News

Man returns to Pembrokeshire roots with new Oakwood position

Published

6 years ago

July 30, 2018

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who spent more than a decade working abroad has decided to return to his Welsh roots and the very company that kickstarted his career in tourism over 25 years ago.

Paul Stone, 48, from Begelly, has been appointed as Business Relationship Manager for Wales’ largest theme park, Oakwood, 26 years after first working at the park in his early twenties.

The father of one spent two summer seasons working at the Pembrokeshire-based attraction as a ride supervisor back in the early 1990s, and after an eleven-year stint working abroad, could not pass up the opportunity to return back to where it all started.

Paul is now taking on the role of Business Relationship Manager to help grow Oakwood’s relationship with local partners and promote the investments made to the attraction in recent years. Having spent more than 30 years in sales and customer service positions, including a regional sales manager role at an education insurance firm, as well as seven years at an independent publisher, where he was instrumental in leading the company to a £1.4m turnover, Paul is well placed to combine his business skills with his local knowledge and contacts for the role.

The sales specialist also spent over a decade overseas in the tourism industry, working as director of national sales for a Dominican Republic tour operator and as a business manager for First Choice holidays across a number of countries including Mexico, Dominican Republic and the Balearic Islands. Both roles saw him responsible for a team of 12-100, overseeing budgets and health and safety protocols, organising excursions and increasing sales.

While his international stint enabled him to indulge in a number of bucket list activities, including swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving in the Caribbean, the green grass of home in Pembrokeshire was calling.

Paul said: “Having lived abroad for over 10 years, I was really beginning to miss Wales and decided to make the move back. After seeing the role at Oakwood advertised, I knew it was the job for me.

“Oakwood holds so many fond memories for me. I loved working at the park when I was younger and combined with my passion for sales, I couldn’t wait to return and help the park to grow. Coming back after so many years was completely surreal but it’s good to be home and fantastic to see that stalwarts of the Pembrokeshire tourism industry, like Oakwood, remain.”

Now living in Carmarthen, Paul is looking forward to using his expertise in his new job to help boost Oakwood’s visibility and uphold excellent custom satisfaction. His new role will see him support the park’s growth and development, liaising with companies and customers across Wales and further afield to maintain and build new and existing relationships.

Sue Elaiho, Director at Oakwood Theme Park: “We are thrilled to bring Paul on board at Oakwood and believe that he will be a great asset to the park and its customers across the UK. Paul has vast experience within the sales and client relations sector, with a proven track record of delivering excellent results. Paul also has an inside knowledge of the park and an extensive list of contacts and friends across Pembrokeshire.

“It’s great to welcome him back after all of these years and we have no doubt that his appointment will help to support our ambitious growth plans for the years to come.”

Crime

Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).

Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.

**Stopped twice for allegedly using blue lights: Ajay Owen (Image: Facebook)**

Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.

However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.

Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.

The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.

“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.

News

Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.

Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.

Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.

Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.

She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.

Business

Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague

Published

6 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.

Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.

The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.

This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.

The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.

Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.

For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.