A CELEBRATION of one of Hollywood’s most memorable moments in Pembrokeshire is set to take place this autumn, as Fishguard prepares to mark seventy years since the filming of Moby Dick.

The Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival has secured £44,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the 1956 classic, which brought global attention to Fishguard and Goodwick.

Directed by John Huston and starring Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Orson Welles and Leo Genn, the film used Fishguard Bay as a backdrop for scenes featuring Captain Ahab’s ship, the Pequod. Many local residents were recruited as extras, while cast and crew stayed in the Fishguard Bay Hotel and Fishguard Arms.

Memories of the production remain vivid in the community, with stories passed down over generations — including the loss of a seventy-foot model whale at sea, a Miss Fishguard dancing with Leo Genn at the Town Hall, and Gregory Peck being spotted in local shops.

Organisers say this year’s festival will bring those memories back to life while also looking to the future.

Events will include a lantern parade led by a giant model whale created by Small World Theatre, literary talks exploring the history of whaling, and an augmented reality experience placing a virtual whale in Fishguard Bay.

The project will also collect photographs, souvenirs and personal recollections from local people, alongside discussions on marine conservation, maritime heritage and changing attitudes towards whaling.

Further highlights will include a screening of Moby Dick at Theatr Gwaun, an exhibition featuring ‘Humpy’ — the humpback whale that appeared in Fishguard Bay in 2024 — and the creation of a commemorative mural.

OLE chairman Dr Patrick Thomas said the funding represented a major boost for the project.

He said: “Together we will create a joyous celebration of a remarkable episode in the history of Fishguard and Goodwick, and ensure that people’s living memories of that time are recorded and preserved for posterity.”

Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust Wales, said the festival would also highlight the importance of protecting marine life.

He said: “We are delighted to take part in the On Land’s Edge Festival and highlight the need to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises rather than hunt them.

“Part of our contribution will be a presentation at Theatr Gwaun exploring how attitudes around the world have shifted towards conservation.

“There will also be other contributors enhancing the festival over the weekend, which we believe will appeal to all ages, from local residents to visitors.”

The project has also received backing from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, along with local history groups Ein Hanes and Hanes Abergwaun.

Town mayor Cllr Billy Shaw welcomed the news.

He said: “This will add another fantastic festival to Fishguard and Goodwick’s growing list of events.

“Every event we hold helps promote the twin towns on both a local and national stage, and this one offers something unique that will attract visitors and locals alike.”

Concerns mount over transparency after Transport for Wales delays response on key documents

QUESTIONS are being raised over the future of a long-promised express coach service linking north and south west Wales, after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request triggered a delay by Transport for Wales.

The proposed express route between Bangor and Carmarthen was identified in a Welsh Government-backed business case in early 2025 as a key project capable of cutting journey times by up to 90 minutes.

However, more than a year after a public consultation was held, there has been no clear update on funding, delivery, or timelines.

Now, a detailed FOI request submitted to TfW is seeking answers — including business case documents, internal communications, and consultation results — but the transport body has said it needs more time to respond.

FOI delay sparks concern

In a reply dated Friday (Mar 27), TfW said it was relying on Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act, which relates to commercial interests, and that it required additional time to carry out a public interest test.

The authority has indicated it will respond fully by April 28.

But the applicant, Dr John McTighe, has challenged that position, arguing that most of the requested information — including meeting dates, consultation documents, and performance data — cannot reasonably be considered commercially sensitive.

He has warned that failure to provide the non-sensitive material promptly could result in a referral to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Contrast with north Wales rollout

The FOI request also highlights the introduction of the TrawsCymru T51 service between Wrexham and Rhyl, which was launched in 2025 and is set to receive a fleet of new vehicles this year.

Critics argue that while the north Wales route has progressed quickly, the west-coast express proposal — described as a “headline ambition” for improving north–south connectivity — appears to have stalled.

The Herald understands that the Bangor–Carmarthen route was backed by a positive business case and formed part of wider plans to improve long-distance public transport links across Wales.

Transparency questions

The request seeks details of meetings, internal correspondence, and consultation analysis — including the results of a public consultation which TfW said would be assessed using specialist software.

It also asks for information on how passenger numbers and performance data are monitored across the TrawsCymru network.

Concerns have been raised that key performance data, including annual passenger figures and punctuality statistics, are not routinely published in full.

Calls for clarity

The delay has prompted fresh calls for transparency over how decisions are made on publicly funded transport services in Wales.

There is particular concern in west Wales that strategic investment may not be progressing at the same pace as elsewhere, despite longstanding commitments to improve connectivity along the western corridor.

A spokesperson for Transport for Wales said the organisation is considering where the balance of public interest lies before releasing the requested information, and confirmed a full response will be issued by April 28.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Heating oil believed to have entered water via culvert as investigation and clean-up continue

AN UGENT investigation is underway after a suspected heating oil spill contaminated the Commons Stream and spread into Castle Pond in Pembroke.

Pembroke Town Council first raised the alarm, warning residents of a potential pollution incident affecting the watercourse. Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Pollution Control Team and Natural Resources Wales are now on site working to identify the source and contain the spill.

Further information from local county councillor Aaron Carey suggests the oil likely entered the stream through a culvert near Foundry House, indicating the source may lie somewhere to the south of that location.

The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil. It is not yet known whether the spill was accidental or the result of a possible attempted fuel theft.

Residents in St Daniel’s Hill, South Road and Orange Gardens are being urged to check their heating oil tanks for any signs of damage or unexplained loss.

Witnesses reported seeing a blue-green sheen on the water near the castle side earlier today, raising concerns about the extent of the contamination.

Clean-up efforts are ongoing, and members of the public may notice increased activity around the stream and pond while teams work to manage the incident.

Anyone with information or concerns is advised to contact the relevant authorities.