THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, is set to steam back into South West Wales this summer, with scheduled stops in Tenby, Fishguard, and Milford Haven.

Waverley will sail the Bristol Channel from June 2 to June 25, offering a series of scenic day trips and evening cruises. Among the standout voyages is the Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise departing Milford Haven on Monday, June 2, taking passengers around Skokholm, Skomer, and Ramsey islands — a rare chance to take in some of Wales’ best wildlife and coastal scenery from the deck of a historic steamship.

Tenby residents will want to mark Tuesday, June 24, in their calendars, as Waverley makes her only appearance in the town this year. The day includes a cruise from Penarth to Tenby’s picturesque harbour, followed by an evening sailing past Caldey Island and along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline en route to Milford Haven.

Waverley will round off her Welsh visit on June 25 with her first public sailing from Fishguard in more than three decades — a momentous occasion for the port town.

Other highlights in the packed itinerary include three trips to the remote Lundy Island (June 3, 15, and 17), where passengers can enjoy time ashore exploring the rugged island where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic.

As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Waverley will also link up with three heritage steam railways — the West Somerset, Brecon Mountain, and Lynton & Barnstable lines — offering passengers a unique opportunity to combine steamship travel with a nostalgic train ride.

This season also sees more evening cruises than ever before. On June 9, passengers can enjoy a tranquil evening journey up the River Severn from Penarth, passing under its iconic bridges. Another evening cruise, taking in the Holms islands on June 20, will help raise funds for the restoration of the historic Motor Vessel Balmoral.

On June 18, the Captain’s Choice Cruise sails from Porthcawl to Minehead before tracing the dramatic Exmoor coastline to Ilfracombe. Passengers from Porthcawl will also have the option to take the West Somerset Railway or explore the towns of Minehead and Ilfracombe — or even head over to Lundy.

While on board, passengers can experience the magic of steam travel — hear the ship’s telegraph ring, peer into the Engine Room, and watch the paddles turn through portholes. With full catering on board, guests can enjoy anything from a light snack and afternoon tea to a hot meal in the saloon or a drink in one of Waverley’s period-style lounges. A souvenir shop is also available for those looking to take home a memento.

The iconic vessel is currently in Glasgow receiving over £1 million worth of maintenance and upgrades ahead of the 2025 season, which also marks 50 years since Waverley was saved for the nation and began sailing in preservation.

Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley’s skipper, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic schedule for South West Wales so that both locals and visitors can enjoy a trip on this unique vessel. I’m especially looking forward to cruising the Bristol Channel again — it’s one of my favourite stretches of water.”

To help make sailings more accessible, coach pick-up points have been arranged at various locations including Bridgend and Chepstow.

Special ticket deals are available throughout the season, including ‘kids for £1’ (ages 5–16), free travel for under 5s, and free companion tickets for seniors on selected dates.

Cruises start in Scotland on May 16 before Waverley heads south to Wales.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

DUST off your platforms, grab your flares and head to the Torch Theatre for a night of glitter, groove and pure pop nostalgia. The UK’s top ABBA tribute show Thank ABBA For The Music is back – and it promises a high-energy, two-hour celebration of one of music’s most iconic bands.

ABBA, the Swedish sensation that took the world by storm in the 1970s, continues to dazzle fans of all ages with their timeless hits. From Dancing Queen to Waterloo, SOS, Mamma Mia, and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, this live concert experience delivers all the songs you know and love – with added sparkle.

Expect stunning vocals, dazzling choreography, pitch-perfect harmonies and spectacular stage costumes. A talented cast, interactive video projections, and a dash of tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour combine to create a glitterball-fuelled party atmosphere. Audience participation is not just welcome – it’s encouraged!

Whether you’re an ABBA superfan or just fancy a fun night out, this show has won rave reviews across the country. The Times and Star called it a “FABBATASTIC NIGHT OUT”, while The Sands Centre, Carlisle crowned it “THE BIGGEST PARTY WITH THE UK’S BEST ABBA TRIBUTE.”

So go on – take a chance! Fancy dress is optional, but highly encouraged.

Thank ABBA For The Music comes to the Torch Theatre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June at 7:30pm. Tickets are £25 and selling fast. Book online at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

A LAMPHEY homeowner has accused Pembrokeshire County Council of negligence after repeated flooding has left his property just feet away from disaster.

Brent Davies, who lives at Honeyhill Grove, says he and other residents were unaware their estate was built on a flood plain when they purchased their homes in 2018.

Now, despite one of the driest March and early April periods on record, fields behind his house are once again waterlogged – with the floodwaters just eight feet from his back door.

Mr Davies told The Herald: “We’ve had countless sleepless nights during bad weather, hoping we’re safe from the water. I’ve even built a retaining wall to protect our property, and we’ve had to call the fire brigade several times.”

He claims Pembrokeshire County Council was warned about the flood risk before granting planning permission for the development, with photographic evidence of the land underwater allegedly submitted to the authority at the time.

“Those warnings were ignored,” Mr Davies said. “The Council knew this area floods, yet they allowed homes to be built here. It’s disgraceful.”

He says all attempts to arrange a site meeting with the Council to discuss flood prevention have been ignored.

The Herald understands residents have now called for a public inquiry into how the development was approved and why their concerns continue to be dismissed.

Mr Davies added: “I’m at my wits’ end. We need answers and action. Who do we turn to when the authorities won’t listen?”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “Outline planning permission for residential development of Honeyhill Grove was granted following consideration by the Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting of January 8th 2013.

“Consultation was carried out with the then Environment Agency and no objection was made to the proposal. Honeyhill Grove and the field adjoining the site does not lie within a flood zone as defined by Technical Advice Note 15.

“In accordance with the advice of the Environment Agency, a planning condition requiring further details of surface water disposal from the site was included in the outline planning permission granted.

“An application for the approval of reserved matters for Honeyhill Grove was granted following consideration by the Council’s Planning Committee at its meeting of July 30^th 2013.

“The reserved matters application included details to discharge a number of conditions including the surface water disposal condition.

“Consultation was carried out with Natural Resources Wales and no objection was raised to the application or to the method of disposal of surface water. The reserved matters application including the discharge of conditions was approved.

“Whilst flood risk was raised in representations received in respect of the outline and reserved matters applications, consultation with both the Environment Agency and its successor Natural Resources Wales resulted in no objections being raised on the grounds of flood risk.”