the ‘new’ Ward 10 to be sited in the location of the present Ward 9.

Plans had been drawn for the new inpatient unit. But money to build it was there none.

And so the board asked the charities to help them.

The challenge put to the charities was stark. In terms, the board said: “You have raised so much money over the last eleven years. Please raise the same again, but in a very short period of time.”

Responding for Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, Chris Evans-Thomas told the meeting: “After all the fundraising charities have done, we need something tangible in return.” She sympathised with new Chief Executive Steve Moore, who had, she said been ‘handed a poisoned chalice’. Directing her fire at the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay, she made it plain that she expected it to pay up.

Margaret Bond, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, highlighted the reliance of the charities themselves on the goodwill of the public, while trying to turn pennies and pounds into the type of sums that can fund equipment purchases for patient care.

Sophie Thomas gave an overview of the work of The Paul Sartori Foundation in end of life care, while the representative of Shalom House Palliative Care Centre drew attention to the struggles faced by small charities in continuing to provide services complementary to those provided by the NHS.

Responding, Sue Lewis stated that while the board would look to the Welsh Government to pitch in, and ask for generous help from larger national charities, there would, nevertheless, be a significant demand upon the goodwill of local charities.

Paul Hawkins, the Operations Manager for the Board, was at pains to spell out that in order to begin work on phase two of the plans – reconstructing an inpatient unit to replace that removed – he would need ‘a clear sight’ that the £1m target for the new unit was on track.

Quite what that meant if the target was not in ‘clear sight’ after the completion of the Cancer Day Unit was not spelled out.

The issue of trust was raised by more than one representative of a charity. Mr Hawkins was told point blank that at least one of the charities represented did not trust the board to deliver. The Herald understands that, in light of the trust issues, charities are very likely to place significant strings on any other money they hand over to the board.

The charities also expressed grave concerns about the displacement of money from their central charitable activities towards the building of a new Ward 10. Sophie Thomas, from The Paul Sartori Foundation, expressed particular concerns about the finite amount of money available for charitable giving in Pembrokeshire and the way in which third party resources, on which patients depend, might be adversely affected.

Lyn Neville of Pembrokeshire Cancer Support was not at the meeting but he has repeatedly raised questions about where the extra money will come from. He told The Herald that he was worried about the path the board had taken: “The original plans were always to build the Day Unit last. I am very concerned that we might have a new Day Unit but no dedicated cancer ward. I am also concerned that – even if the money is found for a new ward – there will be difficulties in sustainably staffing it.”

One charity campaigner, who did not want to be identified, told us that they were concerned that the board turned to charities to raise money for this specific capital project but not others, saying: “Refurbishment should be part of a rolling programme for all areas of the hospital, paid for out of core funding.”

The Health Board was due to provide a press release following the meeting. At the time of going to press, the board has confirmed that a press release is now scheduled for next week.

News

Kurtz launches investigation after local firms hit with business rate hikes

Published

2 minutes ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MS seeks evidence as Pembrokeshire businesses report dramatic jumps

LOCAL businesses across Pembrokeshire are reporting unprecedented increases in their rateable values, with some facing rises of up to four hundred per cent. In response, local Member of the Senedd and Shadow Economy Minister Samuel Kurtz has launched an investigation to gather evidence, testimonies and real-world impact statements from those affected.

The 2025 revaluation of non-domestic properties in Wales — carried out to reflect current open-market rental values — has resulted in steep jumps for a significant number of premises. While some adjustments have been modest, a growing number of firms say their valuations have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled, raising concerns about job losses, cancelled investment and long-term viability.

Kurtz is now urging any business experiencing sharp increases to come forward. His investigation will compile previous and current rateable values, together with any impact on staffing, investment plans and future operations. He has already spoken with business owners at a recent advice surgery in Pembroke Dock and intends to hold a wider business roundtable in the coming weeks.

“No business should be punished for a revaluation they had no control over,” said Kurtz. “If rateable values have soared — in some cases by 300–400 per cent — I want to hear from those affected. Their stories must be heard. I’ll take this evidence straight to the Senedd and fight for fairer business rates.

“At a time when businesses are already feeling squeezed by rising costs, this new bill threatens not only the survival of our high street retailers, it affects all those operating in leisure and hospitality, industrial workshops and tourism.”

Kurtz said he had recently spoken to a hospitality business owner now facing an additional £8,000 a month. “The pressure and stress of this latest rate hike is huge for those affected, and I fear this may be the final straw for many. I want to do all I can to help fight alongside those businesses,” he added.

Businesses wishing to share their experience can contact the campaign at www.samuelkurtz.com/campaigns/business-owners

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Community

Eisteddfod-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular celebration

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS turned out for Small World Theatre’s Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade on 5 December, a flagship event of this year’s Festival of Light. This year’s theme, inspired by the upcoming Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, brought colour, creativity and community spirit to the streets of Cardigan.

The Parade was made possible thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered and supported by the Cynnal y Cardi team at Ceredigion County Council, with further support from National Lottery Awards for All and Cardigan Town Council.

Cardigan’s Mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, joined the celebrations as Samba Doc, Jake Caswell and a spectacular array of giant lanterns led hundreds of participants through the town. The procession wound its way to the quayside, delighting thousands of spectators who lined the route.

Among the standout creations were large lanterns made by pupils from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Clwb Gwawr and Cardigan Rowing Club. Welsh lady hats and top-hat lanterns, crafted by local primary school pupils, added extra charm to the festive spectacle.

Now in its seventh year, the Lantern Parade has become a cornerstone of Cardigan’s winter calendar, drawing significant footfall and boosting the local economy. Alongside the Parade, Small World Theatre has developed a Festival of Light Trail — an immersive after-dark experience running from 4:30pm to 9pm, with buildings and shop windows illuminated across the town.

Mayor of Cardigan, Cllr Olwen Davies, said: “We’re so lucky to have this annual celebration that unites the town and is a Christmas treat for all. Congratulations to Small World Theatre’s team and volunteers for creating another wonderful evening.”

A spokesperson for Small World Theatre added: “Thanks to everyone who helped — Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, the marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant team and volunteers. And special thanks to Samba Doc and Jake for the joyful rhythms. Together we created a very special event for all.”

There is still time to support Small World Theatre’s fundraising appeal. Every contribution helps ensure this magical community event continues for years to come.

News

Rising AI demand fuels fears of higher laptop and console prices

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Experts warn memory costs could increase, but analysts say wider market forces also at play

A SURGE in global demand for advanced computer memory — driven in part by rapid AI expansion — is raising concerns that laptops, consoles and smartphones could become more expensive in the months ahead.

Industry observers say one factor is a series of major supply agreements involving OpenAI’s “Stargate” project and South Korean manufacturers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which produce much of the world’s high-performance memory. Reports suggest the deal covers hundreds of thousands of chips per month, though the exact proportion of global output remains disputed.

Some experts argue the increased competition for components is already pushing up prices. Others caution that the situation is more complex, with global supply chains, cyclical semiconductor markets and post-pandemic production shifts also contributing to cost pressures.

Memory prices rising — but reasons vary

Several tech companies have reported steeper wholesale costs. According to the open-source tech community around self-build manufacturer Framework, memory modules that were around £100 in late summer are now retailing for several hundred pounds. Framework temporarily delisted its standalone memory kits, citing concerns about scalpers reselling them at inflated prices.

Higher memory requirements in modern phones — with many Android models now starting at 8GB or more — mean manufacturers face difficult decisions about absorbing the cost or passing it on at the till.

Analysts note that memory prices were already forecast to rise after a prolonged slump, with chipmakers gradually winding down production in 2023–24 following weak global PC sales. That has tightened supply even before AI-related demand is factored in.

Small businesses and consumers feel exposed

Colette Mason, an author and AI consultant at Clever Clogs AI, warned that the people most affected will be those who rely on affordable tech.

She said: “We’ve been told AI will democratise everything. But if essential hardware jumps in price, the people hit hardest are students, small business owners and pensioners who simply need a working laptop. It doesn’t feel very democratic when core components suddenly cost several times more.”

Rohit Parmar-Mistry, founder of Burton-on-Trent data firm Pattrn Data, said rising memory costs risk becoming a “quiet tax” on UK businesses.

“A 300% increase in a single component doesn’t just affect gamers,” he said. “It affects every company that needs to refresh equipment. If hardware becomes a luxury item, then AI tools have to start delivering real value rather than hype.”

Other experts say consumers may have options

Not everyone believes the public will be forced into steep upgrades.
Mitali Deypurkaystha, an AI strategist, said many people can avoid paying inflated prices altogether.

“Most AI runs in the cloud,” she said. “You don’t need the newest memory to use ChatGPT. If consumers choose refurbished or older components instead of paying top-end prices, chipmakers will feel that pressure. We’re not entirely powerless.”

Chipmakers yet to respond directly

OpenAI referred Newspage to earlier comments by CEO Sam Altman, who said Korea had the talent and infrastructure to be a “global leader in AI” and praised collaboration with Samsung, SK Hynix and the Korean government.

Samsung and SK Hynix — the two dominant memory producers — have not commented publicly on the reported long-term allocation agreements. Industry analysts say it is common for manufacturers to prioritise high-value enterprise clients during supply squeezes, but warn that consumer-level disruption depends on how quickly production capacity ramps up in 2025–26.

A price rise — but how steep?

Despite strong warnings from consultants, economists say it is too early to know whether UK consumers will face increases as high as “£300 more”, because:

Manufacturers may absorb part of the cost
Retailers often buy components months in advance
Prices could stabilise if chipmakers expand output
The worst spikes tend to occur in niche or high-performance modules

However, all agree that AI’s appetite for hardware is now a major force shaping the global tech market, and that ordinary consumers are likely to feel at least some impact.