Community
Hundreds link arms on Newgale beach to oppose US radar plan
Local opposition to DARC proposal grows as campaigners warn of health risks and military escalation
A MASS protest took place on Newgale beach over the weekend, as residents formed a human chain stretching the length of the famous pebble bank, voicing their opposition to the Ministry of Defence’s controversial Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) proposal.
The radar array, earmarked for Cawdor Barracks in Brawdy, would include 27 dishes, each as tall as four double-decker buses. Campaigners say the scheme threatens the protected landscape of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, raises serious health concerns, and makes the region a target in future global conflict.

Organised by local action group PARC Against DARC (Pembrokeshire Against Radar Campaign), the demonstration was described by supporters as “the biggest visual statement yet” against the project. Drone footage of the event shows protesters holding hands across the length of the beach while hundreds more gathered near a temporary campsite set up beside the road.
The protest follows a petition nearing 18,000 signatures and comes after 37 politicians from both the Senedd and Westminster declared their opposition in official statements.

Local businesses speak out
Tim Rees, director of Unearthed Festival and several hospitality ventures in the area, told The Herald: “We have a beautiful coastline which the National Park has done a great job preserving, and we’re about to throw that away for something that won’t benefit tourism and won’t benefit local people.”
“We don’t get a say, and the money invested here won’t trickle down,” he added.
Fears of militarisation and bypass ‘ruse’
Campaigners say the Newgale bypass plan—currently undergoing public consultation—is deeply connected to the DARC project. Gordon Main of the STUN campaign warned: “This is a pan-Wales issue. Do we want to become a client state of the USA? The road is clearly about servicing this radar site, and it’s being justified on spurious science.”
Over 90% of responses to the bypass consultation were objections, according to PARC.

Health risks and global instability
Emma Tannahill, a local resident, raised concerns about health impacts: “There’s staggering scientific evidence showing elevated cancer rates among those working at radar stations of similar type. These weren’t people on the dishes—they were in the vicinity.”
Brian Jones of CND Cymru added: “How much longer can we walk the tightrope of nuclear confrontation? One misreading or false alarm could end in disaster.”
Accusations of silence and complicity
Jim Scott of PARC said: “This is not just a radar. It’s part of a US-led plan for space dominance, potentially linked to Trump’s proposed ‘Golden Dome’ strategy to neutralise other nations’ satellites and carry out first-strike attacks without retaliation.”
He continued: “Trump isn’t our president, and he isn’t the world’s president. The people of Pembrokeshire have spoken clearly: we won’t be a target for someone else’s war.”
Scott also criticised the local MP, Henry Tufnell: “He has parroted MOD talking points from day one. He’s not listening to the people of this constituency, and we won’t forget that come election time.”
More pressure to come
The Herald understands that the Ministry of Defence has not yet produced a full Environmental Impact Assessment for the DARC proposal, despite early promises. Campaigners believe separating the radar from plans for the bypass road, the cable landing site, and the power infrastructure could be a breach of planning law.
The protest at Newgale is the latest in a series of escalating demonstrations, with further action expected in the coming months.
Community
The gentle giant behind the tattoos
Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong
JOSH Davies is hard to miss.
With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.
But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.
They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.
The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.
A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.
“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”
But it is not only his employers who have noticed.
After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.
One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.
She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”
Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.
“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”
Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.
In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.
The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.
“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.
“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”
Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.
Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.
To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.
To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.
One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”
Photo caption:
Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).
Community
Artist explores memory, community and changing rural life in new Cardigan exhibition
A NEW exhibition exploring memory, belonging and the changing face of rural life is opening in Cardigan.
West Wales artist Sue Dewhurst will present From the Outside Looking In at Oriel Cardi Bach, with the exhibition running from June 27 to July 30.
The collection brings together several new series of work reflecting on the people, places and traditions that shaped Dewhurst’s childhood in the 1970s.
At the heart of the exhibition are the Chapel Girls, a group of paintings focusing on women who might once have filled the chapels that dominated Welsh village life. In Dewhurst’s work, they are now seen finding new forms of belonging through shopping trips, bingo halls, dating apps, bottomless brunches and everyday rituals, while redundant chapels stand silent around them.
The exhibition also includes A Bit of a Do, a series inspired by weddings, family parties and village hall celebrations.
Among the familiar characters are the mysterious woman in her best hat who appears at every gathering, the accountant calculating buffet logistics, the retired nurse dancing barefoot long after everyone else has gone home, and Harry, a grumpy gent with a mysteriously missing fingertip that nobody dares ask about.
Dewhurst’s Ghost Town series will also feature, exploring the changing landscapes of northern mill towns and communities transformed beyond recognition. These works sit alongside expressive coastal paintings inspired by New Quay and the Ceredigion coast.
A further installation of miniature “party paintings” will be presented like treasured relics rescued from a forgotten village hall or working men’s club. Wrapped with handwritten stories and nostalgic memorabilia, the pieces invite visitors to remember people and moments that might otherwise disappear.
Sue said music also plays an important role in the exhibition.
She said: “Music is so evocative for me and can instantly transport me back to a certain point in time.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the lives we don’t usually celebrate – the women who held communities together, the odd characters who turned up at every family occasion, the places that shaped us and the memories that linger long after buildings and traditions have changed.
“This exhibition is really about looking back with affection and humour, while recognising that we are all, in one way or another, trying to find where we belong.”
Originally from Lancashire and now based near Llandysul, Dewhurst has spent more than thirty years working in the arts. She previously ran Oriel Haywire in Llandysul before its closure around eighteen months ago.
From the Outside Looking In opens at Oriel Cardi Bach, Cardigan, on June 27 and runs until July 30.
Visitors are invited to rediscover familiar faces, forgotten stories and the beauty found in ordinary lives.
.
Community
Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration
LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK
THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.
The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.
The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”
Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.
The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.
-
Community7 days agoPembrokeshire Chess Club crowned Welsh champions
-
Crime3 days agoMilford Haven man jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
-
Local Government5 days agoSecurity privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds
-
News3 days agoCrash on Freeman’s Way causes school-run chaos across Haverfordwest
-
Crime5 days agoMan wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts
-
Crime5 days agoMan banned from roads after drink-driving offence
-
Crime5 days agoMan jailed after admitting strangulation and assaults
-
Crime5 days agoMan sentenced over stalking campaign and lock knife offence







