Community
Campaign urges community opposition to DARC Radar plans
CAMPAIGN group ‘PARC Against DARC’ – launched in 2024 in opposition to the proposed US military radar installation at Brawdy – is calling for a county wide response to the official consultation on DARC Radar.
As part of statutory public engagement obligations, London Based PR corporation Cascade Communications announced the opening of the public consultation on February 22, which will close four weeks later on March 22. They say the MOD will then submit an official planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council after which the local authority is expected to run its own public engagement and consultation process with agencies, stakeholders and the general public.
As a result, PARC Against DARC has launched what they describe as ‘a massive community led response of opposition’ which offers several ways of actively opposing the plans. They are urging people to visit the consultation page on their website www.parcagainstdarc.com and take part in the consultation response via what they describe as ‘an accessible action-tools with simple one-click’ options to email the consultation and register opposition to the Radar plans. Emails can also be sent to Cascade Communications at: [email protected] directly.
The campaign group has already made significant inroads to stalling the plans in its first two years, with Plaid Cymru and the Green Party firmly supporting the campaign at national Party levels. Thirty eight elected politicians have also supported motions in both the Senedd and Westminster opposing the plans, with many pledging to escalate opposition through parliamentary procedures in both Cardiff and Westminster.
A spokesperson said: “There is already a massive momentum of opposition to this dangerous radar which if ever built would unquestionably be the most powerful, most high-radiation installation ever imposed on British soil. With residents a stone’s throw away from the edge of the base, the MOD’s absolute stone-cold refusal to publish any data for public scrutiny is disgusting, and we deserve better from our government, and the Labour Party.
“When questioned about this and thousands of studies showing health risks, all the MOD does is trot out one widely-criticised research group that ignores the modern research body on radiation and is under intensive military lobbying influence, and expects residents here to shut up.”
PARC Against DARC claims their petition has been signed by over 18,000 people,while local politicians have pledged to fight the proposals in the High court.
“This is set to be a serious ‘vote killer’ in the upcoming Senedd elections this May,” said the spokesperson.
Community
Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council
A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.
Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.
Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.
“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”
He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.
“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”
Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.
Community
HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire
A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.
THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.
Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.
Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.
Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.
Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.
“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.
“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”
The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.
HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Community
Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town
Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod
FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.
Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.
The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.
Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.
The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.
The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Photo caption:
Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.
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