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Lib Dems Mid and South Pembrokeshire general election hopeful

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A LIBERAL DEMOCRAT county councillor has become the third candidate to throw his hat into the ring for the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire general election seat.

As part of constituency changes, which will automatically take effect at the next general election, Pembrokeshire’s current seats of Preseli Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, currently held by Conservative MPs Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart respectively, are to change.

As part of the constituency changes, parts of north Pembrokeshire – including St Davids – are joining the new Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency, which will replace the Pembrokeshire parts of the current Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.

The north of the county will be part of a new Ceredigion Preseli constituency joining parts of north Pembrokeshire – including Crymych and Maenclochog – with Plaid Cymru held Ceredigion.

The new constituencies take effect automatically from the next scheduled General Election, following a Westminster vote to cut the number of Welsh MPs from 40 to 32.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have announced Alistair Cameron as their candidate, joining current Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb for the Tories and Labour’s Henry Tufnell.

Mr Cameron, county councillor for the Kilgetty and Begelly ward on Pembrokeshire County Council, a former English teacher and council leader of an English Borough Council, is a governor at three local schools and sits on the council’s Schools and Learning and Social Care Scrutiny Committees, and acts as the council’s Learning Disabilities Champion.

Commenting on his selection Cllr Cameron said: “The cost-of-living crisis has hit Pembrokeshire hard, with child poverty rates among the highest in Wales. As your candidate, I am pushing for quality local jobs that offer fair wages to help families get by. Additionally, I aim to urge the UK government to boost support for offshore wind and green hydrogen industries off our coastline, creating skilled, sustainable employment for our region.

“Residents across Pembrokeshire are frustrated with long waits to access healthcare under the Labour-led system, whether seeing a GP, finding an NHS dentist, or getting hospital treatment for serious illnesses. I will fight for improved accessibility to vital service, pushing for life-saving treatments like radiotherapy to be readily available for all local residents who need them.

“I will also push to remove obstacles created by the current European trade deal, ensuring future agreements uphold high standards for health, the environment and animal welfare. I am committed to preventing our local farmers and food manufacturers from facing unfair competition. They need a fairer and more workable farming payment scheme than the one currently proposed.

“As your representative in Westminster, I will work tirelessly towards a better and fairer deal for Pembrokeshire.”

Current Preseli MP Conservative Stephen Crabb, who was officially selected earlier this year, said at the time: “It’s been a huge privilege to represent my home constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire at Westminster since 2005, and I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to seek re-election.  I have a strong record of action and delivery for residents in Preseli Pembrokeshire and I look forward to continuing this work and building on it in South Pembrokeshire.”

Labour’s Henry Tufnell, who was selected last year, said: “I am fully focussed on the forthcoming General Election and the chance to give Pembrokeshire a fresh start.

“Our county is desperately in need of change – the cost-of-living crisis is biting hard and our public services are in dire need of proper funding after years of Tory austerity in Westminster.

“Labour is ready to provide that change with a long term plan that will bring good jobs and economic prosperity to the county.”

Plaid Cymru has been contacted to see when their candidate is due to be selected.

Candidates confirmed to date in the neighbouring constituency of Ceredigion Preseli are current Ceredigion MP Ben Lake for Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat Mark Williams, a former MP for Ceredigion, and Welsh Labour’s Jackie Jones, with no details of a Conservative candidate yet released.

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Community

Little and Broad Haven RNLI celebrate station refurbishment

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Volunteer crew members of Little and Broad Haven RNLI were recently given back the keys to their station after an extensive refurbishment and expansion that was completed over winter.

Thanks to support from the RNLI the Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew now have a base that is fit for their modern day lifesaving service. To celebrate, a team photo was taken to present the improvements to the wider public. During the refurbishment period the station remained operational 24-hours a day in temporary accommodation, but the crew are delighted to move the lifeboat and tractor back into its permanent new home.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Andy Grey commented:

‘After many years waiting for improved facilities at Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station the new refurbishment has finally been completed. Suffice to say, all the crew and officers are delighted with the results. At last we have a toilet and shower facility as well as a very modern and efficient crew changing area.

‘The crew meeting room upstairs has been upgraded and suitable for all our requirements. Similarly, the external wood panelling around the new build looks the part… truly a lifeboat station that the whole community can be proud of.’

An official opening is planned at a later date this year, which will also be part of the celebrations that are taking place this year to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI lifeboat service being formed. There will also be an open day on Sunday 4 August where visitors will be welcome to take a peek at the newly refurbished station.

In the meantime, the lifeboat station is fully operational and provides the volunteer crew with a modern base for their lifesaving operations that can help them respond at any given moment, whenever they are needed to go and save lives at sea.

The crew are very grateful to Edward Perkins from Castle Photography and Framing in Haverfordwest for giving up his time and expertise to take the photo. They all donned their formal ‘Guernsey’ jumpers and wore their RNLI200 badges with pride.

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Community

Lucy’s sudden passing at just 38 leaves a community in mourning

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MILFORD HAVEN is reeling from the untimely passing of Lucy Wind, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.

Lucy, aged just 38, passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 21, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound sense of loss among family and friends.

Lucy was known for her devotion to her two boys, Ryan and Adam, aged 15 and 12.

Her passing has left a significant void in their lives, as she was not only a dedicated mother but also a pillar of strength for her family.

Lucy’s parents, Angela and the late John Wind, and her siblings Sharon, Jason, and the late Alison, are mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister.

Details surrounding Lucy’s sudden demise have shocked many in the community.

Just hours before her passing, Lucy had been joyfully celebrating her cousin’s 18th birthday at a family gathering. Witnesses recount her vibrant presence on the dance floor, reveling in the company of loved ones. She left the venue early at 10:30pm to prepare for work the following day, but passed away at home. Lucy’s unexpected departure has left many grappling with disbelief.

Lucy was known for her selflessness and frugality, always prioritising her family over material possessions.

In line with her wishes, her funeral service will be a testament to her minimalist approach to life.

The service is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 9, at 10:45am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. In honour of Lucy’s vibrant spirit, attendees are encouraged to wear a splash of purple, her favourite colour.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family has requested donations to support Lucy’s sons, Ryan and Adam, through a GoFundMe page set up by Lucy’s cousin, Kerryanne. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.

Expressions of sympathy and support can be directed to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven. For those wishing to contribute to the fund for Lucy’s sons, donations can be made through the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucy-wind.

As Milford Haven prepares to bid farewell to one of its own, Lucy Wind’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished by the community she leaves behind.

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Jonathan Davies to say farewell to Scarlets at the end of the season

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ONE of the Scarlets’ greats, Jonathan Davies, will say farewell to the club at the end of the season.

After 16 seasons spanning two spells at the club, the man known as ‘Foxy’ will be moving on at the end of the campaign.

From Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire, Jonathan has made 209 appearances in a Scarlets jersey having made his debut for the club against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old back in 2006.

A former club captain, he was an integral member of the side that lifted the Guinness PRO12 title in 2016-17, the Scarlets clinching the trophy in style thanks to a mesmeric brand of attacking rugby.

Jonathan has gone on to become one of the most decorated centres in world rugby, representing the British & Irish Lions in the Test series against Australia (2013) and New Zealand (2017) – where he was player of the series. He has also played 96 Tests for Wales, featuring in two Grand Slam-winning sides, a further two championship wins, and two Rugby World Cups in New Zealand (2011) and Japan (2019). He has also captained the national side on four occasions.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Jonathan said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.

“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.

“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham – who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room – and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”

Recalling the highlights of his Scarlets career, lifting the PRO12 trophy in Dublin in 2017 figures at the top of the list, as does playing alongside his younger brother James ‘Cubby’.

He added: “There was a span of five or six games in which I never enjoyed rugby as much as I did during the end of that season when we won the PRO12. I have always said, if we were still in European competition at that point we would have won it.

“The rugby we played was so much fun and so natural, we were operating at a level that we didn’t really need to talk about what was expected of us. It felt as if we were operating at our highest level possible and the talent in that group was so high it showed in the games leading up to the final and then in the final.

“Playing alongside my brother was another special moment and winning a trophy as part of the same side is something I am very proud of.”

As for the future, Jonathan has a testimonial year beginning in June and is also hoping to continue his playing career.

“I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not,” he adds. “I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired – if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.

“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”

Paying tribute to one of the Scarlets’ greats, head coach Dwayne Peel said: “I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special.

“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.

“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”

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