News

Pembrokeshire campaigner exonerated amid fund misuse allegations

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2023

A PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED activist, Darren Edmundson, known by many as ‘Pembrokeshire Patriot’, has been cleared by his peers of accusations concerning the misappropriation of funds.

Edmundson, well known for his stance against asylum seekers entering the UK, and for his fundraising for veterans – had faced death threats online following allegations of embezzling funds raised through a GoFundMe account.

The account was set up to support protestors at the former RAF Scampton airbase, where demonstrations against its use for housing and processing asylum seekers are ongoing. However, a brief hiatus from social media for mental health reasons triggered widespread rumors of Edmunston misappropriating the funds.

One Facebook post accusing Edmundson of fleeing with the money garnered significant attention, leading to multiple complaints to the police, GoFundMe and PayPal.

Dyfed-Powys Police, after interviewing Edmundson at his girlfriend’s residence in Monkton last month, concluded there was no basis for an arrest.

The Pembrokeshire Herald is currently seeking further details from the police regarding subsequent welfare checks on Edmundson, following the alleged online threats to his life.

In his defence, Edmunston took to Facebook this week, sharing documents to substantiate his innocence.

He detailed the status of the Scampton GoFundMe account, which was reported and subsequently suspended, and a separate PayPal account for Alfred Guenigault, a World War II veteran. Edmundson provided evidence of fund transfers and communications with GoFundMe, asserting that the remaining funds are in the process of being released.

*Raising funds: Edmundson arranged a charity walk for Alfred Guenigault in Pembrokeshire*

Meanwhile, The Jewish Chronicle criticized Edmundson’s involvement in fundraising for the PTSD camp for British Army veterans which is helping Guenigault. The camp, while publicised as a veterans’ haven offering therapeutic activities, has reportedly been a focal point for far-right gatherings and the dissemination of anti-Semitic content. However, there is no implication of Alfred Guenigault being affiliated with far-right ideologies.

This development follows Edmunston’s fundraising efforts for Alfred Guenigault in Pembrokeshire, as reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald during the summer.

*Controversial: PTSD camp has faced criticism in the media*

On investigating what happened to funds raised for the RAF Scampton protest, we verified that £1116 had been sent to the account of a campaigner by the name of Scott Pittsy.

We asked him via social media what happened to the money he received, and he said: “Cash… was transferred different people for petrol, toilets, etc., etc., but it was all checked as it led to considerable unrest between people there…”

When asked for the specifics of how much was spent on what, Pittsy failed to answer, and then blocked our reporter on Facebook.

Has raised concerns: Camp Bath

Education

Milford Haven School issues heatwave update as temperatures soar

Published

17 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has thanked pupils and staff for the way they have supported one another during the current heatwave.

The school said cooperation and care across the school community had been greatly appreciated.

With tomorrow (Jun 25) forecast to be the hottest day of the current spell, pupils are being asked to come prepared by bringing plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and staying as protected from the sun as possible.

Pupils will also be permitted to wear their PE kit to help keep cool.

The school said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Business

Main Street Music to close retail shop as owner focuses on handmade guitars

Published

23 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire music shop is changing the way it operates, with Main Street Music confirming it will no longer trade as a retail shop from September 1.

The business said there will be an immediate 15% sale on all stock, but stressed that Main Street Music is not disappearing completely.

The owner said the decision had been made “with a heavy heart”, adding that the shop’s closure as a retail outlet would be a loss for Pembrokeshire as the county’s last professional guitar dealership.

He said his long-term passion had always been making musical instruments, something he had done since his teenage years, later receiving scholarships and a fellowship for his studies.

After college, he was given the opportunity to buy the business at the age of 24.

He said: “I have had an amazing time running this shop, giving it everything I’ve got, met some wonderful people and sold some incredible guitars.”

Although the business itself remains successful, he said tighter retail margins, dealership pressures and rising costs had made it difficult to grow in a way that would allow him to employ others and spend more time in the workshop.

The shop will eventually reopen as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

Current repair work will continue on a case-by-case basis by appointment only.

Main Street Music thanked customers for their support over recent years, saying the owner was proud of where the shop had been taken.

Caption:

Main Street Music will close as a retail shop from September 1, but will continue as an appointment-only workshop and showroom for handmade guitars and repairs.

News

Crackwell Street set to reopen after five-month closure

Published

1 hour ago

June 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ROADWORKS linked to structural repairs at Goscar House in Tenby are nearing completion, with Crackwell Street expected to reopen to through traffic today (Wednesday, June 24).

Scaffolding has now been removed from the property, with contractors carrying out a general clearance of the area.

The road has been closed for around five months while structural repair work has been taking place.

Local residents, businesses and visitors are expected to welcome the reopening, with Crackwell Street forming an important route through the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council has indicated that, all being well, the road will reopen later today.

Gareth Davies, of Gareth Davies Photography Tenby, said it was “good to see the removal of scaffolding today and general clearance on the property”.

He added that locals and visitors would be “so pleased” to see the road open once again.

Photo caption:

Clearance work: Contractors at Crackwell Street, Tenby, as scaffolding is removed from Goscar House (Pic: Gareth Davies).