THIS weekend, Pembrokeshire welcomed elite badminton players from across Wales to the first-ever West Wales Graded competition. Hosted by Haverfordwest Badminton Club, the event showcased over 100 players vying for ranking points at the impressive Pembrokeshire Sports Village.

The graded competition is a series of 4 tournaments across held across Wales in which Badminton Wales, the national governing body of badminton, pick the best players to compete in the annual Four Nations Graded International against England, Scotland and Ireland.

Badminton Wales Huw John, who has played badminton for over 50 years and a former All England Masters singles champion described the event as “Truly fantastic, a super tournament. It was wonderful to see some new faces taking part and what a lovely place Pembrokeshire is to come and visit. The event has been a credit to your club.”

Huw currently trains young and upcoming badminton talents like Miya Pan and Janis Leung and it was no surprise to him that both players reached the Women’s singles final, with Miya eventually taking the crown.

The standout performer of the day in the men’s E/F grade competitions was Jamie Noble, who achieved a remarkable treble by winning the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Jamie, a 24-year-old from Flintshire, North Wales, shared his excitement:
“This is the first time I’ve won all three events at a single competition, and it feels good — quite surreal, to be honest. I’m exhausted though, and my legs are still hurting 48 hours later! I really enjoyed the day; it was a great event with a good standard of play, and I had some tough but fun games.”

Jamie has been playing badminton since the age of 7 but has faced challenges this year due to injuries. The West Wales Graded competition marked his return to competitive play after over two months. Jamie’s talent became evident at age 11 when he received one-on-one coaching from Luke Tanner, a coach based in North Wales. Now, he plays twice, sometimes three times a week, and encourages others to take up the sport, citing its fun nature and fitness benefits.

The club expressed their gratitude for the crucial funding provided by Valero, without which the competition would not have been possible. Stephen Thornton, Valero’s Manager of Public Affairs, commented: “Hosting this event is a fantastic achievement for Haverfordwest Badminton Club and for the sport in the county. Valero’s ethos is all about promoting inclusivity and excellence, and this event encapsulates both.”

Following the success of the competition, Badminton Wales has revealed that it is very likely they will return to Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Natural Resources Wales is investigating a pollution incident on the River Ritec near Tenby that could be impacting on water quality at the bathing water beaches in Tenby and Penally.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water informed NRW of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec, which flows to the sea at Tenby South Beach.

NRW has declared an abnormal situation, as defined by the Bathing Water Regulations, at the following designated bathing waters:

• Tenby South Beach
• Castle Beach
• Tenby North Beach
• Penally Beach

Andrea Winterton, Duty Manager for Natural Resources Wales said: “Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has informed us of a burst rising main near Tenby which has resulted in sewage entering the River Ritec.

“The rising main has been isolated so there should be no further pollution into the river from the burst pipe.

“Due to the potential for the pollution to impact the downstream bathing waters, we’ve declared an abnormal situation and informed Pembrokeshire County Council who will place signs at the beaches to warn people of the potential pollution risk.”

Nathan Miles, Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection Manager, said:

“Officers from the Council’s Pollution Control Team have been working closely with Natural Resources Wales and liaising with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water following notification of this incident.

“As required by the abnormal situation declaration, the Council will place signs on the potentially affected beaches, Penally and Tenby, North, South and Castle beaches on Tuesday morning.

“We understand that the spill is under control and Officers will continue to assess the situation alongside NRW as further information is received.”

Suspected pollution can be reported to NRW by calling the 24/7 incident hotline on 03000 65 3000

POLICE have issued a new photo of Charles, who has been reported missing from his home in the Cross hands area

Charles is described as approx. 5”8 tall, stocky build, short grey hair but balding with a white beard.

He is possibly wearing a light coloured, possibly yellow shirt and wearing a beige cap.

He has been described to walk with a limp and may be wearing a plaster on the back of his head.

Charles is believed to have last been in the Brynamman area and may be in his vehicle a Brown Dacia Duster, index CP66 OCH.

Do you have information that might help us find him? Please, let the police know by calling 101.