Community
Veterans honoured as wartime memories shared in Pembroke Dock
Book launch and military tributes mark special anniversary
FOUR World War II veterans were honoured at a special event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, where a new book chronicling their wartime memories was officially launched.
The veterans—Tony Bird (Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy) from Freshwater East, Idwal Davies (Queen’s Own Hussars) from Llanelli, Duncan Hilling (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) from Saundersfoot, and Archie Thomas (Royal Navy Beach Commando) from Aberafan—were the guests of honour at the commemorative event, hosted by the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust in collaboration with Age Cymru Dyfed and The VC Gallery.
A video message was also delivered by Arctic Convoy veteran John ‘Bob’ Roberts of Presteigne in Powys, who was unable to attend in person.
More than 100 people gathered at the Heritage Centre, including representatives from all branches of the Armed Forces and families of servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories are preserved in permanent displays within the Centre.

A highlight of the day was the launch of World War II Voices from Wales, a new book featuring the personal stories of Welsh veterans. It was co-authored by Hugh Morgan of Age Cymru Dyfed and former Pembrokeshire journalist Greg Lewis, and published by Y Lolfa.
Also attending were His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards; the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor Michele Wiggins; Colonel James Phillips, Veterans Commissioner for Wales; and Wing Commander Tim Payne of the Heritage Trust.
Adding to the day’s historical significance, author George Edmunds of Weymouth was present to promote his book Call Sign N for Nuts, which recounts a dramatic 1943 air battle involving an Australian Sunderland flying boat from Pembroke Dock.
Visitors were treated to screenings of recorded veteran interviews, followed by a question-and-answer session with the four honoured guests. Outside, a convoy of military vehicles—including five restored Jeeps and a military Land Rover—formed a striking tribute to the era.
Copies of both books are available from the Heritage Centre on 01646 684220.
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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