Historia Normannis Wales brings combat displays, Norman justice and living history to the famous fortress

PEMBROKE Castle is stepping back into the 12th century this weekend as Historia Normannis Wales returns for two days of living history.

The event, taking place on Saturday (Apr 11) and Sunday (Apr 12), promises visitors an immersive glimpse into medieval Britain, with reenactors recreating the sights, smells and sounds of the Norman age within the castle grounds.

Among the attractions planned are a medieval fashion show, a Shire Court, combat displays and an arming of the knight demonstration, giving families and history enthusiasts the chance to see how people lived, fought and were judged in Norman times.

The weekend forms part of Pembroke Castle’s wider Easter programme and is included with normal admission.

Pembroke Castle said it was delighted to welcome Historia Normannis Wales back for another weekend of “real life medieval experiences”.

One of the best-known historic attractions in west Wales, Pembroke Castle was founded in 1093 and is famous as the birthplace of Henry VII.

The castle remains a major draw for visitors to Pembrokeshire, and this weekend’s event is expected to be popular with families looking for something different during the Easter break.

The event is included with normal castle admission, with standard ticket prices from £13 for adults and £9 for children, while online bookings receive a 10 per cent discount.

Milford Haven firefighters and Dragon LNG staff worked together in a realistic training scenario involving a workshop fire, missing casualties and a breathing apparatus emergency at the Waterston site.

MILFORD HAVEN Fire Station and Dragon LNG, Waterston, carried out a joint training exercise this week in the workshop and warehouse area of the site.

The exercise gave both organisations the opportunity to work through a different type of incident, as most of their usual joint training is focused on Dragon LNG’s liquefied natural gas process areas.

The scenario involved a fire in the workshop, with three people unaccounted for.

On arrival, the first fire crew was met by a member of Dragon LNG staff, who provided key information to the initial officer in charge. Once that handover had taken place, crews quickly set to work setting up fireground equipment while breathing apparatus teams prepared to enter the building.

A key part of the exercise was testing communication between the site’s responsible person and the officer in charge, before that information was passed on to breathing apparatus teams to ensure safe entry and the rescue of casualties.

Crews also practised new procedures, including the use of a smoke curtain at entry points to help control the amount of air entering the building.

A breathing apparatus emergency was also introduced during the exercise to simulate a firefighter in distress. The aim was to reinforce established procedures and help ensure the safety of crews operating inside the building.

Both organisations said the training provided valuable learning points for future incidents.

Milford Haven Fire Station thanked Dragon LNG staff for allowing crews to use the site’s facilities.

Conservative candidates Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz say feed, fuel and fertiliser pressures are leaving farm businesses under growing strain

FARMERS in Ceredigion have warned that rising costs and political uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on the agricultural sector.

The issue was raised during a visit to Penlanlas Isaf dairy farm in Talsarn, where Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz met farmers including FUW Ceredigion chair Emyr Evans and his family.

The lead Welsh Conservative candidates for Ceredigion Penfro said the rising cost of the “three Fs” – feed, fuel and fertiliser – was a major concern for those working in the industry.

Farmers told the pair that all three essential inputs have faced sustained price pressure, while many businesses have little ability to pass on higher costs. They said this is squeezing already tight margins and adding to wider concerns about the future of farming.

The candidates also heard that uncertainty linked to policy changes from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments is making it harder for farmers to plan ahead with confidence.

Paul Davies said: “The message from farmers was clear – costs are rising across the board, but it is the three Fs, feed, fuel and fertiliser, that are hitting hardest right now. These are essential inputs, and when their prices rise, it has an immediate and unavoidable impact on farm businesses.”

Samuel Kurtz added: “Agriculture is the backbone of our rural economy, but farmers are being squeezed from all sides. Global instability is pushing up the cost of feed, fuel and fertiliser, while uncertainty around wider policies is making it even harder for farmers to plan for the future.”

During the visit, farmers explained that higher feed costs are directly affecting livestock operations, while rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of machinery, transport and day-to-day work. Fertiliser prices, they said, also remain volatile, putting further pressure on already stretched budgets.

Paul Davies said: “These are not optional costs. Farmers cannot simply cut back on feed, fuel or fertiliser. On top of that, uncertainty around new schemes and regulations is creating real anxiety within the sector. Farmers need clarity and confidence, not more unpredictability.”

Davies and Kurtz said the Welsh Conservatives are committed to supporting farm businesses and ensuring government backing is properly targeted, with a focus on food production and long-term viability.

Their proposals include investing an additional £100 million in the agriculture budget over the next Senedd term, placing food security and productivity at the heart of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, taking action to eradicate bovine TB in both livestock and wildlife, increasing the amount of Welsh food and drink served in schools and hospitals, moving away from an all-Wales NVZ “farming by calendar” policy towards a more targeted catchment-based approach, and continuing to campaign against the Family Farm Tax.

Samuel Kurtz said: “We need a system that recognises the real pressures farmers are under and responds accordingly. That means backing farmers through rising input costs, reducing uncertainty, and ensuring they have the confidence to invest and produce.”

Paul Davies added: “Our farmers are essential to our economy, our food supply and our rural communities. Farming needs a friend right now, and farmers will always have a friend in the Welsh Conservatives.”