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Pembrokeshire seal pups return to the sea after making full recovery

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TWO grey seal pups rescued from Pembrokeshire in the Autumn have been released back into the wild, following a spell of care with the RSPCA.

The malnourished pups were initially rescued by Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) – before being transferred into the care of the RSPCA.

The first pup was rescued from Freshwater West and taken to RSPCA Mallydams Wood wildlife centre, in Fairlight, near Hastings on 14 October. The second – again rescued by WMLR – this time from St Brides near Haverfordwest, was taken to the RSPCA wildlife centre on 5 November.

Caring for seal pups is hard work, particularly in the first few weeks of them arriving at an RSPCA centre. They are fed a ‘rehydrate’ solution and then are moved onto a fish soup within 24 hours – and, to start, are fed five times a day.

At Mallydams Wood wildlife centre the seal pups were nicknamed after ‘His Dark Materials’ characters – Lyra and Lord Faa.

Following their rehabilitation and care the two seals were ready to be released back into the wild and were transferred back to South Wales for their release on 19 December.

RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West carried out the release along with RSPCA animal welfare officer Andrew Harris.

Ellie said: “It is always the best part of the job when we release wildlife back to where they belong – and for us this is the perfect early Christmas present to see them happily swim off into the sea. Although you can see from the video that one seal – Lyra – was more keen to head back to sea than the other – Lord Faa – who took a little bit more time!

“Thanks to a spell of rehabilitation at our wildlife centre they have been able to put on the right amount of weight and were then fit enough to be released at Port Eynon in the Gower.”

After a busy 2019 seal season Ellie said they would like to thank Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) for their support.

“We’re so grateful to WMLR, who do incredible work with us in looking out for seals,” she said. “We’re also very grateful to the members of the public who have spotted and reported seals in distress to us.”

Ideally, lone seal pups looking fit and healthy should be monitored from a safe distance for 24 hours. If a seal pup is injured or in distress, the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line should be contacted on 0300 1234 999.

Ellie added: “It’s not unusual to see a seal pup by itself, as their mothers will leave the pups alone very early on in life. If you find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress, monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours.

“However, if the mother doesn’t return after 24 hours or the pup appears distressed, injured or unwell, or is on a busy public beach, our 24-hour emergency line can be reached on 0300 1234 999. Please always stay at a safe distance and keep dogs well away – seals can have a very nasty bite.”

News

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

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THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.”

Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found on a beach near Pennar, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening, April 30th, 2024.

Her family has issued a statement to say: ‘We are devastated by our loss. Sian was a beautiful, funny, loving person. We will treasure the good times we had with her.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The circumstances surrounding Sian’s death are being investigated and police would like to hear from anyone with information, sightings of Sian or contact from Sian, between Thursday April 25 to Tuesday April 30.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20240430-284

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Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

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The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

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Health

Junior doctors secure strike extension in pay negotiations with WG

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BMA Cymru Wales has confirmed a positive development in its pay negotiations announcing that Junior doctors have secured a three-month extension to their overwhelming strike mandate.

This means that junior doctors in Wales now have the right to enact industrial action over their pay until 17 September 2024 instead of 17 June when the mandate was due to run out.

Recognising the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors and the overwhelming 98% vote by members in favour of industrial action back in December 2023, employers have agreed to honour this extension to allow talks with the Welsh Government to continue.

Co-chairs of the Welsh Junior Doctor Committee Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said of this development:

“We are pleased to be able to secure an extension to our overwhelming strike mandate. Whilst we hope to put an end to our pay dispute through pay negotiations by reaching a credible deal and restoring our pay, it was important to secure more time for our mandate.

“The extension allows us to focus on talks but also provides us with the scope to get organised and enact our legal right to strike should we need to. This is about honouring the emphatic mandate of our members.

“Doctors have experienced real terms pay cut of almost a third since 2008. They voted overwhelmingly to put an end to the devaluing of their service, they know they are not worth a third less than their predecessors and they know the time is now to stick up for the profession and turn the tide of the continued erosion of their pay once and for all”.

The Welsh Government and NHS employers have agreed to the extension as part of ongoing pay negotiations where all parties hope to reach an end to the pay dispute with junior doctors, SAS doctors and Consultants in Wales.

Last month, BMA Cymru Wales announced it was suspending forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS doctors and putting plans on hold to announce more strike dates for junior doctors to allow pay negotiations to take place*.

The decision to enter pay negotiations was based on a significant proposal from the Welsh Government to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors including Consultants, SAS, and Junior doctors, with the aim of reaching deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another below inflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year. SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%. This was the lowest pay offer any government in the UK offered and less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action. Since then, junior doctors have taken part in 10 days of industrial action since January this year.

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