News

The Future for Pembrokeshire

Published

12 years ago

March 31, 2014

THE PEMBROKESHIRE Alliance wants to see the County retain its independence and we strongly oppose the proposed merger with Ceredigion or the re-creation of Dyfed as outlined in the recent Williams report.

This was one of the key reasons we formed the Pembrokeshire Alliance. The county needs an organisation to fight for Pembrokeshire and protect its right to govern its own affairs. After scandal after scandal, Pembrokeshire Council is, however, not doing itself any favours.

The IPG group has no manifesto, no policies – except keeping Council tax low – combined with a total disregard for public opinion. They are secretive, defensive and arrogant and have brought this proud county into disrepute by their actions. The IPG, although controlling the council only amount to 33 residents, and we do not think they reflect what this County could achieve with the right attitudes and policies. Pembrokeshire can and will do better once they are removed from office.

The reasons why we oppose the suggested re-organisation are:

1) The financial cost of merging would be substantial with no improvement in services. The Williams commission suggested that the cost of re-organisation in Wales would cost a minimum of £100 million. We think the figure could and would be much higher but the cost to Pembrokeshire would be at least £5 million on their figures. In fact we believe services could actually decline.

2) The Local Health Board is an example of how services now cost much more, with more highly paid managers but a severe decline in local services, with seemingly more to come. In addition local accountability has been reduced. Can you imagine the senior salaries that could be involved?

3) The cost to every Council tax payer in Pembrokeshire would be substantial. Depending on which model is used council tax could rise by at least 16% but quite possibly by 25%. For the average Council tax payer that would be over £450 extra per year.

4) We are in favour of local democracy and accountability and we do not want to see centralisation. We do not think that someone living in Ammanford or Borth has any concept about what is required in Pembrokeshire. Dyfed was a disaster so why does the Welsh Government seemingly want to return to this failed model of local government?

5) When Dyfed was originally formed Pembrokeshire had two District councils with responsibility for some key areas. This option is not available under the current proposals: that means that we will have less local accountability than we did under the original failed model.We are in favour of joint working arrangements which can reduce costs and we will support any opportunities that arise. We think the recent problems at Pembrokeshire County Council which have been caused by poor governance are likely to be used by those that want to see a return of Dyfed. That is why it is so important that we reclaim our Council from the totally inept IPG administration.

If Dyfed did return the politics would be extremely complicated. Plaid Cymru would almost certainly be the largest party but they would be well short of a majority. Labour and many shades of Independents would be the second largest groupings, followed by the Liberal Democrats and then the Tories. One dreads to think of the horse trading and deals that would be done to secure power. It is perfectly possible that a ruling administration could contain nobody from Pembrokeshire. If it was a merger with Ceredigion then the politics again would be complicated. Independents would be the biggest grouping but the language and cultures are very different between Borth and Amroth. Labour has only 1 councillor in Ceredigion and the Tories none, so Plaid would be the largest political party with a significant number of Liberal The Future for Pembrokeshire

If it was a merger with Ceredigion then the politics again would be complicated. Independents would be the biggest grouping but the language and cultures are very different between Borth and Amroth. Labour has only 1 councillor in Ceredigion and the Tories none, so Plaid would be the largest political party with a significant number of Liberal Democrats all from Ceredigion. No political party would be in a position to run an administration.

If this did come about the Pembrokeshire Alliance would seek to work with other like-minded groups in Ceredigion and/or Carmarthenshire well before elections took place.

But do not be in any doubt: we are completely opposed to a forced merger of Pembrokeshire and we will fight to retain our independence.

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

9 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Charity

The Salvation Army in Tenby celebrates 140 years of service

Published

10 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

10 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans