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HMS Prince of Wales arrives in Tokyo as Pembrokeshire–Japan links celebrated

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HMS Prince of Wales has made history by becoming the first foreign aircraft carrier to dock in Tokyo – a visit that comes in the same year Wales and Japan are celebrating a wide-ranging cultural exchange.

The carrier’s arrival on Thursday (Aug 28) was described as a landmark in UK–Japan defence ties, with both nations hailing “unprecedented” security cooperation. It forms part of Operation Highmast, an eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment involving a 12-nation carrier strike group.

On the ground in Tokyo

The Herald’s own photographer was among journalists on the balcony of Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, where HMS Prince of Wales could be seen dominating the skyline. The visit marks the halfway point in her nine-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific, described by the Royal Navy as the “gold stop” of the mission.

Led by the UK’s largest warship and flagship, the Carrier Strike Group has already passed through the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, making stops in Singapore and Australia before arriving in Japan. The group includes upwards of 4,500 British personnel – around 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines, nearly 600 RAF members, and 900 soldiers – working alongside allies across the region.

The goal, senior officials say, is to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to Indo-Pacific security, demonstrate collective resolve with international partners, and showcase British trade and industry to the world.

Welsh connection

The visit carries a special resonance for Pembrokeshire. Japan’s very first modern naval vessel was built at Pembroke Dock in the 1860s, giving the county a unique place in Japanese maritime history. That link was reaffirmed in April this year when a ginkgo sapling was planted at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by representatives of the Japanese Embassy, marking 138 years of shared naval heritage.

Wales and Japan 2025

The timing also coincides with the “Year of Wales and Japan 2025” campaign, launched to promote cultural, business, and tourism links between the two nations. Events range from artistic collaborations and exchange funding to Welsh involvement at Expo 2025 in Osaka. A showcase event in Tokyo earlier this year highlighted Wales as a base for investment and creativity.

Herald delegation

In October, a delegation from The Pembrokeshire Herald will travel to Japan as part of this cultural exchange. Reporters will bring home exclusive coverage of how Wales is represented overseas, and how historic ties between Pembrokeshire and Japan continue to be recognised.

The Herald understands the delegation will visit cultural showcases linked to the Year of Wales and Japan, as well as meeting officials involved in strengthening bilateral ties.

A relationship spanning centuries

From the launch of Japan’s first warship at Pembroke Dock to the arrival of HMS Prince of Wales in Tokyo Bay, the story of Wales and Japan has spanned more than a century and a half. With cultural exchanges, business missions, and naval diplomacy all taking place in 2025, the connection is being renewed for a new era.

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Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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