TUCKING into turkey, enjoying a festive tipple, and spending precious time with family and friends is a Christmas routine familiar to many. But for some, Christmas Day looks very different as they don helmets, radios, or headsets to keep communities safe.

Here are three Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff who will be on duty this festive season.

Dog handler PC Hannah Jones

PC Hannah Jones, based in Carmarthenshire, will spend her first Christmas as a dog handler alongside her three-year-old police dog, Rogue.

Hannah, who has worked in the force for six years, previously spent Christmas on response duties in Llanelli. This year, she will work a 7:00am to 2:00pm shift.

She said: “I don’t mind working Christmas; there’s always good team spirit. I don’t have children, so if I can help others, I will. When I was in Llanelli, our sergeant brought us bacon sandwiches, and everyone brought in festive treats.”

Hannah explained that her shift will start at home with Rogue: “She’ll have a few extra treats – not too many in case she’s needed. The last thing we want is a sluggish dog!”

Reflecting on her work, she added: “You never know what Christmas Day will bring, from attending to vulnerable or missing people to domestics. It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference, especially if it’s someone’s worst Christmas.”

Inspector Geraint Griffith

Inspector Geraint Griffith, Force Incident Manager (FIM), will spend his last Christmas on duty before retiring in the new year – and celebrating his 54th birthday. He will coordinate incidents from the Force Communications Centre (FCC) during a 6:00pm to 6:00am shift.

This year is special, as he will work alongside his daughter Seren, who recently joined the team as a call handler.

He said: “I volunteered to work this year because Seren will be on her first Christmas shift. I’ll be bringing in her dinner – that’s my main role!”

Reflecting on his career, Geraint added: “I’ve worked more Christmases than I can remember. The incidents are often domestic abuse or violence, mainly fuelled by alcohol or family tensions. It can go from steady to busy very quickly.”

Despite the challenges, he noted the camaraderie: “Even on my 50th birthday, the team brought in a cake and banners. There’s always a good atmosphere.”

He concluded: “I’ve been lucky to see my children on Christmas Day over the years. Hopefully, my last shift will be a relatively calm one.”

Roads Policing Officer PC Gareth Evans

PC Gareth Evans, based in Brecon, will work a 7:00am to 4:00pm shift on Christmas Day, as he has done for many years.

He said: “Mornings are my preferred shift because I can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with family afterwards. I don’t have children, so I’m always happy to help those who do.”

Describing the day, he added: “The shift can range from being completely quiet to very busy. Road traffic collisions and domestic abuse tend to be the main incidents.”

Gareth noted the efforts to keep spirits high: “There’s usually a festive atmosphere, with teams cooking breakfast together or bringing in party food. We all make the most of it.”

After his shift, Gareth will join his wife and in-laws for a Christmas meal: “Working means I cut down on the calorie intake, so that’s a bonus!

SAMUEL KURTZ MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language, has urged the Welsh Government to rethink its approach to the ambitious Cymraeg 2050 target following concerns raised in a recent Senedd report.

The Cymraeg 2050 strategy aims to see one million Welsh speakers by the middle of this century, but doubts have been cast over its viability. The Young People and Education Committee’s findings highlight challenges such as a stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and a decline in the use of the language among young people.

Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has joined calls for the Welsh Government to reassess its plans. He said:

“The Welsh Conservatives have long called for a clearer strategy from the Welsh Government to achieve their Cymraeg 2050 target.

“With the number of Welsh speakers declining over the past two decades, it is essential that this trend is reversed. Given the stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and the decreasing use of Welsh among young people, the Welsh Government must review why their current plans for Cymraeg 2050 are clearly not working and make the necessary adjustments.”

A Pembrokeshire perspective

In Pembrokeshire, where the heritage of the Welsh language runs deep, the debate is particularly significant. Local communities have seen varied success in maintaining Cymraeg. Welsh-medium education has grown in some areas, with schools such as Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest playing a vital role, but concerns remain about its accessibility across the county.

Historically, Pembrokeshire has been viewed as a ‘linguistic frontier’, where the Welsh language coexists with English in a delicate balance. Rural areas have held on to their linguistic traditions, but urbanisation and demographic shifts pose challenges.

One key issue lies in the teaching workforce. Without enough Welsh-speaking teachers to inspire and educate the next generation, achieving Cymraeg 2050 becomes increasingly difficult. Calls have also been made for more immersive Welsh-language opportunities outside the classroom to foster the use of Cymraeg in day-to-day life.

Why Cymraeg 2050 matters

At the heart of Cymraeg 2050 is a vision to not only preserve Welsh but to make it a living, thriving language. Campaigners argue that a robust strategy is essential to ensure the language remains relevant for future generations, particularly in areas like Pembrokeshire where cultural heritage is so closely tied to Cymraeg.

Supporters of the target highlight its potential to strengthen community identity and boost economic opportunities, from tourism to creative industries, where bilingualism is a growing asset.

Achievable or aspirational?

While the ambition of Cymraeg 2050 is widely praised, questions linger over whether it is achievable without significant policy changes. Critics argue that without a comprehensive, well-funded strategy addressing education, infrastructure, and community engagement, the target risks being little more than an aspiration.

For Pembrokeshire, the challenge is clear: to celebrate and protect its Welsh-speaking communities while creating opportunities for growth and engagement in Cymraeg for all.

Mr Kurtz’s call for action adds to the mounting pressure on the Welsh Government to deliver a plan that works – not just for now, but for generations to come.

For Pembrokeshire and beyond, the stakes are high. Achieving one million Welsh speakers is about more than just numbers – it’s about ensuring a future where the language continues to live and thrive, from the rural villages of North Pembrokeshire to the bustling streets of Milford Haven.

A GROUP of young people have enjoyed a memorable and transformative journey to New Zealand, Led by Plan International.

The group from Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby, supported by Youth Workers from Pembrokeshire Youth Service, went on the extraordinary educational and cultural adventure as part of their We Know, Our Journey Youth project.

The project was fully funded by Taith, a Welsh Government initiative which aims to create life-changing opportunities to learn, study and volunteer all over the world.
The trip aimed to broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and deepen understanding of gender-based violence and its global impact.

The group were invited as recognition of their hard work and dedication to addressing gender-based violence within their community.

During their two-week journey, the group immersed themselves in the stunning landscapes and rich culture, including visits to Auckland, Rotarua, Waitomo, Taupo and Hamilton.

The group spent time in Auckland, where they embarked on a bus tour, exploring the city’s vibrant culture, stunning harbour, and diverse neighbourhoods. They also ventured to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, and learned about the local Māori culture.

In Rotorua, the group experienced the thrill of the Skyline Luge and Gondola, offering panoramic views of the city. They participated in a traditional Māori culture evening, learning the rich history and customs of the Mitai Māori people.

The group also spent time at Blue Light camps, engaging in outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Blue light works in partnership with the police to deliver a range of youth programmes and activities, to reduce the incidence of young people becoming an offender or victim of crime, and encourage better relations in the community.

At Lake Taupo, they enjoyed a boat cruise, admiring the stunning scenery and ancient Māori rock carvings.

The group visited Hamilton Zoo and explored the stunning Huka Falls, a picturesque waterfall.
Throughout their journey, the group participated in meetings with organisations working to address gender-based violence.

The groups heard what organisations were doing and also had the opportunity to present what they are doing in Wales.

One such organisation was LeVa, where they experienced a warm Somali welcome and immersed themselves in Somali culture. The day was inspirational, insightful and filled with emotion.

The group also had the opportunity to spend a day with New Zealand Rugby, learning about their initiatives to promote gender equity and positive social change within the sport and the broader community.

The group also met with Dear Em whom are a strong, driven group providing safe spaces for women and girls to have a voice in New Zealand.

The group has formed a new collective, “Our Voice Our Journey,” and plans to continue their work on gender-based violence back in Wales.

The experience has empowered these young people to become leaders in their community, advocating for gender equality and working towards a brighter future for all.

One member of the group, said: “Going to New Zealand helped me get a more positive mind-set, by seeing how other organisations across the world also wanted to prevent violence, it made me realise we are all in it together.