News

Santa visits Cardigan banks with some motley elves, and a polar bear

Published

11 months ago

December 22, 2023

IF YOU WENT down to Cardigan last week, you may have seen Santa, some motley elves, a polar bear and a bank manager making some visits.

They were visiting all the banks in town, and looking at whether they have been naughty or nice this year. Those which have been naughty, through funding an expansion of fossil fuels were given a potato as a mark of disapproval, while any which have made moves away from this were rewarded with chocolate.

While this was a fun spectacle, put on by the Cardigan Extinction Rebellion group, there was a serious message behind it. One of the group, Jane Mansfield explained,

“We have just experienced the warmest year on record, record wild fires and the lowest ever recorded levels of sea ice. The science is clear. In their report Net Zero by 2050, The International Energy Agency told us categorically that we could have no new oil and gas if we are to have a chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C

And yet the Rainforest Action Network report, Banking on Climate Chaos 2023 shows that Barclays remain the world’s 7th largest funder of fossil fuels, shamefully still financing new oil and gas projects, often in extremely vulnerable parts of the world such as the Amazon and the Arctic.”

Sian Vaughan, a retired head teacher, dressed as an elf last week, added, “In the last 12 months for which figures are available (2022) Barclays have funded new coal mining, new arctic oil and gas, new tar sands, new oil and gas in the Amazon, new offshore oil and gas, new fracking and new liquid natural gas. So it is one of the key banks accelerating climate breakdown by financing the burning of fossil fuels and biomass and the destruction of nature.”

The Extinction Rebellion group said that HSBC’s record is only marginally less ‘naughty’ than Barclays, so they also received a potato from Santa.

Jim Bowen, CEO of Clynfyw Care Farm, who was the tallest elf, pointed out that not all high street banks are equally bad. “Lloyds bank has definitely moved in the right direction. It has the lowest fossil fuel investments of any of the major UK banks. and put no new money into fossil fuels last year. So Lloyds Bank in Cardigan were given chocolates by Santa this year.” And he added, “While we want high street banks in town, we want them to improve their policies – for the sake of the planet and the future of all of us”.

Apart from the banks, 2 shops also received an unexpected visit from Santa and his helpers – Oxfam and the Eco Shop, to thank them for all their good work for the planet.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

22 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!