Community

‘We must never forget’: Senedd unites to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

Published

2 months ago

May 7, 2025

WALES’ First Minister led tributes to the sacrifices of past generations as the Senedd marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Eluned Morgan gave a statement ahead of VE Day on May 8, which marks 80 years since Allied victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

She told the Senedd: “This wasn’t just another date in the history books. This was a moment that changed lives – that changed Wales – that changed our world.

“For us in Wales, this wasn’t some distant battlefield victory. This touched every street, every village, every family. Over 15,000 Welsh people never came home. Thousands more returned with wounds, both visible and hidden. We must never forget them.”

Baroness Morgan also acknowledged Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on August 15, when the Second World War came to an end, during her statement on May 6.

The First Minister said: “Think about what our communities endured – loved ones gone for years, strict rationing and the terror of bombs falling.

“This wasn’t a far-away war; it brought terror to Wales, in particular through the Blitz and its raids on the ports of south Wales and Pembroke Dock.

“My own father’s house took a direct hit in Tremorfa in Cardiff docks, it was utterly obliterated and luckily they’d just reached the Anderson shelter in time.

“Whilst my mother until very recently talked about the one stray bomb that landed near the playground in St Davids in Pembrokeshire. Can you imagine what that day felt like 80 years ago, the sheer relief and joy that swept across Wales?”

Baroness Morgan will attend a service at Llandaff Cathedral tomorrow then she will join Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Westminster Abbey on VE Day itself.

The Welsh Labour leader said: “What I find most powerful about this anniversary is how it reminds us that our victory wasn’t just Welsh or British – it was a global effort.

“People from every corner of the world came together to defeat the darkness of Nazism. That diversity is now reflected in who we are as a nation and we should celebrate that.

“The contribution didn’t just come from those in uniform. Think about the women working in factories, the Bevin Boys down our mines, the Land Army keeping us fed, the Merchant Navy keeping supplies flowing – everyone played their part.”

Darren Millar, leader of the Conservative Senedd group, urged the Welsh Government to invest more in an effort to make Wales the most veteran-friendly country in the world.

Conservative MS Darren Millar — Welsh Conservative group leader Darren Millar

He called for the role of veterans’ commissioner for Wales to be made a permanent role, with the UK Government appointment set to expire at the end of the year.

Rhys ab Owen, an independent, also expressed concerns about the plight of veterans.

“I met one the other day, she’s been living under a bridge in Merthyr,” said Mr ab Owen, a former barrister. “I’ve seen too many in courtrooms and in prisons.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth expressed concerns about the “frightening” increase of right-wing extremism today, globally and within Wales.

He said: “These dangerous ideologies are a threat to the values of democracy, equality and freedom which were defended by the bravery of those who fought in the Second World War.

“It is crucial that we all unite … against the development of hatred and extremism, we must stand firm against these forces just as our forebearers did in the battle against fascism.”

Baroness Morgan responded: “I’m also concerned about the rise in right-wing ideologies, I think we can tolerate a lot of things apart from intolerance.”

She added: “This is a generation that has not experienced, directly, the impact of war and so it is so important for us to pass stories on to make sure they understand you cannot take peace for granted. We’re able to live today because of the sacrifice of people yesterday.”

Joyce Watson paid tribute to Patti Flynn, a “remarkable woman” who fought for 26 years to get a monument in Cardiff to honour minority ethnic people who fought for the country.

Mike Hedges, another Labour backbencher, remarked that the debate showed the Senedd at its best, with Baroness Morgan agreeing.

In closing, the First Minister said: “This has been a really good-natured debate… there are times when togetherness is important and today is one of those occasions where we come together and understand that we can achieve more together than we can divided.”

Community

Travel advice issued for Pembrokeshire’s Long Course Weekend

Published

3 hours ago

June 24, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Motorists and bus passengers across south Pembrokeshire are being advised to prepare for a series of road closures and transport changes as the Long Course Weekend returns to the region this weekend.

The popular endurance event, which draws thousands of athletes and spectators each year, will bring temporary disruptions to routes in and around Tenby on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June as competitors take part in the Wales Sportive and Wales Marathon.

Saturday 28th June – Wales Sportive

On Saturday, the Wales Sportive cycle event will see several roads in the wider Tenby area closed or converted to one-way systems to ensure participant safety. While the A40, A477, and the A478 Narberth to Kilgetty routes remain unaffected and fully open, other roads will be subject to closures and diversions throughout the day.

Sunday 29th June – Wales Marathon

Further closures will be in place on Sunday during the Wales Marathon, affecting routes between Tenby and Pembroke. These will operate on a rolling basis between 9.30am and 4pm, with the aim of minimising disruption while maintaining safety for runners and spectators.

Up-to-date information on all road closures can be found on the event’s official website:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road-closures

Special arrangements for carers and emergency access

Care professionals requiring access to clients in affected areas can obtain vehicle passes through their care organisation managers. More details are available at:
https://community.lcwwales.com/road…/carers-information

In case of emergencies during the event, organisers can be contacted directly on 01437 765777.

Public transport disruptions

Local bus services will also be impacted by the weekend’s events, with changes in place on both Saturday and Sunday.

Friday 27th June

All services will operate as normal.

Saturday 28th June

351 (Tenby-Kilgetty-Amroth-Pendine) – No service
381 (Haverfordwest-Narberth-Kilgetty-Saundersfoot-Tenby) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – No service
349 (Haverfordwest-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Tenby) – Will not serve Pembroke to Tenby until after 1pm
356 (Milford Haven-Neyland-Pembroke Dock-Pembroke-Monkton) – No service to Pembroke Commons or Monkton until after 1pm
387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – Service will not operate until after 11am

Sunday 29th June

387/388 (Coastal Cruiser) – No service
Tenby Coaster (Tenby-Saundersfoot) – Will operate via the A4218 (Broadwell Hayes) instead of Marsh Road and Heywood Lane

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel where necessary.

Community

Landmarc raises the flag at Castlemartin to mark the start of Armed Forces Week

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TO CELEBRATE Armed Forces Week 2025, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), together with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), is raising the Armed Forces Day flag at Castlemartin Training Area in Pembrokeshire, demonstrating their appreciation and support for service personnel.

The raising of the flag takes place each year at Defence Training Estate (DTE) sites across the UK and is witnessed by both Armed Forces personnel and civilians. This year, Landmarc and DIO are extending a special thank you to full-time serving and reservist troops, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and their families, by proudly flying the official Armed Forces Day flag at military training establishments across the nation.

Working in partnership with DIO, Landmarc provides the support services that enable the Armed Forces to live, work, and train on the UK Defence Training Estate. As part of this ongoing commitment, Landmarc is extending its guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses, civil partners and long-term cohabiting partners who meet the basic role criteria to ensure fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

The scheme reinforces Landmarc’s pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, which was re-signed in 2024 following the company’s achievement of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award.

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said: “Having supported the Armed Forces for more than two decades, we’re proud that over 25 per cent of our team comes from a military background. Expanding our guaranteed interview scheme to military spouses and partners is another important step in recognising the loyalty and service these individuals contribute to our country, while also reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“As a veteran myself, I know first-hand how important Armed Forces Week is for improving morale across our military communities, and we are proud to show our support during this special week.”

Brigadier Hatcher, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region added: “Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces community, providing a welcome morale boost to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

“It’s fantastic to see the public, businesses, and fellow service members come together in support. Alongside our colleagues at Landmarc, we are proud to raise the flag at sites across the country to honour their contribution.

Community

Scam email targeting Pembrokeshire residents claims unpaid council tax

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being warned to stay alert after reports of a scam email falsely claiming to be from the local authority.

The email, which carries the subject line “We’re writing to you about what seems to be an unprocessed council tax payment,” has been received by a number of residents in recent days.

It goes on to claim that the recipient has an outstanding balance on their Council Tax account and invites them to click a link to “check” the details. The message is signed off by a so-called “Local Taxation Authority”.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that the email is fraudulent and was not sent by the council.

“All genuine emails from Pembrokeshire County Council will come from an address ending in @pembrokeshire.gov.uk,” a spokesperson said. “We urge residents not to click on any links, open attachments, or provide any personal or financial information if they are unsure about an email’s authenticity.”

The council is advising anyone who receives the scam email to forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected] for investigation.

The local authority reminded residents to always check the sender’s email address and contact the council directly through official channels if they have any concerns about council tax or other communications.