Latest from Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire Herald
20 hours ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Early years team wins prestigious partnership award
STUDENTS called for an overhaul to make Welsh universities more financially sustainable amid concerns about the uncertainty of sweeping cuts impacting on mental health. Deio Owen, president of the National Union of Students (NUS) Cymru, warned students' mental health has suffered following proposed and confirmed cuts at Welsh universities. He told the Senedd's education committee: 'That uncertainty does have a knock-on effect – not just on your education and your prospects in your exams… but also your personal life.' Mr Owen said students are paying more than £9,000 in tuition fees 'for a service you're not sure you're going to get which makes the university sector unique'. He told the committee: 'It's not like going to a shop and buying a tumble dryer or a toaster, and it's that uncertainty which isn't fair on students or staff or anybody that's being affected.' Giving evidence on June 25 as part of an inquiry on higher education, Mr Owen said students support staff in taking crucial industrial action. 'There is also frustration, there are doubts,' he added. 'If you look at it from the outside 'the staff aren't teaching and I'm going to miss out' but, generally speaking, I think there is support and people understand why people are striking.' Asked about comparisons with the rest of the UK, Mr Owen told the committee many of the challenges are common across the four nations. But, raising concerns about participation rates, he pointed to statistics showing around 30% of Welsh young people attend a university anywhere in the UK. This compares with 40% in Northern Ireland, 'our closest counterpart economically', and nearly 50% in greater London. 'I want to live in a Wales where everybody has the opportunity to follow whichever education pathway they choose,' said Mr Owen, warning of unique economic and social barriers. Former First Minister Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething, the former First Minister who was himself once NUS Cymru's president, asked about calls for an overhaul of the financial model for universities in Wales. Mr Owen replied: 'To put it quite simply, the system is not working as it is formed right now and we need to see that change to make it fairer, more equal and equitable for everyone who wants to access the higher education system here in Wales.' The politics and Welsh graduate added: 'To show that the system's not working: we have young people who have less than £50 at the end of the month in their bank account and Wales has the most generous financial package of support for students in the UK. 'But that support isn't going far enough…. If tuition fees were working, I don't think our universities would be in such a state that they are now.' Acknowledging there is no 'silver bullet', Mr Owen urged Wales to be more outward looking by considering models in other European countries which offer free or cheaper tuition. He called for the Welsh and UK Governments to undertake a more fundamental review, encompassing elements beyond education such as mental health support and housing. 'Over the years we've seen bandages put on wounds,' he said. 'Whereas we haven't seen that transformational piece that will make an education system that works.' Mr Owen stressed: 'We haven't got that forward-looking vision for the future of what higher education will look like, how we're going to create a system that is fair for everyone.' He argued the onus is on politicians to create a fair and equal education system, saying: 'I represent the voice of students, not the voice of policy-makers, we're created to raise those concerns, not to make those decisions, but there is a need for change – that is quite clear.' Mr Owen said NUS Cymru has a positive relationship with Vikki Howells, Wales' universities minister, but: 'The Welsh Government does have a role to play, it can't just ignore the challenges faced by the sector. Education doesn't stop after you leave school.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Pembrokeshire poultry
New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales. The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise. The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies. The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes. Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region. To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership. Dr Kloer said: 'The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas. 'I'm delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.' Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added: 'I'm very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations. 'For more than 150 years, our University's teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this. 'As Wales's first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.' The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer. Dr Leighton Phillips said: 'This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter. 'We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales. 'These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.' Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Plaid Cymru: Wales lagging behind on vital HPV home test kits
New memorandum focuses on research, education, and innovation HYWEL DDA University Health Board and Aberystwyth University have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to extend their longstanding partnership, with a focus on improving health and well-being in communities across west Wales. The agreement commits both institutions to collaborate on a range of areas including research and development, the creation of new educational programmes, and the shared use of specialist facilities and expertise. The partnership also includes plans to boost innovation and enterprise, with the Health Board and University set to work together—and with industry—on the development of new medical devices and technologies. The organisations will explore opportunities in workforce development, education, and training. This will include student placements in non-clinical settings, fellowships and studentships, graduate training schemes, joint appointments, and the creation of new academic programmes. Aberystwyth University and Hywel Dda UHB have enjoyed a strong working relationship in recent years. This partnership is viewed as vital to addressing the evolving needs of the NHS workforce and tackling health inequalities across the region. To mark the latest step in their collaboration, Hywel Dda Chief Executive Dr Phil Kloer, Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis, and Professor Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda, attended a ceremony to thank both existing and newly appointed honorary members of staff for their contribution to the partnership. Dr Kloer said: 'The signing of this memorandum builds on the long-standing relationship and good work we have jointly undertaken with Aberystwyth University. We are really pleased to be continuing this collaboration in new areas. 'I'm delighted to build on the great work of previous years and begin exploring further opportunities to improve health and well-being in our rural communities.' Professor Jon Timmis, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, added: 'I'm very proud of the strength and depth of our ongoing partnership with the Health Board—something only possible thanks to the dedication of staff across both organisations. 'For more than 150 years, our University's teaching and research excellence has changed lives, built communities, and helped strengthen Wales. The success of our new nursing degrees is testament to this. 'As Wales's first university college, we have a proud tradition of innovation—and this partnership will remain central to our mission in the years ahead.' The impact of the collaboration has already been seen across the region, including the opening of a new Healthcare Education Centre and the discovery of biomarkers that may lead to a more accurate diagnostic test for lung cancer. Dr Leighton Phillips said: 'This new Memorandum reaffirms our commitment to working closely with Aberystwyth University for the benefit of our region. The education centre and growing research links mark the start of an exciting new chapter. 'We are also keen to connect with other major developments at the University, such as AberInnovation and Cymru Wledig LPIP—the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership for Rural Wales. 'These projects align with our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which sets out ambitious goals to increase staff development and participation in commercial research over the next five years.' Higher education is estimated to contribute around £135 million annually to the Ceredigion economy. It provides high-quality employment, attracts students and researchers from across Wales and beyond, and delivers life-changing research and training for key public sector institutions such as the Health Board.
Pembrokeshire Herald
17-06-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Sentence reduced for driver who caused baby's death outside Withybush Hospital
A WOMAN who caused the death of an eight-month-old baby outside Withybush Hospital has had her sentence reduced following an appeal. Bridget Curtis, aged 71, was originally sentenced to four years in prison in January for causing the death of Mabli Cariad Hall by dangerous driving. Curtis was also disqualified from driving for eight years. Bridget Curtis leaves court (Pic: BBC) The tragic incident took place on June 21, 2023, when Mabli was struck by a white BMW driven by Curtis, who had been at the hospital attending an outpatient appointment with her daughter. The court heard that Curtis had stopped the vehicle outside the hospital building. While attempting to help her daughter retrieve a handbag from the back of the car, Curtis inadvertently pressed the accelerator while the car was still running and not in park mode, causing the vehicle to accelerate rapidly to a speed of 29mph. The car following the accident at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald) The car struck Mabli, who was in a pram with her father, Robert Hall, and his brother, Stephen. Mabli was airlifted initially to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she died from severe traumatic brain injuries four days later. During the initial sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Mabli's family expressed profound grief, describing life without her as 'horrendous.' Her mother, Gwen Hall, poignantly spoke of Mabli as 'so bright, so beautiful, so full of love and life.' Curtis, who had held a clean driving licence for over 50 years and had no previous convictions, appeared via video link from HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire for her appeal. Her barrister, John Dye, argued the incident was the result of a 'lapse of concentration,' describing Curtis as 'absolutely devastated.' On Tuesday, three judges at the Court of Appeal ruled Curtis' original sentence was 'manifestly excessive,' reducing it to three years, with a seven-and-a-half-year driving ban. In response, Mabli's family expressed disappointment in the sentence reduction but acknowledged the court's decision to uphold the custodial sentence. 'We still face a life sentence without her,' they said in a statement. 'We again thank everyone who has supported us and helped ensure justice for Mabli Cariad.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
16-06-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire honours local heroes at British Empire Medal ceremony
A SPECIAL presentation ceremony took place at County Hall on 29 May to honour two remarkable individuals who have been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of their outstanding service. The event, hosted by the newly appointed Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Dot Jones, marked her first official engagement and was attended by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who presented the honours on behalf of His Majesty The King. The British Empire Medal, first established in 1917 and reintroduced in 2012, recognises individuals who have demonstrated hands-on, impactful contributions to their communities. Nominations come directly from the people who witness these contributions every day; colleagues, neighbours and friends, making the honour personal and meaningful. Mrs Marian Louise Evans was recognised for services to business. As founder and Managing Director of Elevate Business Consultancy, Mrs Evans has delivered transformational change across the sector. As a multi-award-winning professional, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership, particularly in championing women in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she offered vital support to over 2,000 businesses through free resilience sessions and online content, reaching over 300,000 people each month. Her voluntary work has earned her titles such as UK Mentor of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Decade. She received her medal from the Lord-Lieutenant and was presented with flowers on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Chloe Faulkner. Miss Judith Harvey received the British Empire Medal for services to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Having begun her career as one of the UK's first female wardens, she has dedicated her life to conservation, land management and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders. As Head Warden since 2012, Miss Harvey has mentored countless apprentices and volunteers, led significant restoration projects and worked passionately to protect the park's ecosystems and heritage. She was presented with her medal by the Lord-Lieutenant and flowers from Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Zuzzana Radkowska, before addressing the audience in a moving speech. Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Council praised both recipients for their service and reflected on the importance of role models in public life, especially for women and girls. She noted the growing presence of women in leadership roles, while recognising that progress must continue at all levels of local democracy. Their achievements, she said, lay a strong foundation for others to follow. Cllr Phillip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation & Workforce, said: 'These awards are a true testament to the power of local action and leadership. Marian and Judith exemplify the values of dedication, service and inspiration. We are proud to celebrate their success and the example they set for others in our communities.'
