Community

Lantern parade lights up Haverfordwest in dazzling display

Published

3 hours ago

October 26, 2024

HAVERFORDWEST came alive with light and colour on Saturday evening (Oct 26) as the town’s annual Lantern Parade captivated thousands. Organized by SPAN Arts, the event drew a crowd of around 2,000 spectators, all eager to experience the magic of this much-loved community tradition.

Beginning at 5:00pm in St. Thomas’s Square, the procession wound its way through Haverfordwest’s streets, led by an impressive giant illuminated boat lantern. Music from the Samba DOC band created a festive rhythm for the parade, while the local choir, Côr Pawb, filled Castle Square with harmonious choral performances.

The night concluded in spectacular fashion at the Skate Park, where PFS Entertainment UK delivered a high-energy circus-style performance and dazzling fire display. The finale left the crowd exhilarated, bringing a memorable close to the evening’s festivities.

The parade featured approximately 500 lantern bearers, many carrying lanterns crafted during free community workshops held before the event. This collaborative effort highlighted Haverfordwest’s creative spirit, drawing participants and onlookers of all ages in a celebration of unity and artistry.

Thanks to careful planning, the event ran smoothly, with sections of Bush Row, Market Street, and High Street closed to facilitate the parade. SPAN Arts marshals were on hand to ensure safety, helping create a welcoming and well-organized atmosphere.

The Lantern Parade once again proved to be a highlight on the Haverfordwest calendar, shining a light on the community’s talent, creativity, and enduring spirit.

(Image: Lindsey Mac/Haverfordwest Civic Society/Facebook)

Community

Public toilet in Fishguard town centre up for sale, potential for commercial use

Published

5 hours ago

October 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A PUBLIC toilet in Fishguard town centre is on the market with potential for commercial redevelopment.

Listed by John Francis, the former toilet block is available for £45,000, offering an opportunity to repurpose the building for retail or other uses, pending council approval. Located centrally, the facility has been closed but has attracted interest for its prime location.

The building covers approximately 22 square metres (237 square feet) and would require ecological and infrastructure assessments prior to any modifications. Buyers interested in transforming the site will need to submit a formal planning application.

Further details can be found on the John Francis website.

Community

Saundersfoot war veteran Duncan, 98, reunited with ‘old flame’

Published

7 hours ago

October 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WAR Veteran Duncan Hilling has been reunited with an ‘old flame’ – who looks not a day older than ‘she’ did 80 years ago!

Duncan, a very active 98-year-old from Saundersfoot, visited the Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset, specifically to see a wartime Universal Carrier, the tracked vehicle he drove in World War II. It is also known as a Bren Gun Carrier.

Thanks to Museum staff, Duncan was able to climb aboard, instantly recalling his days with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Duncan served in India and was among the first British Army contingent as occupying forces in Japan, at the end of the war in August 1945. At that time he visited both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cities destroyed by the first atomic bombs.

Said Duncan: “I felt like I had gone back in time 80 years. I spent two years with the same five carrier drivers. We drove all over India, Japan and Malaya. Sitting in the Bren Gun Carrier, it felt like they were still with me. So many memories.”

Joining Duncan down wartime memory lane were daughters Katrina Pearn and Miranda Davies and son Lyndon, who arranged the visit.

Community

2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards nominations revealed

Published

1 day ago

October 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The waiting is over and the nominations for the 2024 Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been revealed!

A total of 252 nominations have been received in 13 categories for individuals and teams involved in a variety of different sports across the County.

The three finalists in each category will be announced on the Sport Pembrokeshire Facebook page on November 15th.

The overall winners will be unveiled at a gala ceremony at Folly Farm on November 29th, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire.

The awards are sponsored by Valero, Folly Farm, and Pure West Radio.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We’re so pleased that so many people have yet again taken the time to nominate individuals and teams from our sporting community to be recognised in the Sport Pembrokeshire awards.

“The awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of our local sportspeople, coaches and volunteers, as well as celebrating the wide variety of sports being enjoyed across Pembrokeshire.”

The nominations are as follows: