News

Soldiers seek compensation for damaged hearing

Published

9 years ago

January 29, 2016

SOLDIERS who took part in a local mock battle are making compensation claims for defective hearing from gun noise after complaining about inadequate Army ear plugs, a tribunal has been told.

Scores of troopers in the Queen’s Royal Hussars took part in the “battle” at the Castlemartin training area in south Pembrokeshire to prepare them for the war in Afghanistan. Complaints about inadequate ear protection were made by former soldier Philip Goodman as he made a successful appeal for compensation at a War & Armed Forces Tribunal at Birmingham. Mr Goodman was a trooper in the Queen’s Royal Hussars when his regiment was told they were going to Afghanistan.

To prepare them for the war in Afghanistan they took part in the Pembroke mock battle. But Mr Goodman complained that the ear protection device used to protect the soldiers from deafness during gun blasts, slipped out of his left ear as he prepared to shoot at “enemy” targets. He said the devices were inadequate and that he did not have time to protect his hearing before his colleagues started shooting – causing a combined blast of noise. “As a result I became deaf in my left ear and although I went to Afghanistan with the others I was brought back after only three weeks,” he said.

Mr Goodman, aged 29, said that on his return the Army replaced the inadequate ear plugs with new and improved ones but by then it was too late to save his deaf ear. After numerous examinations on his ear he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds in 2013. Mr Goodman who was represented at the tribunal by the Royal British Legion, said that apart from making an appeal for compensation for his deaf ear he also sought compensation for a bad back caused during Army exercises.

A medical report on his deafness and his back was shown to the tribunal. Miss Alex Hocking, representing Veterans UK, challenged the claims. The tribunal told Mr Goodman that his appeal had been successful and that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme would be told to pay him an “appropriate amount,” to be decided at a later date. But his compensation claim for his back was rejected. Mr Goodman said after the hearing that he was delighted with the outcome but said he had no idea how much he would be awarded. He agreed the ear plugs previously used by the Army had not been good enough and had since been replaced with different ones.”

“Other soldiers complained they kept slipping out of the ears and some of them are making compensation claims similar to my own,” he said. “I spent five years in the Army and loved the life. I planned to make it my career but I left after what happened. “I got a job in call centre after leaving the Army and I am now working for British Telecom.” An Army spokesman said; “This Government recognises that our Armed Forces do a challenging and sometimes dangerous job and it is vital that those who are injured receive the compensation and support they deserve through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.