Community
St David’s Day celebrated in Wales’ smallest city

ST DAVIDS, Pembrokeshire, marked St David’s Day on Saturday (Mar 1) with a day of celebrations, including the annual Dragon Parade, a special exhibition honouring the city’s residents, and a message from the Prince of Wales delivered partly in Welsh.
First Minister Eluned Morgan led the Dragon Parade, organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which saw local schoolchildren and community members marching through the historic city. Many dressed as dragons and daffodils to honour Wales’ patron saint, who is believed to have been born near St Davids at St Non’s. The parade was one of several held across the country, but the one in Pembrokeshire was particularly significant, taking place in the heart of St David’s heritage.


Meanwhile, at St Davids Cathedral, a special concert by The Band of the Prince of Wales featured traditional Welsh marches, hymns, and anthems. Visitors also attended a Eucharist by the Shrine of St David and a blessing at St Non’s Holy Well, an important religious site associated with the saint’s mother. A pilgrimage then led participants to Oriel y Parc before a final blessing at the Old Cross.
Adding to the significance of the day, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, delivered his first-ever public message in Welsh, celebrating the country’s history, culture, and people. His message, recorded for social media, marked a personal step in his efforts to connect with Wales. While he has been learning some conversational Welsh, he has not undertaken formal lessons like his father, King Charles, who studied Welsh at Aberystwyth University before his investiture in 1969.








“Today, on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people,” the prince said in his video. “From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything that is magical about Wales.”
In addition to the festivities, the City of Portraits exhibition by Grahame Hurd-Wood opened, displaying portraits of more than 1,000 residents of St Davids. The artist has spent a decade working on the project, aiming to paint every one of the city’s 1,800 residents. The exhibition, held at the Pierhead Futures Gallery in Cardiff, runs until April 12.
Local businesses, including The Bishops pub, also joined in the celebrations, offering traditional Welsh food and drinks. Visitors and locals alike embraced the opportunity to enjoy cawl, bara brith, and Welsh cakes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
St Davids, despite being the UK’s smallest city, continues to play a central role in celebrating Wales’ patron saint, with its annual events drawing visitors from across the country.
(Pictures from Church in Wales and Eluned Morgan)
Community
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.
Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.
Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.
Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Community
Proposed Saundersfoot traveller site decision delayed

PLANNERS are to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.
Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.
The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.
Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.
The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.
Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.
Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.
There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,
Members have said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.
The community council’s objection finished: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”
A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.
“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”
It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.
“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”
At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members backed a recommendation to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.
The application will now be heard at a future national park meeting.
Community
Sanna Duthie to take on Pembs Coast Path in record-breaking fundraising challenge

A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.
Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.
Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: “The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”
Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.
Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.
By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.
Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.
-
Crime1 day ago
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Hakin drug dealer caught twice in two counties
-
Crime2 days ago
Broad Haven man admits stalking and bail breaches, denies criminal damage
-
Crime3 days ago
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
-
Education2 days ago
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
-
News5 hours ago
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle
-
News3 days ago
Motorcyclist airlifted with serious injuries after A40 roundabout crash
-
Community5 days ago
Police operation in St Florence after girl goes missing