Community
Bluestones are rocking as new ‘Hela’r Twrch’ marks countdown to 2026 Eisteddfod
A FRESH, high-energy version of the Welsh classic Hela’r Twrch was released on Friday, 21 November, as excitement builds for the 2026 Garreg Las Eisteddfod.
The new track – composed originally by the late Richard Jones with lyrics by Gareth Ioan – was recorded by around 220 Year 5 pupils from schools across north Pembrokeshire during Gŵyl Hirddydd Haf in June. The festival, run each year at the Urdd Centre in Pentre Ifan by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Education Department and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro, provided the perfect launchpad for welcoming the Eisteddfod back to the region.
Originally written for the 1995 Urdd Eisteddfod Bro’r Preseli youth show, Hela’r Twrch retells the legendary tale of Culhwch and Olwen while celebrating the heritage and identity of the Preseli area.
The original voice on that 1995 recording, Lowri Evans, returns for the new version – joined by two other well-known local voices, Einir Dafydd and Cleif Harpwood. Musician Mei Gwynedd arranged, recorded and produced the 2024 track, bringing a modern, vibrant sound rooted in local pride.
The song is now available on all major streaming platforms, with a colourful music video released on YouTube at the same time.
Catrin Phillips, Welsh Language Development Officer for Pembrokeshire County Council, said:
“There is so much pride in our area. This work captures the energy and talent of our young people, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the Welsh language and culture as we look forward to welcoming the Eisteddfod.”
Cllr John Davies, Chair of the Garreg Las Eisteddfod Working Committee, added:
“The excitement is already building. Communities across Pembrokeshire, south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire are full of energy and creativity as they raise funds and prepare for 2026. This song captures that spirit perfectly.”
There will be plenty of opportunities over the coming months for schools, groups and local communities to play a part in preparations for the Eisteddfod.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/NmsCLWPWSK8
Listen to the track: https://promo.theorchard.com/3lDnOFpauPi0fNd6NjBl
Artist: Côr Hirddydd Haf, Mei Gwynedd, Lowri Evans, Einir Dafydd, Cleif Harpwood
Track: Hela’r Twrch
Credits
Music: Richard Jones
Lyrics: Gareth Ioan
Arrangement & musical production: Mei Gwynedd
Performers include Year 5 pupils from:
Ysgol Bro Preseli • Ysgol Arberth • Ysgol Maenclochog • Ysgol Brynconin •
Ysgol Ger y Llan • Ysgol Llandudoch • Ysgol Bro Ingli • Ysgol Casmael •
Ysgol Llanychllwydog • Ysgol Clydau • Ysgol Gynradd Eglwyswrw •
Ysgol Wdig • Ysgol Casblaidd • Ysgol Croesgoch • Ysgol Caer Elen
Video: Gareth Bull
Community
Tenby sailing club works approved by national park
PLANS for works at Tenby’s historic sailing club building, part of the ‘iconic view’ of the town’s harbour have been given the go-ahead by the national park.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby Sailing Club, through agent David J P Morgan RIBA Architect sought permission for the two openings in second floor gable wall along with two new windows at Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, along with a related listed building consent.
The application was supported by Tenby Town Council and Tenby Civic Society, the latter saying it will “add value to the use of the building and maintain the character and value of the listed building and the conservation area”.
Supporting documents for the application said: “The proposal is to form two new openings in the stonework and install two windows. These will replicate the existing windows at first floor level below. The openings will have red brick head as on existing original openings on the building. The proposal will have very little adverse impact on the listed building.”
They added: “The proposed new windows will improve observation of the harbour and bay from the second-floor level. This is where yacht racing is monitored and observed by officials and safety personnel.”
An officer report, recommending approval said: “The sailing club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936. The rubble-built building is of three storeys and four bays, the glazing all later C20 with a slated roof and a modernised interior. There is a large steel stair to north (seaward) elevation.”
It added: “The building forms part of a group picturesquely clustered around the sluice, in turn forming part of the iconic view of Tenby Harbour. The proposal is to insert two windows at second floor level to the north (seaward) elevation, flanking the existing door,” adding: “The area retains its mercantile character not just in appearance, but also through its character due to ongoing use as fishing boat stores and winter moorings.
“The sailing club has occupied the building for many years and remains very active. The proposal is intended to improve the amenity of the building to provide better viewing at elevation and seeks to copy the detail and proportions of the windows at first floor stage.”
The application, and the related listed building consent, was conditionally approved by park planners.
Community
Pembrokeshire students speak at national Holocaust Memorial Day event
TWO Haverfordwest High School pupils addressed senior political and religious figures and a Holocaust survivor at Wales’ main commemoration in Cardiff
Holocaust Memorial Day was marked in Cardiff this week with a powerful contribution from two Pembrokeshire students, who were invited to speak at Wales’ national commemoration event.
Awel Jones and Olivia Beal, both Year 13 pupils at Haverfordwest High School, attended the ceremony at the Temple of Peace on Monday (Jan 27) in their roles as ambassadors for the Holocaust Educational Trust.
The pair were asked to deliver speeches reflecting on their work with the Trust and their involvement in the “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, which educates young people about the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination and hatred.
They spoke in front of a distinguished audience that included the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, the Archbishop of Wales, senior civic leaders and Holocaust survivor Peter Lantos.
The national event formed part of Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, which was held under the theme “bridging generations”, highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to carry forward the lessons of the past as the number of living survivors declines.
Awel Jones and Olivia Beal were the only young Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors representing Wales at the national ceremony, a distinction described as a significant honour for both the students and Pembrokeshire.
A parent said the occasion was “profoundly emotive and important”, adding that being invited to speak at such a high-profile event was an accolade for the students and a reflection of the strength of Holocaust education work taking place locally.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually on January 27, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
Business
Final wind turbine deliveries completed after months of disruption
Last major component reaches site as Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thank communities for patience
DRAGON LNG and Dragon Energy have confirmed that the final large component for a new wind turbine project has now been successfully delivered, bringing months of complex abnormal load movements on Pembrokeshire roads to an end.
The companies said the final turbine blade was delivered to the site on Wednesday (Jan 28, 2026), marking the completion of all major component deliveries associated with the project.
In a statement, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy thanked the local community for its patience and cooperation throughout the delivery programme, acknowledging that the operation caused disruption on local roads.

Residents across parts of the county have previously experienced temporary road closures, traffic delays and police escorts as oversized turbine components were transported from the Port of Milford Haven to the site under tightly controlled conditions.
The abnormal load movements required months of detailed planning and coordination, involving route surveys, traffic management, police support and liaison with local authorities to ensure deliveries were carried out safely and with minimal disruption wherever possible.
The companies also apologised for the inconvenience caused during the delivery phase, saying the support and understanding shown by residents had been “invaluable” in allowing the project to reach this milestone.
A number of organisations were involved in supporting the operation, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, haulage specialists Collett & Sons Ltd and Green Light Traffic Management.
Local media outlets, including The Pembrokeshire Herald, provided advance notice and updates during the delivery process to help keep residents informed.
With the final major deliveries now complete, Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy said the project would continue to progress to the next phase of construction on site.
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