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Campaigners to hold public meeting in Cardigan over arms industry concerns

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A PUBLIC meeting has been announced in Cardigan to discuss opposition to the growing presence of arms manufacturers in West Wales.

The event, organised by West Wales Against Arms (WWAA), will take place at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The group says everyone is welcome to attend and take part.

The meeting will focus on planning campaigns and actions aimed at challenging the activities of weapons manufacturers at sites including West Wales Airport in Aberporth, the QinetiQ-run MOD Aberporth, and Parc Aberporth. Organisers say the aim is to build collaboration and ensure that all voices are heard in shaping future action.

WWAA points to the transformation of West Wales Airport into what it describes as an “international centre for the testing of weapons of war and surveillance technologies.” The airport is now owned by Tekever, a Portuguese drone and AI systems company. Campaigners say its airspace has been described as “crucial to the advancement of military drone technology in the UK.”

The group also criticises defence company QinetiQ, which has been issued at least nine government licences to sell weapons technology to Israel, including one worth £14 million.

In a statement, WWAA said: “We, the residents of West Wales, do not want our skies used to test technology that helps Israel commit genocide. We demand the demilitarisation of West Wales and the development of peaceful, sustainable enterprises to provide education, employment, health, and fulfilment for all.”

West Wales Against Arms was established earlier this year as an independent group of citizens campaigning against militarisation in the region.

 

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

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A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

 

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Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

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ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

 

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Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

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A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.

 

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