Business
Victory for WASPI women but the fight goes on
A LANDMARK ruling by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman could benefit around 5,000 women in Ceredigion born in the 1950s.
As we reported in The Herald on Friday, on March 21 the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman published his final report into the injustice caused by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)’s poor communication to 1950s women that their state pension age had increased.
The Ombudsman recommends that the DWP makes an apology to the women concerned and they receive compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950. He calls on Parliament to take his recommendations forward.
In the Commons yesterday (Monday) Pensions Minister Mel Stride faced a barrage of support for the WASPI women from MPs of all parties, calling for urgent compensation. His response was that he will look closely at the report and consider its contents. He refused to give a timescale for doing so.
“We have waited five years for this report,” said Pamela Judge, Joint Co-ordinator of Ceredigion Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI). “We welcome the recommendation of an apology and compensation though the level of compensation is disappointing. An All-Party Parliamentary Group of MPs recommended compensation at the top level on the Ombudsman’s scale, at least £10,000 which is much more realistic. We call on MPs to sort this out quickly. This is urgent – a WASPI woman dies every 13 minutes.”
Ceredigion MP Ben Lake commented: “It is high time that Parliament ensures that 1950s born women are finally afforded the justice that they deserve. The Ombudsman’s report has taken years to be completed. It officially acknowledges that WASPI women have fallen foul of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions. We cannot waste any time in bringing forward a compensation package which reflects the scale of the injustice suffered.
“Members of Parliament from all political parties have expressed their support for the WASPI campaign. Now we have an opportunity to deliver on these promises. We have not a moment to lose.”
Joint Co-ordinator Melinda Williams added: “The lack of notice we received that our pension age had changed was devastating for thousands of local women whose plans for retirement were wrecked. We suffered injustice and need compensation now”.

Business
Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery celebrates opening of second shop in Narberth
A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.
Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.
The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.
Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.
They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.
“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”
The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.
They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.
“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”
The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.
The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.
The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.
Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.
Business
Iconic Tenby music shop Dales opens new branch in Carmarthen
ONE of west Wales’ most recognisable independent music retailers has expanded into Carmarthen with the opening of a brand-new Dales Music Store.
The family-run business, which first opened in Tenby in 1947, has become a favourite destination for generations of music lovers, known for its extensive range of vinyl records, musical instruments, guitars, music accessories and merchandise.
Now, after almost 80 years in business, Dales has opened a second branch on Blue Street in Carmarthen, bringing its distinctive yellow-and-blue branding and passion for music to the county town.
The new store offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vinyl, guitars, musical instruments, equipment, accessories, gifts and official band merchandise, catering for everyone from experienced musicians to collectors and casual music fans.
The expansion represents a significant milestone for the long-established business, which has evolved from its roots as a piano retailer into one of Wales’ best-known independent music stores while remaining family owned.
Owners say they are excited to welcome customers through the doors of the new Carmarthen branch and hope it will become a hub for the local music community, offering the same friendly service and specialist knowledge that has made the Tenby store a trusted name for decades.
The arrival of Dales also provides a welcome boost to Carmarthen’s independent retail scene, giving shoppers another reason to visit the town centre and supporting the area’s growing reputation as a destination for independent businesses.
Photo caption: The Dales team outside the new Carmarthen store on Blue Street, marking the opening of the iconic Tenby music retailer’s second branch.
Business
All Pets Vet Care begins new chapter under local ownership
ALL PETS VET CARE is beginning a new chapter as ownership of the practice passes from founder Billa Schleicher to experienced local vets Alice Richards and Pete Howe.
The change will ensure the practice remains independently owned and firmly rooted in the Pembrokeshire community.
Alice and Pete have both worked as small animal vets in Pembrokeshire for more than a decade and say they are proud to build on the strong foundations already established at the practice.
They have pledged to continue providing compassionate, gentle and fairly priced veterinary care, with every animal treated as a valued member of the family.
The existing All Pets Vet Care team will remain in place, meaning clients will continue to see the same familiar faces and receive consistent, high-quality care.
Alice and Pete said the team’s longstanding relationships with clients were central to the practice’s success and that they intended to support and invest in staff as the business develops.
Alice said: “It is a privilege to take on All Pets Vet Care. There is a wonderful team here, and we are committed to maintaining the same personal and caring approach that clients and their pets know and trust.
“Remaining independent means we can stay close to the needs of our clients and the local community.”
Pete added: “We both care deeply about Pembrokeshire and the people and pets who live here.
“We want every client to feel supported, listened to and confident that their pets are in safe hands.
“That includes continuing to provide our own out-of-hours care for registered clients, so pets can be seen close to home by a familiar and trusted team when it matters most.”
All Pets Vet Care is one of only a small number of practices in Pembrokeshire to provide its own out-of-hours service for registered clients, offering continuity of care during evenings, nights and weekends.
The practice will also continue supporting local wildlife charities Tinkers Hill Bird Rescue and The Hogspital, which cares for sick and injured hedgehogs.
The partnerships have formed an important part of Billa’s legacy at the practice and will continue under the new owners.
Alice and Pete said All Pets Vet Care would remain an active part of the community, providing trusted advice, continuity of care and a genuinely personal service to pet owners across Pembrokeshire.
As the practice looks to the future, its commitment remains unchanged: providing trusted, compassionate and independent care for local pets and the people who love them.
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