Community
Drenched ride dismantled at Oakwood Theme Park
ONE of the main rides at Pembrokeshire’s Oakwood Theme Park—where a girl tragically died more than 20 years ago—is being dismantled for good.
The high-speed water ride Drenched, formerly known as Hydro, has been at the centre of activity this week, with photos online showing large cranes surrounding the structure. Sections of the ride, including its 85-degree drop, are missing, fuelling speculation that it is being permanently removed.
Oakwood Theme Park has now confirmed the ride’s removal.
A spokesperson for the park said: “We can confirm that after 20-plus years of operation, Drenched has been retired from the Oakwood Theme Park offering and is being dismantled.
“We look forward to sharing other park updates when we commence the build-up to the 2025 season.”
Tragedy and controversy
Hydro first opened at the park near Canaston Bridge in 2002. However, just two years later, tragedy struck when 16-year-old Hayley Williams, from Pontypool, fell 120 feet from the top of the ride.
An inquest into her death heard that a safety bar meant to restrain passengers had not been lowered before the ride started. The attraction was closed for a year before reopening with over-the-shoulder restraints fitted to its 24-seater car.
In 2008, the park’s then-owners, Oakwood Leisure, were fined £250,000 after admitting that staff had failed to ensure passengers were safely restrained.
That same year, Oakwood was acquired by Spanish international leisure park company Aspro, which rebranded the ride as Drenched in 2011.
Ride stood idle for two years
Drenched, a record-breaking Intamin Mega Splash water ride, has not operated for over two years.
Speculation over its future grew this week after a photo surfaced on theme park forum TowersTimes, showing the ride being dismantled. A post on the CoasterForce Facebook group questioned whether the attraction was leaving Oakwood for good.
The post read: “Oakwood’s Intamin Mega Splash water ride, which first opened in 2002, looks as though it could be about to leave the park permanently.
“News of the ride’s rumoured departure broke online on Wednesday (Feb 5) when an image showing Drenched being dismantled surfaced on TowersTimes.”
The user who shared the photo noted that three large cranes were in place, and significant sections of the ride, including its iconic drop and turnaround section, had already been removed.
Mixed reactions from fans
Theme park enthusiasts reacted with disappointment to the news.
One forum user wrote: “Really sad to see, but not overly surprising.
“As someone who really loves the park and has such nostalgia for it, it’s painful to see the lack of investment from the parent company.”
With Drenched now being dismantled, Oakwood Theme Park is yet to reveal what, if anything, will replace it.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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