Community
Essential gas pipe upgrades underway in Johnston
WALES and West Utilities is making significant progress on a major upgrade to the gas pipes in the Johnston area, aimed at ensuring the continued safe and reliable delivery of gas to local homes and businesses.
The essential work, which is part of a wider project to future-proof the gas network, will help ensure that homes and businesses can stay warm for generations to come. The project, currently in its next phase, will involve key sections of the A4076.
From 28 October to 22 December, multi-phase traffic lights will be in place between the junctions of Langford Road and St Peter’s Road, and Milford Road and Bulford Road. This has been agreed with Pembrokeshire County Council to allow the works to proceed. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys during this period.
Adam Smith, who is managing the gas pipe upgrade on behalf of Wales & West Utilities, acknowledged that while the works may cause some disruption, they are crucial for the long-term safety and reliability of the gas network in the region.
“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to ensure the gas network is fit for the future,” Smith said.
He added, “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Pembrokeshire. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner, or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe, reliable, and there when you need it.”
This work is also part of a broader initiative to prepare the network for cleaner energy, including the future transportation of hydrogen and biomethane.
Residents with questions about the project can contact the Wales & West Utilities Customer Service Team on freephone 0800 912 2999 or reach out via their social media platforms on X (formerly Twitter) @WWUtilities or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wwutilities.
Wales & West Utilities serves 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England. If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call their emergency hotline on 0800 111 999 immediately. Their engineers are on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies
Community
Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash
Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude
THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.
Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.
In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.
“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.
“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”
Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.
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Community
Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit
PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.
The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.
Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.
Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.
Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.
Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.
Community
New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins
Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening
DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.
The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.
In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”
The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.
Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.
The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.
The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.
Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.
Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).
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