Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Carmarthenshire designer’s toy may travel to the Moon

Published

on

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.

 

Community

Haverfoodfest hailed a success after busy day in town centre

Published

on

HAVERFOODFEST has been hailed a success after bringing crowds, colour and community spirit to Haverfordwest town centre on Saturday (May 2).

The annual food and drink festival returned with artisan produce, street food stalls, entertainment and family-friendly attractions across the town.

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said it had been “brilliant” to help with the event, starting at 7:00am on traffic duties before assisting two of the festival’s popular characters, Mr Pizza Man and Mrs Strawberry, as they made their way around the town.

He said: “What an amazing day we all had, and thanks to everyone involved who made this event such a success, which is only getting bigger and better every year.”

The festival, promoted as “the big one” for 2026, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and attracted visitors into the centre of Haverfordwest throughout the day.

Organisers and volunteers helped support the event, which showcased local food, drink and produce while also providing a boost for town centre businesses.

Cllr Tudor thanked those involved, including Alison Tudor, Tim Evans, James Phillips and Cllr Bethan Price, for helping make the day a success.

The event has become one of Haverfordwest’s best-known annual attractions, bringing together traders, volunteers, performers and families for a celebration of local food and community life.

 

Continue Reading

Climate

Welsh windfarms to power major construction materials firm

Published

on

A MAJOR construction materials company has signed a long-term deal to use renewable energy from Welsh windfarms as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Energy firm RWE has agreed a 15-year contract to supply electricity to Breedon Group plc, which operates sites across Great Britain producing materials including concrete, asphalt and cement.

Under the agreement, RWE will provide around 70 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year from its windfarm portfolio.

The power will initially come from the Gwynt y Môr offshore windfarm, about 24km off the coast of North Wales in the Irish Sea. From 2033, supply will switch to the Brechfa Forest West onshore windfarm in Wales.

The electricity will support the production of key building materials, helping Breedon reduce emissions linked to its energy use in a sector widely regarded as difficult to decarbonise.

RWE said the agreement highlighted the role renewable energy can play in helping heavy industry move towards lower-carbon operations.

Olaf Lubenow, head of commodity solutions at RWE, said: “This agreement underlines our commitment to supporting the construction materials sector on its journey towards a more sustainable future.

“By supplying renewable electricity from our wind portfolio, we are helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Breedon’s operations.”

Breedon said the deal would also provide long-term energy stability while supporting its wider sustainability plans.

Donna Hunt, the company’s sustainability director, said the agreement marked “a meaningful step forward”.

She said: “It secures long-term energy supply and helps accelerate the reduction of emissions from our operations.”

The company has set targets to cut emissions across its business by more than 20% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.

The agreement reflects a growing trend of major industrial firms turning to renewable energy to help meet climate targets while managing rising energy costs.

 

Continue Reading

News

Lifeboat launched after pleasure boat suffers engine failure off Tenby

Published

on

A 21ft PLEASURE boat was towed to safety after suffering engine failure between Lydstep and Giltar.

TENBY’S all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch shortly after 10:00am on Friday (May 1), after the occupants of the vessel reported that they had lost engine power.

The volunteer crew were quickly on the water and arrived at the scene around 10 minutes later.

After speaking with those on board, and with the boat in danger of drifting onto rocks, the crew decided the safest course of action was to tow the vessel back towards Saundersfoot.

Once at Saundersfoot, and with the tide out, the pleasure boat was moored in the bay. Its occupants were then taken ashore using the lifeboat’s Y-boat, where they were met by members of Tenby Coastguard Rescue Team.

The lifeboat returned to station at 11:25am.

Launch photo: Judd Kohler, St Davids Lifeboat Deputy Coxswain.

 

Continue Reading

Community1 day ago

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter...

Entertainment1 day ago

Haverfoodfest returns to Haverfordwest town centre today

HAVERFORDWEST town centre is expected to be busy today as Haverfoodfest 2026 returns for a full day of food, drink,...

Crime2 days ago

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man. Henry Howlett, 70, of Market...

News3 days ago

Conservatives target two seats in new Ceredigion Penfro constituency

Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz say health, farming and transport are key as they seek return to the Senedd CONSERVATIVE...

Community3 days ago

Milford Haven Beer Fest returns to waterfront this May

EVENT WILL FEATURE 34 DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD MILFORD HAVEN is preparing to raise a glass as Beer...

Community4 days ago

Cancer patients targeted with parking fines outside Haverfordwest support centre

Adam’s Bucketful of Hope says vulnerable users, elderly volunteers and charity drivers have paid more than £1,000 after Ateb introduced...

Charity4 days ago

Row erupts at Spitfire museum after Reform poster displayed at charity premises

A HAVERFORDWEST museum has become caught up in a political row after Reform UK campaign material was photographed inside the...

Crime4 days ago

Pembrokeshire man charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with making hundreds of indecent images of children. David Lewis, 42, is...

Crime5 days ago

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with...

Crime5 days ago

Police launch arson investigation after Haverfordwest fire

CCTV APPEAL ISSUED POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a derelict building was destroyed in a major overnight fire...

Popular This Week