Community

Ginkgo tree planted in Pembroke Dock rekindles historic link with Japan

Published

8 months ago

April 22, 2025

A SMALL tree with a remarkable legacy has been planted at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, strengthening a unique 138-year connection between the town and Japan.

The sapling, a descendant of the ancient Ginkgo tree that towers above the Royal Dockyard, now stands proudly in the grounds of the former Dockyard Chapel, which houses the Heritage Centre.

At a ceremony on Thursday (Apr 17), the sapling was planted by Mr Masaki Ikegami, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United Kingdom. He was joined by Captain Shuzo Homma, Naval Attaché at the Japanese Embassy, and welcomed by invited guests, trustees of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust, and centre volunteers.

The original Ginkgo tree grows in the garden of the historic Master Shipwright’s House nearby. It was presented to the town in 1877 to commemorate the launch of the Armoured Corvette Hiei—one of the Imperial Japanese Navy’s first modern warships, built at a private yard at Jacob’s Pill, Pennar, and modelled on British naval designs. Its launch was a major event, attended by the Japanese Ambassador to the UK at the time.

In recent years, saplings from the original tree have been propagated at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Some have been returned to Japan, where they now grow at naval bases and at a shrine honouring Admiral Heihachiro Togo. As a young lieutenant, Togo lived in Pembroke Dock during the construction of Hiei.

Guests were welcomed by Heritage Trust Patron John Evans and Chairman Rik Saldanha. Attendees included the Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Professor Patricia Mawuli Porter; Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Steve Alderman; Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Maria Williams; Senedd Member Sam Kurtz; Ayshea Cunniffe-Thomas of the National Botanic Garden of Wales; and Simon Richards, who shared fascinating insights into the Ginkgo tree—one of the oldest species on Earth, dating back to the age of dinosaurs.

Also present was Mrs Margaret James, widow of the late maritime historian David James, whose extensive research documented the naval ties between Japan and Pembroke Dock. She was accompanied by her son, Adrian.

A poignant connection to Japan was represented by Mrs Yoriko Omae, originally from Hiroshima, who assisted David James in commemorating Japanese sailors buried in Pembrokeshire and recently retired from her role at Pembroke Dock Library.

Following the planting ceremony, guests were invited to the Master Shipwright’s House by owners Stewart and Angela Walton to view the original Ginkgo tree.

Mr Masaki Ikegami and Captain Shuzo Homma from the Japanese Embassy pictured by the Ginkgo tree in the grounds of the Master Shipwright’s House with the owner, Mr Stewart Walton (left), and Rik Saldanha and John Evans of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust. *(Picture: Martin Cavaney Photography)*

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

8 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

9 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).