News

Parents sued for share in £7 million estate

Published

10 years ago

March 28, 2014

A FARMER’S DAUGHTER from Whitland who claims she had to stay at home and tend the cows while her teenage siblings went dancing is now suing her elderly parents for a share of their £7 million estate.

Eirian Davies, aged 45, insists she was repeatedly assured by her parents, Tegwyn and Mary Davies, now in their 70s, that she would ultimately step into their shoes and take over the family’s ‘golden egg’ – thriving Caeremlyn Farm, Whitland, and its herd of pedigree Holstein cows.

She says a substantial stake in the 200-acre farm is no more than her due for the years of toil she put in, but her parents are fighting her every inch of the way and the case is now under the legal spotlight in the Court of Appeal.

Miss Davies testified at an earlier court hearing that she missed out on going to Young Farmers’ Club dances with her two sisters as a teenager because she had to stay at home to deal with her farming chores.

She said her parents told her that her sisters were not interested in the farm and that her patience would one day be rewarded.

“They always told me that the farm would be left to me. Even on my birthday, when the other girls were having things, they would say – ‘you will have the damn lot one day, it will all be yours’,” she told Judge Milwyn Jarman QC.

The judge found that Miss Davies had “established an entitlement to a beneficial interest in the farm or farming business” – but her parents are now challenging that ruling before three of the country’s most senior judges.

Timothy Fancourt QC, representing Mr Davies, aged 75, and his 76-year-old wife, argued their daughter had earned a fair income during her stints working on the farm and was provided with ‘bed and board’.

Her parents also put their daughter through agricultural college, said the QC, adding: “She said in terms that agriculture was her love and she wanted to be on the farm”.

Even when Miss Davies had worked elsewhere she failed to boost her earnings, said Mr Fancourt, pointing out that she only earned £5,000 while working as a consultant for Slimming World in 2006.

“So when the opportunity is there to do something else, she does worse”, the QC argued.

Insisting that she had suffered no ‘substantial detriment’ in reliance on anything her parents had said or done, he told the court there was no evidence that ‘she would have been better off’ had she not worked on the farm.

However, Leslie Blohm QC, for Miss Davies, said promises were made by her parents from 1985, when she was 17, and she had worked “extremely long hours” with the cows – at times underpaid, and sometimes for nothing.

If she complained to her parents about meagre wages, she was told that the farm would ultimately belong to her – and ‘not to kill the goose that laid the golden egg’, added the barrister.

Although Judge Jarman found that Miss Davies had ‘walked away from the farm’ for periods between 1989 and 2008, living and working elsewhere, she had eventually moved back home following a reconciliation with her parents.

Mr Blohm said the rapprochement also followed a ‘representation’ by her father that she could live on the estate, in Henllan Farmhouse, rent-free for life, and that she was to be a partner in the farming business.

In 2009, a pledge that she would inherit the farm was also made in a draft will, the barrister added.

However, following a final family ‘rupture’ in late 2012, her parents gave her notice to quit the farmhouse. Possession proceedings followed, but Miss Davies insisted she was entitled to a beneficial interest in the farm.

In his ruling last year, Judge Jarman said that, after periods away, Miss Davies had always returned home – “relying on the representations by continuing to work and live on the farm”.

And Mr Blohm told the court: “It is plain from the evidence that a talented, hard-working and capable lady has spent a substantial part of her adult life – over a period of 25 years – carrying out difficult physical work for the benefit of her parents.

“That was on the strength of their repeated representations that she would eventually take over the farm and business.

“If not for those representations she would have employed her skills elsewhere.”

Mr and Mrs Davies sat together in court throughout most of the hearing, although he later moved to a seat nearer to the judges as he is hard of hearing.

After several hours of legal debate, Lords Justice Richards, Underhill and Floyd reserved their decision on the couple’s appeal and will give their ruling at a later date.

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

13 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

30 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

1 hour ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.