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Castle to Quayside Festival links Haverfordwest past, present and future

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OVER 1,000 people attended the Castle to Quayside Festival in Haverfordwest on Saturday 6 September, celebrating the town’s fascinating heritage.

Funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the event is seen as a blueprint for more activities planned as part of the next phase of the Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment project.

The festival was organised by Pembrokeshire County Council in partnership with the River Festival, Haverfordwest Heritage Trust, Haverfordwest Action Forum and Haverhub, with additional support from Milford Haven Port Authority and Haverfordwest Town Council.

Castle Square and the Quayside were brought to life with arts and heritage activities for all ages. Live music, outdoor theatre and Morris dancing drew crowds, and even Queen Eleanor of Castile made an appearance.

Talks on ecology and sustainability, including The Cleddau Project and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Marine Code, attracted full audiences. History enthusiasts also enjoyed Mark Muller’s guided tour and Simon Hancock’s talk on the Castle. Visitors were able to view the Castle works in progress, while Shire Hall opened its doors to offer a rare glimpse of the old Court Room.

More events like this are planned as part of Haverfordwest Castle’s transformation, with a new heritage discovery attraction due to open in 2028, showcasing Pembrokeshire’s past, present and future.

Siobhan McGovern, Client Project Manager of the Castle development and festival organiser, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people at the festival – proof that we love our heritage. The Castle’s big reopening is set for early 2028, and we’re working hard to make it something the whole community can be proud of. In the meantime, there’ll be lots of chances to get involved along the way.”

The Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment aims to create a flagship attraction for Pembrokeshire, drawing more than 40,000 visitors a year. The project is part of wider efforts to regenerate Haverfordwest, boost footfall to the town, support local businesses, and foster pride in the area’s heritage.

Pics: Jasper Photography

Community

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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Community

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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Community

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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