News
Thrilling finale as UK Waterski Championships conclude with a splash
NEYLAND’S normally tranquil waterfront was transformed into a high-octane spectacle yesterday as the UK Waterski Racing Championships roared into town for its final round. The event, held on Saturday, 14th September, saw competitors from across the country converge on the Cleddau for a day filled with adrenaline, excitement, and fiercely contested races.
From the crack of dawn, Neyland buzzed with anticipation as racing enthusiasts and families alike gathered at the waterfront. With the event kicking off at 7:00 am, the early birds were treated to the sight of the UK’s best waterski racing teams preparing for the ultimate showdown. The championships, which spanned the entire season, reached a thrilling climax here, as racers vied for those coveted podium positions.
Despite the high level of competition, the organisers ensured a family-friendly atmosphere. With free entry, it was an ideal day out for all ages. Attendees could take in the spectacle from the shoreline while also enjoying the array of facilities available at Neyland Yacht Club. For early risers, volunteers served breakfast rolls, tea, and coffee, setting the tone for a day of community spirit and sporting prowess.
Safety was paramount throughout the event. Strict guidelines were in place to ensure the wellbeing of all participants and spectators. The pontoon was a hive of activity, with clear instructions on launching and mooring to ensure smooth operations. Children, who are always captivated by the speed and skill of waterski racing, were required to be supervised and wear approved life jackets while on the pontoon.
Pre-race administration and safety briefings were efficiently conducted by the UK Waterski Racing Team, ensuring that the event proceeded without a hitch. The signing-in process took place at the timing office at the top of the slipway, setting the stage for a day of intense competition on the water.
Access to Neyland was well-managed, with clear directions for those travelling with large RVs and towing vehicles. The Camper Park at Brunel Quay Car Park provided ample space for visitors, while a dedicated launch crew facilitated the movement of boats to the yacht club. Refuelling protocols were strictly enforced by the Port Authority to prevent any pollution, reflecting the event’s commitment to environmental safety.
As the sun set and the final race concluded, the atmosphere shifted from competitive tension to celebratory cheer. The prize presentation took place outside the yacht club, where winners were crowned amidst applause and cheers from the gathered crowd. For many, the highlight was the Saturday Social, a much-anticipated end-of-season gathering at Neyland Yacht Club. The Alumchine catered a delightful buffet, offering a chance for competitors and spectators to mingle and reflect on the day’s exhilarating events.
The UK Waterski Racing Championships’ final round at Neyland not only showcased the sport at its finest but also reinforced the community spirit that underpins it. From the meticulous organisation to the high-energy races, the event was a resounding success, leaving spectators and participants eagerly awaiting next season.
Images: Martin Cavaney/Herald
Business
Welsh Secretary champions world-leading compound semiconductor cluster
SECRETARY of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, has commended Newport’s compound semiconductor cluster for its significant contribution to the UK’s economic prosperity while exploring avenues for its continued growth.
Compound semiconductors are integral to a multitude of products, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and smartphones. These materials are expected to play a critical role in the evolution of emerging technologies such as driverless cars and artificial intelligence.
During her visit, Stevens witnessed the cutting-edge research and innovation taking place at Newport’s compound semiconductor cluster. She met with staff at CSA Catapult and CSconnected, part of the South Wales Semiconductor Cluster, and was given a tour of their state-of-the-art facilities.
CSA Catapult is recognised as the UK’s leading authority on compound semiconductor applications. The organisation collaborates with industry, start-ups, and academic institutions to advance research and bring commercially viable solutions to market.
A recent report from the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff University revealed that CSA Catapult’s projects have created or safeguarded over 4,000 jobs from 2019 to 2023. This includes the creation of 1,325 full-time positions, contributing an estimated £600 million in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “Wales has incubated this high-tech, world-leading industry in Newport, which has so much potential for the future. Their work forms a critical part of the technology we rely on day-to-day, but also makes a huge contribution to our clean energy ambitions and even national security.
“The compound semiconductor cluster is vital for our economy, with innovative businesses supported by the Catapult creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs that bring prosperity and opportunity to South Wales.
“We will back innovative businesses like this to the hilt as we fulfil the UK government’s mission to drive economic growth.”
Howard Rupprecht, Director of CSconnected, said: “We have seen exceptional economic growth over the last five years as our local industry takes advantage of a semiconductor market that is set to surpass $1 trillion per annum by 2030.
“Our semiconductor jobs are knowledge-intensive, highly paid, and are very ‘sticky,’ not being susceptible to global ‘offshoring’. We are positioned to further accelerate growth through the SE Wales Investment Zone and look forward to working with the UK government on the development of their forthcoming Industrial Strategy.”
Martin McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of CSA Catapult, added: “We were pleased to be able to show the Secretary of State our facilities and how our work contributes to the local Welsh and UK economies. Through our collaborations with organisations in Wales and across the country, we’re helping to create growth and safeguard jobs and are making a significant contribution to the UK’s productivity.”
The compound semiconductor cluster in Newport continues to position Wales as a leader in this crucial technology sector, promising further economic growth and high-quality job creation in the years to come.
News
Welsh Labour Minister defends winter fuel payment cut
A WELSH Labour minister has defended the decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners, sparking heated debate in the Senedd. The changes, which could see an estimated 500,000 pensioners losing up to £300 this winter, have drawn sharp criticism from both Conservative and Plaid Cymru members.
During Wednesday’s debate, Conservatives called on Labour to urge the UK government to reverse the plans, warning of a “devastating impact” on vulnerable pensioners. Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt responded by highlighting the “difficult decisions” being made due to a £22 billion “black hole” in UK public finances. Hutt argued that these cuts are a consequence of “14 years of Tory austerity and economic mismanagement.”
Plaid Cymru supported the Conservative calls to reverse the cuts but also accused UK Labour of continuing Conservative “austerity” policies. Despite the opposition, Labour defeated the motion to reverse the decision in a narrow vote, with many Labour Senedd members absent from the debate.
Both Conservatives and Plaid Cymru warned that the cuts could have dire consequences. Conservative South Wales Central MS Joel James opened the debate, stating that the Labour government would be “taking vital income away from those who most need it.” He cited Labour Party research suggesting that scrapping universal payments could lead to an increase in excess deaths by almost 4,000 this winter.
Plaid Cymru’s Sioned Williams echoed these concerns, accusing Labour of exacerbating inequality through austerity measures that disproportionately affect those on low incomes. “Austerity measures deepen inequality by exacerbating the hardship faced and felt by people on low incomes while enabling the wealthiest to shoulder the lightest burden,” Williams said.
Jane Hutt, one of only two Labour speakers in the debate, defended the cuts, emphasising the financial constraints faced by the UK government. She mentioned a £22 billion shortfall in public finances, necessitating “difficult decisions.” Hutt also highlighted efforts to promote pension credit uptake and mentioned several Welsh government schemes, such as the emergency discretionary assistance fund, which she said were underutilised by pensioners.
Despite her defence, Hutt had previously acknowledged that the cuts risked “pushing some pensioners into fuel poverty.” Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also stated that “no one in Labour is happy” with the move but maintained it was necessary to balance the budget.
Conservatives in the Senedd chamber challenged the validity of the £22 billion “black hole” claim. Janet Finch Saunders demanded evidence to support the figure, questioning the minister’s assertion. The Conservatives argue that the cuts will have severe repercussions on pensioners, with some, like Andrew RT Davies, pointing out that even those marginally over the pension credit threshold will lose out on the £300 payment.
Labour MS Mike Hedges was the only other Labour politician to speak during the debate, suggesting that the cuts were necessary to focus support where it’s most needed. He questioned the fairness of providing winter fuel payments to wealthy individuals, listing names like Paul McCartney and Elton John as examples of those who do not need this support.
Hedges also highlighted the complexities of predicting the impact of the cuts, arguing, “We don’t know how many people are going to die this winter. You can’t know.” He emphasised that a more equitable system would involve pension credit entitlement based on earnings.
The Conservative motion to reverse the changes was narrowly defeated by Labour, with 23 votes in favour and 24 against. Under the new policy, pensioners not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer receive the annual winter fuel payment. Previously, all pensioners were entitled to this support to help with energy bills.
The winter fuel payment, which totals £200 or £300 depending on the recipient’s age and benefits status, has been a crucial source of support for pensioners during the colder months. The changes come as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plan to target support to those most in need amidst tight public finances.
A UK government spokesperson defended the decision, telling The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are committed to giving pensioners the dignity and security they deserve in retirement, which is why we are protecting the triple lock with the state pension set to increase by £1,700 over the course of parliament.” They added that despite the financial constraints, the government aims to continue supporting those in need, with over a million pensioners still receiving the winter fuel payment and the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme.
As winter approaches, the implications of these cuts on pensioners across Wales and the UK remain a contentious and deeply felt issue.
News
Harvest Moon shines bright over Tenby
GARETH DAVIES, the well known Pembrokeshire news photographer, has captured a stunning image of the Harvest Moon illuminating the skies over Tenby, showcasing the natural beauty of our coastal town.
The Harvest Moon, traditionally the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, is renowned for its warm, golden hue and early rising. This celestial event historically signalled farmers to gather their crops, hence its name. As the sun sets, the moon rises in the eastern sky, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
Gareth’s photograph beautifully encapsulates this magical moment, with the moon casting a silvery glow over Tenby’s picturesque landscape. The blend of the moonlight with the town’s historic buildings and the tranquil sea creates a breathtaking scene that captures the essence of autumn in Wales.
As the nights grow longer, the Harvest Moon serves as a reminder of nature’s cycles and the changing seasons.
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