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Cabinet member fails to back leader over Bryn

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countyhallA PROMINENT Cabinet Member on Pembrokeshire council has failed to endorse claims made by the Council Leader Jamie Adams in a response to an incendiary letter from former Audit Chair John Evans MBE.

This weekend county councillor Jacob Williams revealed on his website that senior councillors, officers and Mr. Evans were summoned to an 8.15am meeting in the CEO’s office on May 16, in which Bryn Parry Jones threatened the use of private investigators to uncover the source of a leak to this newspaper.

David Simpson, spokesperson for Housing, has told the Herald there is only a limited point of difference between his recollection of events at a secret meeting held on May 16 in Bryn Parry Jones’ office and that of the former Audit Committee Chair’s.

A press statement provided by the Leader says:

“It is unfortunate that Mr Evans did not take up my offer for the two of us to meet together to discuss the letter which I assumed he had sent to me privately.

“The meeting with the Chief Executive to which he refers was also attended by several others, including the Chairman of Council and a Cabinet Member.

“They have a rather different interpretation of events to Mr Evans.”

No need to be accompanied

The Herald can tell its readers that while Cllr Adams was happy to meet one on one with Mr Evans to discuss the letter dated July 3, he baulked at the prospect of Mr Evans being accompanied to the meeting, which was scheduled for August 6.

Cllr Adams confirmed to the Herald that Mr Evans had requested that Cllr Baker come with him to any meeting with the IPPG Leader.

Jamie Adams told the Herald:

“I offered to meet with John Evans but when he asked to be accompanied by Phil Baker, I told him I did not see the necessity for a third party to be present. I believe John Evans misinterpreted the meeting with the CEO and it would have been cleared up if he had agreed to meet with me to discuss it privately.”

davidsSimpson begs to differ

In an embarrassing development for IPPG Leader Adams, one of the councillors at the May 16 meeting in the CEO’s office does not back the robust position the leader has set out.

Spokesperson for Housing (and Pembrokeshire Bench Magistrate) David Simpson has told the Herald:

“I have read the letter by John Evans. My only difference [in his account] of the event is that I did not experience any ‘hostility’ as described by John.”

What Jamie told councillors

The Herald can reveal that in a series of email exchanges with councillors, the Leader has robustly defended Bryn Parry Jones’; conduct. The Leader has claimed that far from bullying or intimidating staff, the CEO was protecting council officers’ interests by trying to get to the bottom of who leaked the identity of “Minute Meddler” Gwyn Evans to the Herald for our May 9 front page scoop.

In emails sent to councillors, Jamie Adams has claimed that – far from their being a difference in interpretation – Mr Evans’ account “does not accord with the account of the two Council Members present and also is not supported by the officers present at the meeting.”

Responding to the Leader’s email to all councillors, Pembroke St Michael Councillor, Jonathan Nutting, demanded answers from the IPPG leader:

“You have basically said that Mr. Evans did not give an honest account in his letter about his early morning meeting with Mr. B.Parry Jones.

“As this is a serious allegation in open email I demand you rapidly back it up.

“By tomorrow morning I expect a full account of the meeting by Cllr. David Simpson and Cllr. Tom Richards for all councillors to read.

“If this is not forthcoming I will take it that you have not got their backing for your words of condemnation.”

Brinsden calls for action

Tony Brinsden, the unaffiliated member for Amroth wrote to Jamie Adams in stark terms:

“Up to now I have had no wish to get involved with the emails and blogs regarding the “mishaps” of this Council over the past years. However your tirade has made me change my mind.

“You have the audacity to try to farm out the blame for some incidents on your predecessor, and this whilst you were his deputy. You question Mr Evans’ account of an early morning meeting in the CEO’s office.  I know who I would prefer to believe given your economy with the truth over the grant fiasco in Pembroke Dock and indeed with Mr Evans resignation.  Was he getting too close to something that you and the CEO didn’t want exposed?

“As far as the CEO is concerned why hasn’t he been suspended during Police enquiries?

“You are the leader of Council, show us you have some guts and suspend him for the duration of the Police enquiry.  If it was any other employee they would have been suspended immediately.”

 

 

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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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