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‘Happy New Year to the people of Wales’ says First Minister

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First Minister's promise: The best of times are ahead of us

First Minister’s promise: The best of times are ahead of us

IN HIS New Year message, First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones reflects on a year when Wales made its mark on the international stage.

Carwyn Jones said: “We can look back on 2014 as the year we took Wales to the world and the world came to Wales. Trade missions to USA, Canada, India and Japan helped yield thousands of new, quality jobs and our successful NATO summit was the largest gathering of world leaders the UK has ever seen.
“The eyes of the world were on Wales as leaders from across the globe, including the first ever serving US President to set foot on Welsh soil, saw exactly what we can do as a nation.
“I was so proud to hear President Obama telling the world that Wales is a country of extraordinary beauty, wonderful people and great hospitality. I wholeheartedly agree.
“In education, we saw Wales pupils record their best ever exam results and our tuition fees regime means thousands more of our students are not being burdened with unmanageable debts.
“We fought tooth and nail to protect our NHS from unfair and unwarranted attacks – and we’ve invested more than ever before to make sure our most cherished institution has the resources it needs to meet the undoubted challenges ahead.
“We’ve created new laws on housing and social care that will make Wales a safer, fairer place. And we’ve taken steps to protect pay for farm workers and delivered for a Living Wage for all NHS workers in Wales.
“Our athletes did us proud in the Commonwealth Games, bringing back a record medal haul for Wales and inspiring a new generation of swimmers, runners, gymnasts and cyclists.
“So what’s in store for 2015? There is no question that we are still facing tough times. Too many people are still struggling to make ends meet, to make the economic recovery count for them. Our mission as a Welsh Government is to deliver for them, to give hope even at a time of huge challenges and shrinking budgets.
“Wales will not be immune to the uncertainty and turmoil that exists around the world, and as we have always done, we will give our support to those who need it most.
“At New Year, there is a temptation to indulge in nostalgia, but we must look forward too. I have never bought into the notion that Wales’ industrial heyday was the best of times. The best of times are ahead of us, I am sure of that.
“Wales has a vibrant future ahead, 2015 is going to be a great year for this nation. Happy New Year to you all.”
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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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