Community

Eisteddfod remembers Hiroshima as peace plea echoes 80 years on

Published

4 months ago

August 6, 2025

A NEW meaning was given to the ceremonial Eisteddfod plea “A oes heddwch?” (“Is there peace?”) during the 1945 National Eisteddfod in Rhosllannerchrugog, when it was announced from the stage that Japan had surrendered and the Second World War was over.

The announcement came suddenly in the middle of a choral recitation competition. The Eisteddfod secretary, JT Edwards, stepped onto the stage and told the stunned audience the historic news.

A Western Mail correspondent later wrote: “For a moment there was complete silence. Everyone seemed stunned, not grasping the significance of the announcement. Then the floodgates opened. The crowd rose to their feet, shouting and applauding loudly until it seemed as if the roof might lift. Few in the pavilion that day had dry eyes. Everyone knew what it would mean for their husbands and sons still serving in the Far East.”

After the emotional celebrations, it was announced that a thanksgiving service would be held. The Western Mail summed up the moment: “So the Rhos Eisteddfod which began during the Second World War closed with the world at peace.”

The Eisteddfod took place just days after the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing an estimated 166,000 people.

To mark the 80th anniversary of that devastating event, and following a minute’s silence in the Pavilion, Super Furry Animals composer Cian Ciarán presented a sound installation within the Gorsedd Circle on the National Eisteddfod field.

Inspired by visits to Japan, Hibakusha is one of the art projects featured during the Wales-Japan Year – a year-long celebration of links between the two nations. The six-hour work recreates the flight of the Enola Gay, from take-off to the release of the ‘Little Boy’ bomb over Hiroshima, using 12 speakers placed around the stone circle to create a 360-degree sound experience.

Cian said he hoped the piece would prompt people to reflect on the human cost of Hiroshima and inspire peacebuilding – echoing the Eisteddfod’s own ceremonial call for peace.

“I believe, given the current geopolitical climate, it’s more important than ever for us to reflect, and this piece is timely in reminding us of the catastrophic effects war and conflict can have on people’s lives,” he said. “The National Eisteddfod has always offered a space for reflection and peacebuilding. I chose not to perform so people could focus on the subject and their own experience within the installation.”

The work is one of more than 20 art projects in the Wales-Japan Cultural Programme 25, led by Wales Arts International in partnership with the Welsh Government and the British Council. The programme aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

As part of the Eisteddfod programme, Cian will appear alongside peace campaigner Catharine Huws Nagashima, a Welsh migrant to Japan, to discuss remembrance and peacebuilding in a talk titled Remember, Remember, Remember. They will be joined on stage by Jill Evans, Vice-Chair of the Wales Peace Academy – Wales’ first dedicated peace institution.

Jill Evans said: “The Wales-Japan Year gives our two nations the opportunity to learn from each other while sharing our rich cultural heritage.”

Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International, added: “The Wales-Japan Year is an opportunity for our two nations to share reflections and learn from each other through art and culture.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

20 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

21 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).