News
Caldey Island: Investigation into historical child abuse by monk who died in 1992
DYFED-POWYS POLICE has confirmed that it received reports in the last few years of historical sexual abuse perpetrated by a monk on Caldey Island between 1972 and 1987.
The abuse claims were uncovered by an Australian Journalist, Doctor Amanda Gearing, whose article on the subject was published in The Guardian newspaper this week.
The award winning reporter, from Queensland, has agreed for the article to be reproduced in The Pembrokeshire Herald this Friday.
The article reveals that six women who were abused as children on the island by the monk were paid compensation by Caldey Abbey.
In the report, it’s claimed that Father Kotik gained the trust of families who were visiting the island and then sexually abused children he was babysitting.
The women also claim that the abbey knew about the offences but failed to report Father Kotik’s abuse to the police.
One victim said Kotik ‘terrified them into silence’.
An email by a victim to the abbot of Caldey Abbey, Brother Daniel Van Santvoort, reads: “Father Thaddeus’ perversion has left me with ongoing feelings and experience of severe anxiety, fear, guilt and sadness.
“I have lived my life feeling a deep and misunderstood level of self-hatred and an inability to trust and believe in another person truly loving me.”
Brother Daniel responded saying: “I have heard occasionally about this serious matter as regards Father Thaddeus.
“I am fully aware now of this terrible criminal offence and Father Thaddeus should have… been handed over to the police – something that never happened.”
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that in 2014 and 2016 we received reports of non-recent sexual abuse that occurred at Caldey Island with the named offender being the deceased Thaddeus Kotik.
“These reports were recorded as crimes and victims contacted by police.
“During the investigation, information was obtained to confirm that the perpetrator was deceased and therefore a prosecution was not possible.
“Appropriate professional support was offered and the matter was drawn to a close.
“Dyfed-Powys Police always encourages anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward and report it by calling 101.”
Community
Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer
Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event
THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).
The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.
Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.
Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.
The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.
Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.
A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”
For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community
Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues
EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.
The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.
As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.
Safety work underway
Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.
However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.
Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.
Appeal for information
Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.
Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
Community
Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026
CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.
The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.
The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.
Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.
Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”
Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.
Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
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