Top News
Previously undiscovered Roman roads unearthed in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire’s ancient Roman road network is once again coming under the spotlight thanks to a new publication by local historian and architect, Martin Davies.
‘A Few Causeways More’ explores some 90-miles of potential Roman routes extending from Whitesands to Caersws, which is half way between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury.
The booklet follows hot on the heels of Martin’s previous booklet ‘Ancient Causeways Uncovered’ which was published in 2017, charting the previously undiscovered Roman route from Wiston to Trawscoed.
“Thanks to the support I’ve had from retired Cardigan solicitor John Dyer, we’ve been able to amass new evidence which includes 55 pages, over 100 illustrations, photos, maps, aerial views and cross-section roads,” Martin told The Pembrokeshire Herald.
The publication includes a total of 11 road uncoverings as well as some ‘mystery’ sites and what Martin describes as ‘a very unusual form of concrete’.
One complete route is covered in detail in the Ponterwyd area.
“So much survives in this area, enabling us to see how these roads once appeared in the more arable lowlands, where the name ‘sarn’ or causeway is now all too often just a memory,” he said. “But here, the ‘sarns’ can still be seen and walked on and are illustrated in the booklet.”
Martin, a retired architect, worked for the National Trust in the 1990s supervising the restoration of home farm outbuildings at Llanerchaeron and applying conservation repair techniques. He also ran the project to create Cardigan’s Theatr Mwldan from the remains of the town’s former abattoir.
His first publication followed four years of extensive research and no fewer than eight excavations.
“I’ve purposely avoided producing a book that’s technical or academic, because I want people to experience the thrill of finding new evidence coming over in its pages,” he said.
“The books are written for the lay public by a lay author, and it relies on observation, practical experience and the occasional hard graft with a shovel and a trowel.”
‘A Few Causeways More’ is available in local bookshops including the Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest, the Seaways Bookshop, Fishguard, and Awen Teifi, Cardigan. It is priced £10 with all author’s profits being donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation, Haverfordwest.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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