Community

Red meat myths dispelled

Published

6 years ago

January 6, 2020

OVER 150 nurses and healthcare professionals have had the red meat record put straight at a recent healthcare conference.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) were present at the Nursing in Practice conference in Cardiff and supported a seminar, entitled ‘Combatting Malnutrition in the UK’ given by leading expert Professor Robert Pickard – Emeritus Professor of Neurobiology at Cardiff University, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and member of the Food Advisory Board.

Professor Pickard explained ‘The richest source of vitamins and minerals in the diet is, of course, red meat.’
Explaining the difference between different research studies and the difference between causation and association, Professor Pickard said ‘There is not a single case of cancer being caused by eating lean red meat or a red meat product.’

The levy bodies also handed out information packs and recipe ideas at the event and conducted a survey to establish opinions on red meat.
The survey showed that 72% of respondents had read or heard negative coverage about red meat in the media. However, in Professor Pickard’s seminar slot, he was able to dismiss many common media myths about red meat and clarify the ecological benefits of red meat production:
‘The criticism you often see in the newspapers is that farm animals are bad for the environment because they produce methane but people forget that the cow pays back to the land by defecating on it.’

He explained ‘There is nothing better for land than to have animals on it…replenishing its nutritional content.’
The annual Nursing in Practice conference brings nurses and healthcare professionals together to hear the latest research and listen to best-practice examples.

Rhys Llywelyn, HCC’s Market Development Manager commented ‘We were delighted to have Professor Pickard speak on our behalf at the Nursing in Practice conference. His understanding of human nutrition and biology is unrivalled and we were very pleased he was able to share his thoughts and knowledge with these health professionals.

‘With a rising level of conflicting information in the media and online, it is vitally important that factual, scientific information is communicated effectively – especially to health professionals.’

‘All consumers can be assured, therefore, that Welsh red meat is sustainably produced and makes a very valid and important contribution to nutrition and overall health.’

Community

HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

Community

Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

Published

5 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.

Community

Man admits deliberately putting human faeces in public swimming pool

Published

8 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 19-YEAR-OLD man has admitted deliberately placing human faeces in a public swimming pool, causing it to close for cleaning.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers investigated a series of alleged criminal damage incidents at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre between November 2025 and May 2026.

The man, from the Cardigan area, was identified and interviewed by police.

During interview, he admitted deliberately placing the waste in the pool, which led to its closure while cleaning was carried out.

Police said the matter has been dealt with by way of an Adult Community Resolution and the investigation is now closed.