News

Ascona hits £100k fundraising target for Wales Air Ambulance

Published

2 years ago

March 6, 2024

PEMBROKESHIRE based Ascona Group, the 7^th largest UK independent forecourt operator and one of the fastest growing companies in Wales for the last three years, is delighted to announce that it has made another £50,000 donation to its charity partner, the Wales Air Ambulance, as it hits its ambitious fundraising target of £100,000 in the 2023/24 financial year.

After Ascona made initial donations of £10,000 in March 2023 and £40,000 in November 2023, the Group has made this additional donation following the success of its fundraising activities across its portfolio of first-class roadside retail destinations over the last few months.

Following this donation, Ascona has now hit its target of raising over £100,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance over the course of the year-long partnership.

Ascona is also delighted to announce that it has renewed its charity partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance, and has committed to raising over £100,000 in the next financial year once again.

The partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance helps to support their vital mission to deliver lifesaving medical care to people across Wales, whenever and wherever they need it. The service relies entirely on charitable donations as the organisation seeks to raise £11.2 million in funds every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the roads across Wales.

Darren Briggs, Founder and CEO of Ascona Group, commented: “I am thrilled that we were able to make another significant donation to this vital charity. Over the last 12 months, we have been able to hit our ambitious fundraising target and we’re delighted to renew our partnership with the Wales Air Ambulance for the 2024/25 financial year.

“This time, we expect to raise a further £100,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance, which will help to ensure this brilliant charity can continue to deliver lifesaving medical care to people across Wales.”

“Since we launched Ascona in 2011, supporting our local communities has been at the heart of everything we do so I am very proud that we continue to play such an active role in supporting charities like Wales Air Ambulance who make such a difference to communities across Wales.

Dr Sue Barnes, Chief Executive, Wales Air Ambulance Charity commented: “We are all deeply grateful for the level of support we’ve received from Ascona this year. Working with Ascona on our partnership over the last year has been a positive and rewarding experience, and we are delighted to be able to continue this relationship for the next 12 months.

“On behalf of all crew, staff and patients, I’d like to thank the entire Ascona team for their hard work over the last 12 months, as well as everyone who made donations. Without the help of organisations like Ascona, it would not be possible to do what we do at the Wales Air Ambulance.”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.