News
Crunch time as European and British title contenders head to Rali Ceredigion
ALL eyes will be focussed on Mid Wales next weekend (September 5-7) as the eagerly anticipated JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion hosts the penultimate rounds of the pulsating FIA European Rally Championship and the Probite British Rally Championship.
Rali Ceredigion celebrates its fifth running and brings together 106 competing crews from across the continent for the three-day contest – the biggest in the British Isles.
The Mid Wales event could well be crowning champions come Sunday afternoon, but before then competitors will face 10 closed-road stages in the breathtaking countryside of Ceredigion and Powys.
There’s also two high-speed, crowd-pleasing tests in the heart of Aberystwyth town centre on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) fight will pit Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 drivers Miko Marczyk from Poland and Italian Andrea Mabellini against each other – with the pair separated by just 11 points before the UK round.

However, when dropped scores are taken into account the contest is even closer, with Mabellini leading Marczyk by just two points – setting up a tantalising battle in the lanes of Ceredigion.
Keeping a watchful eye on the title-sparring pairing will be Irishman Jon Armstrong, who sits third in the championship in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 after scoring his second podium of the season in the Czech Republic.
British driver Max McRae in a Citroen C3 Rally2 is number six with recently crowned Irish Tarmac champion Callum Devine (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) in seventh.
Local interest will focus on the return of two-time Rali Ceredigion winner Osian Pryce. The Welshman has now acquainted himself with his new Hyundai i20 Rally2 and with no pressure to score points for a championship, the Machynlleth man will be gunning for the Ceredigion hat-trick.
Fellow countryman Meirion Evans is another tipped for great things on home soil as the Lampeter driver, in his Toyota Yaris Rally2, will be eyeing an overall podium as well as the BRC win to help bolster his British Championship aspirations.
With points and a half on offer for this round, Evans will lock horns with teammate William Creighton in a winner takes all fight. If Irishman Creighton wins the BRC section in Ceredigion and the stars align perfectly, he could be crowned British champion in Aberystwyth.
A whole host of drivers are aiming to spoil that party, including Garry Pearson and 2024 Junior WRC Romet Jürgenson who has enjoyed a stunning debut season in Britain’s premier rallying series.
Following the International field will be the hotly contested national rally with a plethora of rallying talent eager to strut their stuff on the biggest stage in UK rallying.
Jerseyman Sam Touzel heads the entry in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 and will be seeking the win to put the icing on his 2025 National Asphalt Championship title winning cake. Alan Carmichael (Hyundai i20 Rally2) and Dylan Davies (Skoda Fabia R5) will be hot on his heels.
Meanwhile, the battle for two-wheel-drive honours includes Welsh aces John Dalton (Darrian T90), Kevin Davies (Ford Escort Mk2) and Huw James (Fiat 131 Abarth), to name but a few.
Fans will get a chance to meet the top drivers and cars at the Rali Show and autograph session which runs from 2.30pm to 3.30pm at Aberystwyth Bandstand before the Ceremonial Start on Friday.
The weekend’s action kicks off with the popular Aberystwyth street stage at 5.10pm on Friday, which features a range of spectating options for locals, before they tackle 126km of closed-road stages on Saturday.
The three-stage loop includes the new Cwm Elan test which takes crews through the iconic Elan Valley followed by the mammoth 33km-long Y Diafol stage, which includes the Devil’s Staircase and then the all-new Mydroilyn stage.
Sunday offers two passes over two stages including the annual blast through Nant y Moch before finishing with the Mynydd Bach Power Stage.
ERC championship leader Miko Marczyk said: “To fight for the title it’s necessary to fight for the win in each race. I am ready for good competition and I would really like to show the potential of our driving in Wales. I am motivated, it’s the moment of the season where it will be necessary to take more risks. I will fight to the end.”
Osian Pryce, 2019 and 2023 Rali Ceredigion winner, said: “We are really looking forward to the event, some new challenging stages await along with some Rali Ceredigion classics.
“After our shakedown on the Ulster Rally, I feel a lot more confident, having made good progress with the car – gelling with it quite quickly. I’m really looking forward to seeing the atmosphere in Aberystwyth and starting my home event with the support of sponsors, friends and family.”
National Rally top seed Sam Touzel said: “This rally has some of the best stages and best scenery I have ever seen. The stages are world-class – they have everything, fast, technical, demanding and always a few surprises.
“The atmosphere is great, the whole area comes alive and taking the rally into the town is always a buzz. I am looking for points in the BRC Open championship, but most importantly, create great memories with the team, soak it all in and enjoy every stage and every moment of this great event.”
Picture captions:
Osian Pryce hoping to make it a hat-trick of Rali Ceredigion victories.
Rali Ceredigion returns to the streets of Aberystwyth.
Community
Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock
A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.
RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.
Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.
Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.
Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.
RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.
Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.
Photo caption:
Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community
Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns
A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.
Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.
He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.
The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.
Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.
Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.
Photo caption:
Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.
Community
Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities
YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.
The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.
Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.
Youth support
long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.
Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.
Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.
The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.
Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.
In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.
Environmental work
The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.
It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.
The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.
Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.
“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.
“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.
“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”
The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.
Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.
-
News6 days agoBarley Saturday brings bumper crowds to Cardigan
-
Local Government4 days agoFishguard children’s home application is a ‘legal test’, not planning merits decision
-
Community2 days agoDogs removed after welfare concerns at Milford Haven property
-
Sport5 days agoNarberth seconds start season in new sponsored kit
-
News5 days agoSPECIAL FEATURE: Did Chernobyl affect children in Wales?
-
Sport6 days agoGoodwick United lift Senior Cup after 3-1 win over Monkton Swifts
-
Crime4 days agoDrink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop
-
Crime3 days agoPembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault








