GAM OF THRONES star Jerome Flynn has called for the controversial DARC ‘space radar’ scheme at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor Barracks to be halted.

In an application recently submitted to Pembrokeshire county Council following a public consultation, the Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects which would utilise three sites worldwide, part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement says of the DARC scheme: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debris-related incidents.

“Without DARC, the UK faces a significant risk of losing access to these vital services, which would have severe consequences for national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

It says the scheme would create 90 full time equivalent construction jobs, and, when operational, will result in the creation of 60 full time equivalent jobs including operation, maintenance and security staff.

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the pre-application consultation proposals, and public objectors have raised concerns with protests recently taking place outside the barracks and County Hall, Haverfordwest, and Labour Senedd candidate Eluned Morgan has called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the USA.

Pembrokeshire-based Jerome Flynn, who was first famous for his roles in Soldier Soldier, Robson & Jerome and more recently Game Of Thrones has entered the fray surrounding the controversial DARC Radar via a social media video.

In the video Flynn describes voting in the upcoming Senedd election as; “probably the most crucial vote we’ve made in 25 years”, saying that whoever gets into the Senedd will have the power to block DARC Radar, referring to the project as “the most unspeakably abominable planning application led by the US military, backed by Donald Trump to place 27 radar dishes right on the edge of our beloved coastal national park”.

Campaigners against the scheme, PARC Against DARC said: “Whichever party or parties form the next Senedd administration following Thursday’s election will have at their disposal a mechanism known as ‘Calling in’ the planning application.”

Any ‘calling in’ could mean the final decision on the DARC scheme is made by Welsh Government.

Campaigners have previously warned that if built, DARC radar would make Pembrokeshire a first priority military target and would give Trump and the US the capability to dominate space from Wales.

“With a Chinese government-aligned source calling DARC a ‘significant escalation’, the US in yet another illegal war this time in Iran, and DARC confirmed by the US as the ground radar part of a weapons system designed to target space assets, there’s little sign DARC would be for anything else but fuelling decades of US aggression that Wales should have no part of.

“This time they’re trying to use our peninsula to weaponise space, as if Earth isn’t already weaponised enough.”

The DARC application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

ST JOHN AMBULANCE is proud to share that three local St John Ambulance cadets have been crowned National First Aid champions after competing against eight other cadet teams representing counties across Wales.

The team, comprising Emily Williams (Yr 10, Ysgol Bro Gwaun), Ruby Collins (Yr 10, Ysgol Henri Tudor), and Gemma Tilbury (Yr 11, Ysgol Henri Tudor) represented the whole of Dyfed, and demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and composure throughout three demanding rounds.

The competition consisted of a first aid knowledge quiz and exam, followed by a practical skills challenge assessing communication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure—an area in which they excelled. The final round featured a complex, theatrically produced first aid scenario. Here, the team showed remarkable calm and professionalism as they stabilised a casualty with a severe compound bleed involving a large object lodged in the wound.  They also managed distressed and aggressive members of the public, and successfully resuscitated an unresponsive, non-breathing casualty using CPR and a defibrillator—all completed in record time.

In Pembrokeshire, cadets train every Monday evening during term time from 5:45–7:15pm, with sessions focussing on practical, hands-on learning of real-life first aid skills, including CPR, defibrillator use, treatment of severe wounds, allergic reactions, choking, strains and sprains, head injuries, heart attacks, hypothermia, and much more. Training is engaging and interactive, often involving active, game-based learning, ensuring there is rarely a dull moment.

 Cadets also have the opportunity to support a wide range of events delivered by St John Ambulance Cymru. Working alongside adult volunteers and healthcare professionals, they engage with the public at events of all sizes, applying their skills in real-world, and sometimes life-saving, situations.

 Beyond events, cadets are encouraged to share their knowledge within the community, helping to lead first aid demonstrations and inspire others. Previous outreach has included sessions with Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, and Girlguiding groups, as well as senior community organisations such as the Pembroke Lions and specialist charities like Pembrokeshire People First. On a larger scale, cadets played a key role in organising and delivering “Defibruary,” where they helped lead a team of St John first aiders to train over 950 students at Henri Tudor in a single day in February 2026.

If you are interested in volunteering, opportunities are available for cadets aged 11–16 and adults aged 16+. We are always keen to welcome new members and are happy to discuss opportunities for adults to support the cadet programme as youth leaders.    

To find out more visit https://www.sjacymru.org.uk/volunteer

WHEN the alerter sounds, 18-year-old Bobi Jones swaps his school for his local fire station, serving as one of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s (MAWWFRS) youngest On-Call Firefighters.

He responds to incidents in his own time and has been granted special permission by his school, Ysgol Bro Teifi to leave free periods whenever an emergency call comes in.

Bobi applied to become an on-call firefighter shortly before his 18th birthday and follows in the footsteps of his brother, father, uncle and grandfather, marking three generations of firefighters and over 75 years of combined service. His family’s legacy reflects the strong community roots and sense of duty that have underpinned MAWWFRS for three decades.

Having spent time around his local fire station and the fire and rescue service from a young age, Bobi was keen to join the service. With an upcoming point of entry test, he applied as soon as he was eligible.

After completing his initial training, Bobi joined the crew at Newcastle Emlyn Fire Station in November 2025 and has enjoyed responding to incidents while further building his skills and knowledge. One standout incident was a fire at a local gym where he was involved in rolling out hoses and establishing safety lines.

As well as following in his family’s footsteps, Bobi says he joined MAWWFRS as he wanted to support his local community, which he has found really rewarding. Alongside his operational role and playing for Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, Bobi is studying A-Level Business and Sport and plans to start an electrician apprenticeship after finishing school, with a long-term goal of becoming a Wholetime Firefighter.

Talking about balancing his role as an on-call firefighter with life as a sixth-form pupil at Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul, Bobi said: “There’s a good crew here at Newcastle Emlyn Station, which includes members of my family. We all support each other and there’s great camaraderie here.”

Asked what advice he would give to anyone considering becoming an on-call firefighter, Bobi added: “I would say absolutely go for it, the availability options are flexible enough to suit everyone and the Service is always recruiting for more on-call firefighters.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for on-call firefighters who, like Bobi, remain an essential part in protecting communities.
The role of an on-call Firefighter provides many opportunities for personal and professional development, through training, teamwork, leadership and problem solving. On-call firefighters receive payment for their services, including retainer fees and call-out payments, supplementing their income from other employment.