News

Fishguard: Peaceful protest stands up for LGBTQ+ community

Published

8 years ago

July 16, 2018

A PROTEST was held in Fishguard yesterday afternoon (Jul 15) in response to a planned meeting which was intended to host anti-LGBTQ+ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) topics of conversation.

The meeting, organised by the group Evangelists Corner, had been advertised in the town via a leaflet which promoted anti-LGBTQ+ opinions.

The leaflet explained that the meeting would deal with the subject of same-sex marriage and transgender people, as well as their desire to stop teaching LGBTQ+ material in schools and replace it instead with creationism.

The protest was organised in response to the ‘homophobic’ message of the flyer and meeting agenda, and was well attended by various age groups and people of different sexual orientations.

Following the controversy caused by the leaflet, the meeting was cancelled, however the protest went on as planned to show ‘unity’ and ‘love’ which is strong in the community.

Police have received numerous official complaints about the literature and are now investigating.

Following the protest, two organisers of the protest, Matt Townsend and Jackie Jones, met with the spokesperson of the Evangelist group, John Fransham, at Fishguard police station.

There they discussed the issues raised in the literature – however Fransham defended the content of the flyer and the reasons for organising the meeting.

A spokesperson for Pembs LGBTQ Plus said after the event: “Thank you. This all too often is a gesture over-used, underappreciated, and haphazardly used. Today though, I use it with heart-felt appreciation for what you managed to achieve yesterday.

“Yesterday, you all did Pembrokeshire, the LGBTQ+ community and yourselves proud. We turned something that was extremely hurtful, upsetting and negative into something beautiful, positive and almost cathartic. To see you all united with a common goal sent a clear message: love overcomes hate.

“I spoke to many of you yesterday and felt privileged to hear individual stories, reasons for protesting and what yesterday meant to you. We have also been inundated with beautiful photographs. The adage reminds us that a photo says a thousand words – and many words were spoken.

“The public response to the weekend’s events has been overwhelming. We have received messages of support, encouragement and love from many people at home and abroad. It is no exaggeration to say that your voices were heard globally. To think this happened from a small (and beautiful) town in Pembrokeshire is all the more humbling.

“I was invited to speak with the distributors at the police station yesterday. The police investigation is still ongoing. All I will say is that it was a very emotional dialogue and reaffirmed for me why we had to do what we did yesterday. As I said to the police and the distributors of the leaflet, we are not in any way protesting of their right to their own opinions. When this opinion does cross the line of law and has the potential to incite hatred and put at risk the safety of the LGBTQ+ community, then we have a duty to act.

“We have received a few messages and emails in the last 24 hours stating that the leaflet does nothing to incite hatred and/or violence. However, PembsLGBTQPlus challenges this. The content of the leaflet is such that it has the potential to incite hatred, to the extent that the police are investigating.”

Community

Three Amigos Easter Run roars through Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts turned out in force today (Saturday, March 28) as the popular Three Amigos Easter Run returned to the roads of Pembrokeshire.

The annual ride, now a firm favourite in the local biking calendar, saw a colourful convoy of motorbikes travel through towns and countryside, drawing crowds of spectators along the route.

Riders of all ages and backgrounds took part, with everything from classic machines to modern superbikes on display. Many participants embraced the Easter theme, with bikes decorated and riders donning festive outfits, adding to the atmosphere of the day.

The event is not only a celebration of the region’s strong motorcycling community but also an opportunity to bring people together, with families lining the streets to watch the procession pass through.

Organisers said the run once again highlighted the camaraderie among bikers and the support the event receives from local communities.

One rider said: “It’s a brilliant day every year. The turnout has been fantastic, and it’s great to see so many people out supporting us.”

The Three Amigos Easter Run has grown steadily in popularity, becoming a key date in the Easter weekend calendar and a showcase for Pembrokeshire’s vibrant biking scene.

With fine weather and strong attendance, this year’s event is expected to be remembered as one of the best yet.

Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.