Nominations open across West Wales as communities invited to celebrate favourite venues

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has announced the return of his “Best Local Pub” competition for a second year, giving residents across West Wales the chance to recognise the pubs that sit at the heart of their communities.

Local pubs are often far more than places to enjoy a drink — they act as social hubs, meeting points, cultural venues and important employers. The competition aims to highlight the vital role these businesses play in bringing people together, supporting jobs and contributing to the regional economy.

Last year’s inaugural competition proved popular, with The Ivy Bush in Narberth crowned overall winner and The Highgate Inn in Hundleton named runner-up.

Mr Kurtz said he was pleased to expand the initiative this year to include nominations from across the whole of West Wales.

He said: “Last year’s competition was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see so many communities getting behind their local pubs. We’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year and give even more venues the opportunity to be recognised for the invaluable role they play.”

Figures underline the sector’s importance to the local economy. Across Mid and South Pembrokeshire there are around 162 pubs and five breweries, supporting approximately 1,175 jobs and contributing an estimated £57 million annually. In the Ceredigion Penfro area, 161 pubs and five breweries support around 1,800 jobs and contribute £59 million to the economy.

Residents can nominate their favourite pub via the website www.samuelkurtz.wales or through Mr Kurtz’s social media channels. Nominations are open throughout February, with the winning pub receiving a prize that includes a free barrel of standard beer of their choice, sponsored by Templeton Beer, Wine and Spirit Co.

Mr Kurtz added: “Let’s work together to shine a spotlight on the pubs that have made a difference in our lives and continue to play a pivotal role in our towns and villages.”

Community partnership helps Wales squads prepare to defend titles in Tokyo

WELSH audiologists are backing the world-champion Wales Deaf Rugby squads with a major sponsorship as the teams prepare to defend their titles at the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championships in Tokyo later this year.

Support from eleven locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses will help fund new kits, training facilities and travel costs as the men’s and women’s teams gear up for international competition.

The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable both squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Ahead of a recent victory against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met audiologist Kyle James to discuss the role hearing plays in both sport and everyday life.

Kyle James said: “Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make — not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”

Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman of Wales Deaf Rugby, said the partnership was particularly important during a pivotal year for the organisation.

She said: “This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a significant year for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.

“Support from Specsavers doesn’t just help with travel and kits — it sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.”

Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. The organisation is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.

People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so via the campaign page online. Those seeking expert guidance on hearing health can also book a hearing check through Specsavers.

LOCAL Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has welcomed representatives from LINK to Pembroke Dock for discussions on the urgent need for a dedicated banking hub, following the closure of Lloyds Bank in the town last year.

The visit follows a sustained community campaign led by Mr Kurtz, which has gathered more than 1,500 signatures in support of establishing a banking hub in Pembroke Dock. As a result of this campaign, LINK has reopened its assessment and is now reviewing whether Pembroke Dock and the surrounding communities meet the criteria for a hub.

Mr Kurtz convened the meeting with LINK alongside key local representatives, including Stephen Thornton of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade, Cllr Gareth Jones, Mayor of Pembroke, and Sarah Scourfield, Clerk to Pembroke Dock Town Council. Cllr Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, also expressed her support for the campaign but was unable to attend.

Speaking following the meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “I am pleased that LINK are demonstrating the seriousness this campaign deserves by visiting Pembroke Dock and undertaking a thorough review of whether there is a clear need for a banking hub.

“I have consistently made the case that Pembroke Dock cannot be considered in isolation. Pembroke and neighbouring communities must be factored into the assessment, particularly given the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connectivity.

“This is a truly community-led campaign, and I am pleased to have helped bring partners together to make the case. We now await the outcome of LINK’s review and keep our fingers crossed that will see a much-needed banking hub established in Pembroke Dock.”