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Letter to Drakeford: The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality sector

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IN AN OPEN letter from the Pembrokeshire hospitality industry, business leaders have written to the First Minister to express their concern regarding uncertainty over the lockdown being lifted.

The letter has been singed by seven of the county’s top hospitality businesses owners. The letter reads as follows:

Dear First Minister,

Re: The Impact of COVID-19 on the Pembrokeshire Hospitality Sector – An open letter from the industry

We operate numerous hospitality businesses within Pembrokeshire and write to outline our collective concerns about the significant challenges that we face from the impact of COVID-19. Our industry is one that has been most affected by the Government measures that have been put in place to control the spread of the virus in Wales. It is now at a critical point as we face increasing financial pressures and great uncertainty for the future. We ask that you listen to the views of our sector and urge you to take them into consideration.

We were very pleased to see the leisure, tourism and non-essential retailers given the green light to open during your recent announcement on Friday 19th June. This announcement has provided a sense of optimism and an important lifeline for businesses operating within these sectors. Sadly, the lack of reference to our own sector, has highlighted Welsh Government’s lack of recognition of the important contribution that the hospitality industry makes to the Welsh economy, the visitor experience and to the quality of life for residents in Wales.

The hospitality industry is a fundamental part of tourism in west Wales and we are concerned that this has not been acknowledged at a Ministerial level. The west Wales tourism experience is intertwined with accommodation, leisure and hospitality business working together to deliver the unique brand that has been successfully developed over the years. This symbiotic relationship is key. They rely on one another to attract, entertain and accommodate tourists and will not work successfully without the other.

We understand from your statement, and the subsequent detail released, it appears that pubs and restaurants will be closed for a further 5-6 weeks. This means that the industry will have been dormant for nearly four months with still no clear picture of a road to recovery provided for our businesses. This will have a far-reaching and devasting effect on the sector with thousands of jobs across west Wales, and the whole of Wales, now at risk.

For the industry in Pembrokeshire, we rely heavily on a good spring/ summer tourism season which helps sustain us through the winter months. Being closed for one third of the year will pile unimaginable pressure upon us as we fight with every breath to keep staff and suppliers paid and our businesses afloat.
We have been left in an uncertain and worrying position at a time when we need strong leadership to help support us through this extremely vulnerable period. We now urgently call upon you to review and reconsider your position on the hospitality industry. We ask that you give due attention to the critical areas of support (listed below) that we need to give us a lifeline and prevent the collapse of business for so many in our sector.

Our industry asks you to…
1. Offer a detailed pathway out of lockdown. We need to be provided with set dates subject to continued control of the “R” number;
2. Review financial support via grants to the sector. This needs to address the prolonged closure faced by this industry compared to others who have already begun to trade normally yet have received the same level of grant funding. Co-financing of Job Retention Scheme from July will be impossible with zero income. Welsh Government must intervene, or risk thousands of jobs being lost.
3. Provide strong and enforceable commercial lease guidance. This will allow operators to seek rent-free periods from their landlords. Welsh Government must either make funding available to remove barriers currently created by landlords or create a financial incentive.
4. Revisit the 2m social distancing rule. We acknowledge the 2m rule has been critical in controlling the virus in Wales. However, we ask that this is reviewed in line with other nations and reduce the 2m social distancing rule. We do not believe that it is sustainable and will make the difference between businesses achieving profitability or collapsing.
5. Provide positive communication about the sector. Positive communication and engagement with the sector are vital at this time. It would help to re-build confidence and forge a closer working relationship between Welsh Government and the sector as we move forward in these uncertain times.
We are professional business people who have the ability to work with Welsh Government and with all the necessary guidelines issued. We must be given the responsibility to work collaboratively across our industry to ensure that we can safely get back to business in the coming weeks.

We ask that you give consideration to the voices of the industry echoed in this letter.

Kind Regards,

Dan Mills – DM Catering (Pembs) Ltd
Martha’s Vineyard, Milford Haven

Oli Blakiston – B.G. Betterspoons Ltd & West Coast Inn’s Ltd
The Sloop Inn, Porthgain; The Farmers Arms, Fishguard; The Bishops, St David’s; The Royal Oak, Newport & St Davids Cross Hotel, St David’s.

Simon Vickers
The Griffin, Dale

Ross Barnes
The Buccaneer Inn, Tenby; Harbwr Bar and Kitchen, Saundersfoot & Harbwr Brewery, Pembrokeshire

Chris Vane – Coco’s Pembs Ltd
Coco’s Restaurant, Milford Haven & Coco’s Brasserie, Dale

Shayne Busby
The Lounge, Milford Haven & Foam, Milford Haven

Matt & Helen John
The Swan Inn, Little Haven

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

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SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

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Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

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ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

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Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

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ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

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