News

Christmas cheer in Pembroke town

Published

11 years ago

December 18, 2014

AS far as Christmas celebrations go Pembroke seemed to have it all last Friday (Dec 28) night with free cookies, an abseiling Santa and to crown it all a “live nativity” featuring the members of various local churches. The number of families supporting the annual carol singing event around the Christmas tree seemed to exceed most peoples’ expectations and it would be no exaggeration to say that at least 500 enthusiastic marchers followed Santa’s sleigh down Pembroke Main Street. Pastor Rob James told The Herald: “This is a super example of what can happen when the community pulls together.

The weather helped of course. It was a clear star lit night, but it was thrilling to see the way in which everyone showed their support for all those who had worked so hard to make the evening such a success”. The evening’s festivities began with Santa abseiling down the castle keep, and was followed by a procession to St Michael’s church where everyone gathered joined in the carol singing before the Vicar of Pembroke, Canon Roger Jones, offered a prayer of blessing for both the town and surrounding community.

“It is my hope that the good will and kindness that we see around us will continue up to the end of the month when we remember the coming of our Lord” he said. “My prayer for Pembroke would be that peace and understanding, reconciliation and forgiveness would begin in our own homes and then spread across the world”.

As members of the local Chamber of Trade offered free mince pies and spiced apple juice the newly formed Street Pastors team handed out hundreds of glow sticks. “These glow sticks are very appropriate because we want to operate as salt and light in our community” said local coordinator Lyn Edwards. “The church is here to show that it is good to have Santa and the lights going on but actually Christmas is all about Jesus, and we have come to show that He is the essential part of Christmas”

While encouraging everyone to remember that carol singing will take place in the Main Street every Saturday morning until Christmas, she added: “We also want as many children as possible to take part in the search for our lost donkeys. There is a rumour going around that after 3rd December, two donkeys will be seen wandering around Pembroke going into shop after shop. Is it just a rumour? Is the story true? Will the donkeys really be in the Post Office to see Father Christmas go past? Will they be seen in other shop windows trying to pretend they are toy donkeys? Where will they end up?”

“More newsflashes will be put up in shops, schools, churches and other places. Keep your eyes open. Strange things happen to donkeys leading up to Christmas. Rumour has it they move on Wednesdays” Those wanting to take part in the “Sight the donkeys competition” are asked to write their names and contact details on a piece of paper indicating where they have been seen, and to post it to the ‘Donkey Search and Rescue Box’ at Dragon Alley, Main Street Pembroke by December 19, The donkey’s story, together with the results of the competition will be unveiled at the Town Hall Pembroke at 5.30pm. that evening.

The day’s festivities will then draw to close with a ‘Silent Night Carol Service’ which begins at 6pm. The Pembroke event will be just one of many such ‘Silent Night Carols’ to be held throughout the UK offering communities an opportunity to remember the remarkable day during World War 1 when peace broke out in the trenches for 24 hours, with enemies exchanging gifts, singing this much loved carol and even playing football. The events have even attracted the backing of the Duke of Cambridge who has said “Even in the bleakest of times, Christmas offers peace and hope. This Christmas, the Silent Night carol services are a powerful way to remember the sacrifice made by so many in the Great War and to celebrate the peace we enjoy”.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.