Community
Trefin celebrates VE Day 80th anniversary in style
THE PICTURESQUE village of Trefin in north Pembrokeshire burst into colour and song last week as residents came together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a heartfelt tribute that blended history, humour and community pride.
Local celebrations were part of a national programme commemorating Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 1945 – the day World War II ended in Europe. In true Trefin spirit, the community ensured their tribute was both moving and memorable.

The festivities began with the official reading of the VE80 Proclamation, “Together We Stand,” delivered by village stalwart Abe Williams. Dressed in ceremonial robes and accompanied by a piper playing Celebratum – a specially composed piece for the occasion – Williams’ proclamation set the tone for a day of remembrance and joy.

The highlight came on Saturday when more than 40 residents donned wartime costumes and paraded through the village’s main street. Led by Abe Williams and a delightfully dressed border collie, the procession featured everything from Land Girls and Home Guard volunteers to a Winston Churchill lookalike flashing the iconic ‘V for Victory’ sign.
Vintage tractors and vehicles flew Union Jack and Welsh flags, with local farmer Martyn Hood’s tractor stealing the show, adorned with VE Day 80 bunting and cheer. Choir leader Sue Hood, seated on hay bales in the back of a trailer, waved to onlookers as she was towed through the village.

The community choir, Côr y Felin, clad in vibrant red, added music and mischief to the proceedings, while the “arrest” of a mock gangster by costumed police drew laughter from the crowd.

The festivities concluded at the Ship Inn, where a wartime-themed knees-up got underway. Locals enjoyed music, dancing, and traditional fare. Even the village pets got involved, with a Union Jack-draped bulldog posing proudly as unofficial mascot of the day.

Trefin’s VE Day celebration wasn’t just about looking back. It was a reminder of the enduring strength of rural communities, the importance of unity, and the joy found in coming together – values as relevant today as they were eight decades ago.
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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