News

Carmarthenshire designer’s toy may travel to the Moon

Published

7 months ago

August 31, 2025

Local finalist in NASA contest

A DESIGNER from Carmarthenshire has reached the final of a NASA competition — and her creation could end up orbiting the Moon.

Courtney John, 27, from Llanelli has been shortlisted in the US space agency’s global search for a zero-gravity indicator (ZGI) to be carried on the Artemis II mission. ZGIs are small mascots that float in the cabin to show when the spacecraft has reached weightlessness.

For Courtney, who grew up just a short distance from Pembrokeshire, the chance to have her work chosen for such a historic mission is “a dream come true”.

“I’ve always been interested in space, and the opportunity to have something you’ve made go into space would be amazing,” she said.

Past, present and future

Courtney’s entry, Past, Present, and Future, is a set of three plush figures holding hands in a circle to represent unity.

One wears the Apollo 17 suit from 1972 — the last time humans stood on the lunar surface. Another is dressed in the new Artemis II spacesuit. The third, symbolising the future, has a globe for a head and carries written messages from the astronauts taking part in the mission.

“It’s about showing where space exploration has come from, where it is now, and where it could go,” she explained.

Lunar return programme

NASA’s Artemis programme will see astronauts fly to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. Artemis I, an uncrewed flight, successfully orbited the Moon in 2022.

Artemis II — with astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Canadian Jeremy Hansen on board — is scheduled to circle the Moon before returning to Earth. A later mission, Artemis III, aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

The plush mascot competition attracted more than 2,600 entries worldwide, with the winner to be announced later this year.

Local pride

Courtney, who works as a graphic designer, said being recognised as a finalist is already a huge achievement.

“But to see something I designed travelling into space would be the biggest moment of my life,” she said.

Crime

Assault investigation launched after late-night incident in Carmarthen

Published

28 minutes ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police appeal for witnesses following attack in Guildhall Square

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an alleged assault reported to have taken place in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen.

At around 12.30am on Sunday (Mar 15), an 18-year-old man was approached by a small group outside Cofio Lounge.

It is reported that the victim was pulled to the ground and assaulted before the group — described as one man and two women — left the area.

The victim attended hospital shortly after the incident, where he was treated for head injuries. He was discharged later the same day.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be provided in the following ways:

Online: https://orlo.uk/KRjzb
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 26*208852

News

Emergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of body in river

Published

1 hour ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Town centre bridges sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the newly installed Instagramable Bridge near by has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also still in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

MORE TO FOLLOW

Climate

New deal aims to unlock Wales’ renewable energy potential

Published

6 hours ago

March 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Sector partnership targets 100% renewable electricity by 2035

A NEW deal has been launched to help Wales meet its renewable energy targets while ensuring greater benefits for local communities.

The Renewable Energy Sector Deal will see the Welsh Government and industry work in strategic partnership to unlock the full economic potential of Wales’ renewable energy future.

The announcement coincides with the publication of the latest Energy Generation and Energy Use in Wales report, which shows renewable electricity generation in 2024 was equivalent to 54% of Wales’ electricity consumption.

The Welsh Government has set a target for renewable electricity to meet 70% of demand by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It also aims to deliver at least 1.5 gigawatts of locally owned renewable energy capacity by 2035.

The Sector Deal is intended to accelerate deployment across onshore and offshore wind, solar, marine and hydro projects. It will also focus on strengthening supply chains, developing skills, and ensuring communities across Wales benefit directly from renewable energy developments.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, is launching the deal during a visit to the Morlais tidal energy project on Anglesey.

The Morlais scheme, owned and managed by social enterprise Menter Môn, is set to become the largest consented tidal energy project in Europe. The Welsh Government holds an £8 million equity stake in the project.

Rebecca Evans said: “Our ambition is to become a world leader in renewable energy, creating jobs and green growth to make families in Wales more prosperous and help with the cost of living.

“The current conflict in the Middle East has further highlighted the importance of energy independence. Our Renewable Energy Sector Deal will provide a strong foundation for future delivery, benefiting our economy, environment and energy security.

“The Morlais project shows how sustained partnership can unlock Wales’ natural energy resources and turn them into lasting economic opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“The latest energy report shows we are making progress towards our targets. Combined with the record 20 major renewable projects, totalling 1,400MW, backed in the most recent UK Government Contracts for Difference auction, it is clear we are building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”

Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director of Menter Môn, added: “The Renewable Energy Sector Deal is an important step in accelerating growth in Wales and across the UK.

“It recognises the role marine energy schemes like Morlais can play in strengthening energy security, creating high-quality jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities such as Anglesey.”

The Sector Deal was co-produced by a task and finish group made up of developers and community organisations.