SINCE 2007, Pembroke resident Mal Powell has been bringing together classic car enthusiasts through annual events aimed at celebrating automotive history and supporting local charities. From May to August each year, Mal organises one to two classic car meets per month across various local venues, allowing car lovers to showcase their prized vehicles. The season culminates each September with a Classic Car Run from the Plough Inn, Sageston.

Each event welcomes donations from participants, with proceeds supporting local charities. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses. Over the years, these gatherings have benefited organizations like the RNLI, Wales Air Ambulance, and Macmillan. For the last eleven years, Mal has chosen to direct the funds raised to the Paul Sartori Foundation, a Hospice at Home charity that offers essential hospice-at-home services to those in Pembrokeshire living with life-limiting illnesses.

Together with a small team of dedicated friends, Mal’s incredible efforts have raised around £100,000 for various charities, helping them to continue their vital work.

This year, Mal presented a donation of £2,335 to Sandra Dade, Charity Manager at Paul Sartori, along with volunteers Val Harrold and Mair Evans, and Trustee Phil Thompson. Reflecting on his motivation, Mal shared, “I love organising these events for such a good cause. While the classic vehicle events depend on the weather, we’ve only had to cancel one event over the years. The Paul Sartori Foundation is a wonderful charity that provides outstanding support to our community, and I believe it deserves 100% support.”

Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator for the Paul Sartori Foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions, saying, “Without the fantastic funds raised by Mal Powell and his friends who support these events, Paul Sartori would face a significant shortfall in reaching its fundraising targets; currently, our vital hospice at home services cost around £3,000 per day. We give our thanks to Mal and the classic car community for their continued and invaluable support.”

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home offers comprehensive services to individuals in the later stages of a life-limiting illness, including home nursing care, equipment loans, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, and future care planning services. These critical services empower people in their final stages to remain at home with dignity, independence, and comfort, surrounded by loved ones, should they wish. Available 24/7 and free of charge, the services are made possible through the generosity of people like Mal, the classic car groups, and the Pembrokeshire community.

MID AND SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE MP Henry Tufnell has launched a survey to address growing concerns about access to healthcare and GP services in the county.

The survey aims to gather feedback from residents, which will be presented to the Health Board in the new year.

Mr Tufnell told The Herald: “I urge constituents to complete my survey and share their experiences with healthcare and GP access. I have been meeting with local GP practices and Health Board executives to discuss the challenges facing our community.

“Each response will be taken forward to the Health Board. My aim is to ensure patients’ concerns are heard, leading to better services for everyone. Pembrokeshire deserves and needs improved healthcare outcomes.”

The survey is live on the MP’s website and can also be accessed via his social media channels.

Survey link: Click here to participate

Contact details:
Joshua Beynon, 07802 761520, [email protected]

Henry Tufnell is the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced significant updates to its Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), marking a key step in its efforts to balance agriculture, climate change, and biodiversity goals. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies revealed the revisions at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on Monday (Nov 25), pledging to deliver a scheme that meets farmers’ needs while addressing environmental commitments.

The updates follow extensive consultation with farming unions, environmental groups, and stakeholders such as the Ministerial Roundtable and the Carbon Sequestration Panel. Among the major changes are:

• Streamlined Universal Actions: The number of Universal Actions has been reduced from 17 to 12, with revisions to 10 of these actions, making them more practical for farmers.
• Tree Cover Requirement Adjusted: The minimum 10% tree cover rule has been replaced with a scheme-wide target. Farmers can now choose where and how many trees and hedges to plant under the Optional Layer.
• Simplified Animal Health Action: A single Universal Action now covers animal health, welfare, and biosecurity, focusing on tailored veterinary advice.
• Flexible Wash Station Requirement: Mandatory wash stations have moved to the Optional Layer, recognizing differing biosecurity needs across farms.
• Social Value Payments: A new payment structure under the Universal Layer will reward farmers for the broader benefits their work brings to society.

The updated scheme retains the requirement for farmers to manage at least 10% of their land as habitats for biodiversity, with temporary habitat creation options under development to support diverse farming systems.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies highlighted the importance of working together: “Following the consultation, it was clear changes were needed—we said we would listen, and we’ve done just that.

“Farmers are central to our rural economy and food production. As stewards of the land, they have a critical role in protecting nature and tackling climate change.

“This revised outline reflects significant progress made in partnership with stakeholders. While much has been achieved, this is not the final scheme. Further discussions, economic analysis, and impact assessments will shape the final version, due next summer.”

The updates have been cautiously welcomed by industry leaders, who praised the consultation process but emphasized the need for further work.

• Victoria Bond, CLA Wales Director:“This progress reflects the impact of stakeholders working constructively with the government. Today’s update demonstrates what can be achieved when our sector’s expertise is valued.”
• Ian Rickman, FUW President:“We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage and believe we are in a better place as a result. However, this is just the beginning. We need a budget and payment methodology that delivers economic stability for family farms.”
• Aled Jones, NFU Cymru President:“This is an important step forward. While much remains to be done, I am confident continued collaboration can help us achieve our ambitions for food, nature, and climate.”
• Rachel Sharp, Wildlife Trusts Wales Director:“Farmers must be supported to create more woodland, ponds, and hedgerows. By increasing investment in the Optional and Collaborative tiers, we can address the climate and nature crises.”

The revised scheme will now undergo updated economic analysis and impact assessments, with payment rates and final details to be determined next summer.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential: “We’ve come a long way, and there is still more work to do. The final scheme will support rural communities, sustainable food production, and our climate goals for future generations.”

The Sustainable Farming Scheme aims to balance food production with climate and biodiversity commitments, supporting Welsh farmers in navigating the challenges of a changing world.