News
Inspirational Achievements recognised in 16th Sport Pembrokeshire awards
ONE of the highlights of the local sporting calendar, the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2022 were held on Friday (25 November) at Folly Farm.
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of sportspeople, coaches and volunteers, the ceremony recognised 13 award-winners in a variety of categories, the winners of two special awards – the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Special Achievement Award – plus the School Award.
The ceremony was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, and sponsored by Valero, the Western Telegraph, Pure West Radio, Folly Farm and Pembrokeshire County Council. It was hosted by sports journalist Bill Carne and Cris Tomos.
The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award was dual code international rugby player and coach Rowland Phillips.
A native of St Davids, Rowland played in the backrow for the legendary Neath pack and won ten caps for Wales between 1987-1990 before moving to rugby league and signing for Warrington.
He also played for Rochdale, Oldham and Workington; won the Regal Trophy and represented Wales and Great Britain.
His coaching career was equally impressive. In 2003, he returned to his beloved Neath and led them to four successive Premiership titles and three Cup Final victories.
He undertook top roles home and abroad with among others the Ospreys, London Welsh and Wales Under-18s.
He has also been coach of the Wales Women’s national side, with his daughter, Carys achieving international success too, in her dad’s footsteps.
“Rowland has achieved international success but remained close to his family and community. He’s a real role model,” said Geoff Williams, retired Head of BBC Sport Wales, who presented him with the award.
The winner of the Special Achievement Award, presented by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Pat Davies, was Brian Griffiths of Burton Cricket Club – an active member of the club for 72 years.
Brian played his debut as an 11 year old when he turned up to score but was asked to play when the team found itself with only ten men!
As well as playing a huge number of games for club and county he was also an excellent coach for over 40 years, initially with Burton and later on in the Pembrokeshire coaching set-up.
In recent years, Brian also umpired the club’s second team but his major contribution has been as the groundsman at Oatfield Park.
Burton all-rounder Steve Jones said: “Brian Griffiths has always typified the very best of cricket, on and off the field.
“He has been an excellent player over such a long period and worked tirelessly as a coach and groundsman. But above all that he really is a gentleman of the sport.”
In addition to the worthy finalists and winners, Sport Pembrokeshire also recognised Johnston CP School for its commitment tohealth and wellbeing.
Sponsored by Pembrokeshire County Council, the School Award was presented by Steven Richards-Downes, Director of Education.
Johnston school has developed their provision of inclusive sport with 12 after-school clubs every week, introduced a Special Visitor Programme to introduce learners to professional athletes and interesting speakers from all walks of life, offers a huge range of opportunities in dynamic PE sessions, and promotes outdoor learning with the Outdoor Schools programme.
Matthew Freeman, manager of Sport Pembrokeshire, congratulated all nominees, finalists and winners.
“Once again we’ve heard about some truly inspirational achievements, and outstanding examples of teamwork behind the scenes,” he said. “Well done to everyone.”
The winners are as follows:
SPORT PEMBROKESHIRE FINALISTS 2022:
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Gracie Griffiths
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Oscar Willington
Club of the Year
Cresselly Cricket Club
Junior Disability Sport Award
Ben Stanton
Disability Sport Award
Lily Rice
Young Volunteer of the Year
Lucy Kerrison
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Neyland Pirates U14s 2021/22
Unsung Hero
Kevin Jenkins
Team Achievement of the Year
Wiseman’s Bridge Women’s Coxed Squad
Male Sporting Achievement
Ioan Croft
Female Sporting Achievement
Heather Lewis
Club Organiser of the Year
Wendy Bradshaw
Coach of the Year
Guy Croft
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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