News

Roger wins at Trefloyne as Kilgetty Golf Society bids farewell to committee members

Published

4 years ago

September 22, 2022

KILGETTY Golf Society’s September fixture was held at Trefloyne Golf Club where the group bid farewell to two of the four-man Committee.

Martin Davies and John Perrott are retiring after 12 years’ faithful service while a third committee stalwart, Steve Jones, will also retire after the next fixture in Herefordshire in October. Anyone who would like to take their place is encouraged to contact Steve at [email protected] for further details.

In terms of the day’s competition, this was a close fought affair in weather and on a course which was conducive to good golf.

Leading the way were the wacky races team of Kelvin Boughey and Graham Bond who set a remarkably good team score of 75 points.

However, revving up behind them, they were eventually overtaken by the next team of Jack Zeraschi, Meurig Evans, and Wynne Richards, all on their home track. A score of 85, with Jack topping the 28+ Handicap race-within-a-race with 31 points.

They were closely followed by Mike Skidmore, Derek Campbell, and the aforementioned Steve. Unfortunately, the team experienced constant misfiring, particularly on the dog-legs, and succumbed eventually to 67 points and last place.

So, overtaking them in the early race stages were Rob Nixon, Darrell Jones who had come out of the pits especially for this fixture, and Ed Morris riding sidecar with Darrell. Rob set the pace for his team ably assisted by the other two, for 77 points and a chance of a podium placing.

Starting the grid in 5th place were the team of Graham Longster, Peter Rice, and John Hammond. Each one of them an Ace in their own right and to prove it Peter won the Nearest the Pin laurel garland.

They motored to a score of 89 points passing everyone on their way and winning the team garland.

However, it was a close affair as going bumper to bumper all the way with them were Steve Baxter, Roger Handcock, and Barry Neale finishing just a nose cone behind with 88 points. As consolation Barry had the longest drive.

Also careering round but without any impact were Barry Wood, Mark Wood, and John Barber with 76. A wooden performance and not enough for a podium place unfortunately.

After an excellent meal in The Orangery, Barry stood up to thank the retiring Committee members for their hard work in running the Society for the past 12 years, which was reciprocated by Steve thanking him and Mark for setting up the Society in the first place.

The competition Results were as follows:

Individual Champion with 37 pts – Roger Handcock; 2nd place with 34 pts – Peter Rice; 3rd with 33 pts – Rob Nixon

Top Team – Graham Longster, Peter Rice, and John Hammond

Longest Drive – Barry Neale; Nearest The Pin – Peter Rice; 28+ Handicapper – Jack Zeraschi; Wooden Spoon – Mike Skidmore.

A great day enhanced by the warm welcome at Trefloyne, and the mega raffle which saw everyone get a nice prize. Onto Herefordshire in October for the 2-day eventer. More details at www.kilgettygolf.co.uk

Photo: Champion Roger Handcock in the Green Jacket

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.