News

Campaigners urger public to lobby charity until Crabb quits Mencap patronage

Published

9 years ago

April 12, 2016

Protesters outside Stephen Crabb MP’s office (Pic: M Hillen/Herald)

A CAMPAIGN group calling itself the Pembrokeshire Peoples’ Assembly Against Austerity (PPAAA) has called on the public to lobby MENCAP Pembs directly to force Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Stephen Crabb out of his post as patron of the charity.

Mr Crabb’s appointment to the DWP post followed the high-profile resignation of former minister Iain Duncan-Smith, who accused his own party of following policies that targeted the vulnerable ‘because they do not vote for us’ (the Conservatives).

In his first Commons performance after his appointment, Mr Crabb said that the proposed clampdown on mobility assessments for PIP, which triggered Mr Duncan-Smith’s walkout, would not now proceed. However, Mr Crabb has stoutly defended the decision to cut ESA for sick people looking for work to the same level as Job Seekers’ Allowance. That move has been roundly criticised by disability and health charities as ignoring the fact that the ESA premium for ill claimants seeking work was intended to take account of the particular difficulties such people encounter in finding work.

Jim Scott of PPAAA said: “Out of respect for the local charity, we initially aimed all of our campaign efforts at Stephen Crabb, rather than at the charity itself, in the belief that they would recognise the deep disparity in having Crabb as a disability patron and quietly give him the boot!

“Sadly, Pembs MENCAP have still not made any such announcement, now over four weeks on from when the petition was raised, so as a campaign group we now feel that we have no choice but to turn our lobbying and campaign efforts on to Pembs MENCAP themselves.”

MENCAP’s national office has previously made it clear that Pembs MENCAP is a separate organisation and that it cannot interfere in the running of the local charity.

Jim Scott concluded: “We need people to continue to lobby Pembs MENCAP until Stephen Crabb is removed. His removal will be a small victory in some respects, but will send a resounding message to his Government that we will stand together in the face of injustice and that we will not accept this ideological assault upon our most vulnerable citizens while ministers cosy up to the tax dodging corporations and individuals who bankroll them.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.