Community

Army to conduct major training exercises at Castlemartin

Published

7 months ago

May 28, 2025

Hundreds of troops and tanks to descend on Pembrokeshire base

CASTLEMARTIN Training Area will host three major military exercises in 2025, involving hundreds of personnel and some of the British Army’s most advanced armoured vehicles.

The Royal Tank Regiment Battlegroup will be the first to arrive, conducting live-fire and manoeuvre training from 9 to 27 June. They will be followed by the Queen’s Royal Hussars from 13 October to 7 November, and then the Royal Welsh Battlegroup from 17 November to 5 December. Routine training will continue around these larger exercises.

***Royal Anglian Foxhound vehicles conducting both static and mobile ranges with the General-Purpose Machine Gun (Pic: MOD)***

The training is described as critical to the operational readiness of the units involved. The Royal Tank Regiment, the oldest tank unit in the world, and the Queen’s Royal Hussars, the Army’s senior armoured regiment, both operate the Challenger 2 main battle tank. The Royal Welsh is an armoured infantry regiment with roots dating back to 1689.

Castlemartin is one of only a few locations in the UK capable of hosting live-firing exercises at battlegroup level. The area supports complex, high-intensity training with multiple armoured fighting vehicles, helping ensure the Army’s frontline units remain prepared for deployment both at home and abroad.

Each exercise will involve significant military movement, with tanks and heavy vehicles transported to and from the area during the build-up period, roughly a week before training starts. This may result in some disruption to local traffic.

Live firing will take place Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:00pm, with night firing scheduled from Monday to Thursday between 8:00pm and 3:00am. These are the permitted windows, although activity may be limited on certain days.

Officials have pledged to keep disruption to the local community to a minimum. Firing schedules will be publicised locally to help residents plan ahead.

The site is managed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, with support from Landmarc Support Services, which oversees the provision of training facilities across the UK.

Senior Training Safety Officer for Castlemartin, Major John Poole, said: “Castlemartin Training Area provides essential training opportunities for large-scale exercises that support the preparation of military personnel from multiple units. We remain grateful to the local population for their continued support.”

Further information and firing notices can be found on the official government website at www.gov.uk by searching ‘Castlemartin firing notices’.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

5 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.