News

The Herald: Our top 10 stories of 2013

Published

10 years ago

January 6, 2014

IT has been exhilarating, exhausting, exasperating and a lot else besides. But here we are at our first Christmas as a new newspaper and it falls to the Assistant Editor to look back at the stories we have covered and the way we have covered them.

Whether it has been jam, Jerusalem or something harder edged we have tried to cover events in Pembrokeshire in our own voice and in our own way. There have been missteps and mistakes along the way, but we have tried to learn from those and get on with reporting real news and the real stories behind them.

We think our readers deserve to be both informed and entertained. We hope they have been both. As for education, we would not presume.

So in order to keep our readers informed and entertained over the Christmas and New Year period we have looked back (guess which column I write) at what we have covered and produced our top ten stories.

10. ‘Disgust’ at historic building sell-off plans.

IT WAS back in our first edition that we led with the story of how Pembrokeshire County Council was looking to rid itself of Barnard’s Tower, Pembroke; Lydstep Palace, Lydstep; the Pater Church Tower, Pembroke Dock. Reaction to the news was a mixture of bemusement and outrage. Local councillors were appalled that they had not been consulted about the planned sell off and questioned who would buy the listed buildings and to what purpose they could be placed by the purchaser. Since placing the properties on the market, the Council has given no indication as to what commercial bids have been received for the properties or who has expressed an interest in acquiring the ancient sites.

With the Council looking to realise a significant amount of its building stock over the next few years, it will be hoping that a kindly buyer will take these buildings off their hands with the minimum of fuss and avoid any further public outcry.

The deadline for expressions of interest in any of the properties is 10th January 2014, so early in the new year we can expect white smoke to billow from the towers of County Hall when the Council announces whether or not it has found a buyer willing to take on Pembrokeshire’s heritage.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s disposal of assets is not, however, limited to its older assets. Currently shown as up for grabs are properties scattered about the County, including 2 Barn Street Haverfordwest (up for auction on 19th February 2014); development land at Clarbeston Road; Pentlepoir school, which is ear-marked for housing development; and Fishguard junior school, with planning for a supermarket.

Not listed as up for grabs, of course, is Haverfordwest Castle. The Council has wisely decided to settle the outstanding battle as to the site’s Town green status while their favoured developer stands by, ready to step in if the Council is successful in overturning local objections.

9. Horse neglect ‘worst ever seen’ says RSPCA officer

A STORY which got a strong reaction from our readers was the conviction of Maenclochog farmer Gwilym Gilmour Thomas for offences of cruelty to animals. Our reporter, James Hemingwray, was in court as a series of graphic and distressing images were shown to demonstrate the extent and gravity of the charges facing Thomas in our October 25 issue.

Prosecutor Jon Tarrant told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that this was the worst case of neglect of horses the RSPCA officer concerned had ever seen. Three horses were discovered in an emaciated and distressed condition, one of which was subsequently put down, another horse had died in the few days before the officer’s visit to the farm.

The farmer was handed a suspended sentence of one year ’s imprisonment, banned from keeping horses for five years and ordered to undertake 300 hours of community work.

8. It’s a “Yes”

THAT is how the Herald broke the news of County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the construction of a new Sainsbury’s supermarket to the north of Thomas Parry Way, Haverfordwest. The large development is scheduled to include a petrol station and sewage plant. The flagship store is a £30m development in and of itself and the whole plan includes permission for 729 new houses, including 180 ‘affordable’ homes.

In a report prepared by one of the Council’s own officers the meeting was told that it was likely that existing shops in the town centre would close and that the plans conflicted with the policy to protect retail provision in town centres. The massive development, for good or ill, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the planning committee’s members.

7. Neyland’s bumper season

NOT ONE story here, but three: Neyland Cricket Club’s first eleven managed to lift the three premier trophies in Pembrokeshire cricket. A compelling season saw Carew Cricket Club fight its way out of an unaccustomed spot in the relegation places to near the top of the first division table while Neyland swept all in front of them aside to seize the treble. The Duggie Morris Cup, Harrison-Allen Bowl and First Division crowns all fell to Neyland, with Llangwm runners-up in the cup competitions.

Led astutely by skipper Greg Miller, Neyland turned in the type of consistent and tough-minded performances that enabled them to keep going as their challengers flared and then faded as the long cricket season progressed.

Unlike teams who pilfer their talent from clubs around them, the Neyland team is built around players who have developed together and know each other’s games well. It is perhaps this cohesiveness that enabled them to knuckle down in tight finishes and get the maximum reward for their collective efforts.

6. Council’s rubbish plan goes ahead

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s finally moved to fortnightly collections in respect of domestic waste. The plans met with almost universal disapproval, even as the Council spent £15,000 of council tax-payers’ money publicising their scheme and prayed in aid pressure from Cardiff Bay to hit exacting recycling targets.

While the Council estimated that the plan would save £500,000 a year in costs, it refused a request to consider reimbursing those Council Tax payers who had forked out in advance for the weekly service as part of their annual bills.

Cllr Huw George advised those with a large amount of black bag waste accumulating between fortnightly collections to drive to their nearest civic amenity site and dump their rubbish there.

Our report also contained the statement by Labour party councillors that the situation would be monitored with an expectation that it would be ‘working’ in six months’ time. Bearing in mind the upheaval to collections around the Christmas period, when more household waste will accumulate, we can only wait to see exactly what such monitoring reveals.

News

An action-packed summer season of fun for all at the Torch Theatre

Published

34 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Luke Sinclair

THIS summer season, the Torch Theatre invites you to get involved and to get creative. With acting, choral singing and creative writing all on offer, the Torch has something for everyone.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch explains more:

“We’re incredibly proud to be offering a smorgasbord of activity for our community. We know that having the opportunity for regular artistic expression and connection with other people offers huge benefits for people’s mental health and well-being. From May through to September we’re providing a range of opportunities for all ages to get creative – and the best thing about it is that no experience is necessary!”

This summer the Torch Youth Theatre’s production is Wind in the Willows. A firm favourite, loved by all generations, the loveable characters of Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole will take pride of place on the Torch stage at the end of July with a cast of 40 young people aged 7 to 18 taking on this brilliant show.

There are no auditions required to join Torch Youth Theatre, and all members can be part of this amazing production. With four age-appropriate groups meeting across the week, come along to any session starting from 1 May. The termly fee (including the production) is £90.

But our work with young people does not stop there. The Youth Theatre Summer School, with activities for all, is also ready to roll.

Amazing Adventurers for Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7 -11) runs from Monday 5 to Friday 9 August with daily sessions from 10am to 3pm, and as Tim explains, it’s going to be an interesting one:

“Someone has misplaced the end of our play here at the Torch Theatre! Through sessions on creative play and storytelling, children who take part in Amazing Adventurers, will help us find our ending and create their own original adventure story. The sessions will see the children working together, being very creative, learning about the theatre and making new friends.”

For older young people in Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11 – 18) Loud and Clear will run from Monday 12 to Friday 16 August with daily sessions from 10am to 4pm.

“We invite your young people to join our creative writing and performance skill sessions. We need them to make a brand-new play for an imaginary future world which has banned theatres! Do you know a young person who is up for the challenge?” said Tim, who can’t wait to get started.

Amazing Adventurers and Loud and Clear will cost £75 (with a sibling discount for £65).

And Torch Theatre has not forgotten adults either. Thursday nights are for Torch Voices. Join Angharad Sanders for 90 minutes of joyous singing that’s sure to make you feel fantastic! No experience is necessary, and you get to choose the songs you sing. Open to everyone aged 18+. The termly fee is £50.

Angharad said: “We have lots of fun, we laugh a lot! We work on vocal technique through fun warm-ups that are tailored to support technique and strength of the voice. The members themselves chose the music we sing, and whilst sheet music is provided, there is no requirement to read or audition. It’s just a space to come and sing your favourite music in lovely harmony with the group.”

Torch’s incredibly popular Creative Writing sessions also continue fortnightly from 9 May. This is where the professional team encourage you to pick up a pen and tell a story that you’ve always wanted to. Introducing you to the techniques which go into creating work for the stage.

Finally, Torch is pleased to announce its weekly Adult Summer School (running from 8 August to 31 August).

Tim explains: “We are looking for adults to join our weekly evening sessions across August to build their creative skills. We’ll be looking at writing, directing and performing. This brilliant short course concludes with a showcase performance. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to advanced.”

Torch Theatre knows that cost can be a barrier, but staff members are always happy to discuss ways to make paying the fees easier for anyone who wants to access its provisions, and if there is a way which you would like to spread the cost which works better for you, please do get in touch.

Tim concluded: “We cannot wait to welcome even more of you along to Torch Theatre to take part in some incredible activity.”

To book your place at any of our fantastic and inspiring creative sessions, call the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.

News

Opportunity to request changes to the 20mph limits in Pembrokeshire

Published

54 mins ago

May 3, 2024

Design Team

Pembrokeshire County Council is opening up an opportunity for residents to request changes to 20mph limits in their locality.

The move follows a speech outlining his transport priorities by new Transport Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates, who pledged to put the voice of Welsh citizens at the heart of decision making on transport, while setting out a three-phase plan on 20mph.

To aid this approach Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes constructive views from residents.

If you wish to forward a suggestion, with valid reasons, for why a road should be exempted from the 20mph national speed limit in Pembrokeshire, the Council will log your feedback and review it once new exceptions guidance is available from the Welsh Government. The Council expects to receive this guidance by the summer.

The Council will not be able to log any general comments about the 20mph National Policy, as that is a matter for the Welsh Government and Welsh Government Ministers.

If your feedback relates to a Trunk Road, these also are not the responsibility of Local Authorities. For queries relating to Trunk Roads please email [email protected].

More information on Trunk Roads is available on Datamap Wales.

Please note, for your feedback to be recorded/considered we will require the first line of your address and post code.

This will assist Council officers during the review process to ensure that requests for change are made by those who reside within the same area / community for which the request is being made.

Please ensure all the required details are forwarded to the following email account for consideration:

[email protected]

Charity

RNLI offers safety advice ahead of bank holiday weekend

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI in Wales is offering safety advice to those visiting the coast this bank holiday weekend and encouraging people to visit a lifeguarded beach.

The RNLI is encouraging anyone planning on heading to the coast to enjoy this weekend to do so safely, by visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling at the following beaches along the Welsh coast this bank holiday from 10am-6pm:

In Pembrokeshire: Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach
In Swansea: Aberavon, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs Beach
In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan: Coney Bay, Trecco Bay and Whitmore Bay

Vinny Vincent, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for Swansea said: ‘We strongly encourage anyone planning to go in the sea this weekend to visit one of the lifeguarded beaches.

‘Lifeguards set up the flags in the safest areas of the beach. Swim or bodyboard between the red and yellow flags, and black and white

chequered flags indicate an area monitored by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks.

‘If you see a red flag flying, the lifeguards have deemed that area of the beach as dangerous, and we recommend that you do not enter the water.

‘If you ever have any questions, feel free to approach the lifeguards. We’re a friendly bunch and are always happy to offer advice.’

After the bank holiday weekend, some patrols extend to full time whilst others remain as weekend-only patrols.

In Pembrokeshire, Whitesands Beach and Tenby South Beach will both be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

In Swansea, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon will be patrolled full time (every day from 10am-6pm). Aberavon and Three Cliffs will be patrolled on weekends only until May 25.

In Bridgend/Vale of Glamorgan, Coney Bay and Trecco bay will be patrolled full time, whilst Whitmore Bay will be patrolled on weekends only until 25 May.

Chris Cousens Water Safety Lead for Wales said: ‘We want people and their families to enjoy the coastline, but to do so safely. We encourage people to always swim at a lifeguarded beach.

‘Whilst out on the coast, if find yourself or see anyone else in difficulty, remember to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, Float to Live.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews are on call 24/7 to come to your aid. If in doubt, call it in as it’s always better safe than sorry.’

RNLI Float to Live advice: