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Bluestones are rocking as new ‘Hela’r Twrch’ marks countdown to 2026 Eisteddfod

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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

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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