Community turnout despite wet weather as children greet Santa along village route

SANTA brought early Christmas cheer to Solva as families turned out to greet the village’s festive sleigh run organised by Solva Community Council.

The pre-Christmas route saw Santa and his helpers make their way through the village on Monday (Dec 22), with residents encouraged to step outside and wave as the sleigh passed by. Children along the route were treated to small festive gifts, adding to the excitement.

Posting on social media ahead of the run, Solva Community Council said: “All ready for a pre Christmas route run of Solva. Come out and say hi.”

The event drew warm reactions from residents, with one parent commenting: “Kid’s loved this, thank you.”

Responding, the Community Council said it was delighted with the turnout, adding: “We love doing it! Thank you all for coming out, we have plans for next year too! Have a lovely Christmas!”

Others also shared their appreciation, with one resident joking: “Well we’re all big kids really,” while another described the event as “Brilliant.”

The Santa sleigh has become a popular part of the festive calendar in Solva, helping to bring neighbours together and create a sense of community in the run-up to Christmas.

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Christmas cheer: Santa on his way to families during the festive sleigh run through Solva (Pic: Solva Community Council).

ST DAVIDS Cathedral was filled to capacity on Monday evening (Dec 22) as the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols drew a large and appreciative congregation to one of Pembrokeshire’s most cherished Christmas services.

The candlelit service, led by St Davids Cathedral Choir, was described afterwards as a “wonderful” celebration of the season, with the cathedral packed and the congregation offering a warm response throughout the evening.

The programme featured a wide-ranging selection of traditional and contemporary carols, described by the choir as “a true feast”, and included A Child Is Born in Bethlehem by Scheidt, Adam Lay Ybounden by Ord, The Truth from Above by Vaughan Williams, and I Wonder as I Wander by Rütti.

Other highlights included Noël Nouvelet arranged by John Rutter, Tua Bethlem Dref arranged by Webber, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, What Sweeter Music, and a rousing Ding Dong Merrily on High, arranged by Wilberg.

The service also paid tribute to Sir John Rutter, whose music featured prominently in the programme, as the composer marks his 80th birthday.

Following the service, thanks were extended to members of the choir and to Laurence John, whose organ playing was described as superb.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols remains a central part of the cathedral’s Christmas calendar, offering a moment of reflection and celebration in the days leading up to Christmas, and continuing to attract worshippers and visitors from across Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

PEMBROKE & MONKTON Local History Society will return in the New Year with a special talk by leading Welsh historian Nathen Amin at Pembroke Town Hall.

The society will meet on Saturday, January 17, a week later than originally advertised, due to repair work being carried out in the Town Hall’s main hall.

Mr Amin, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, is nationally recognised for his research into Welsh and Tudor history. He has previously spoken to the society about his book Son of Prophesy: The Rise of Henry Tudor, but this time will turn his attention to one of Wales’s most iconic historical figures.

His talk, titled ‘Owain Glyndŵr: Rebel, Prince and Visionary’, will explore the life and legacy of the Welsh leader who led a major uprising against the English crown in the early fifteenth century.

Owain Glyndŵr remains one of the most revered—and debated—figures in Welsh history. Seen by many as a national hero and by others as a rebel, his vision for an independent Wales challenged the political order of his time. In this new talk, Mr Amin will examine the man behind the legend, offering fresh insight into Glyndŵr’s ambitions, leadership and long-term impact.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to purchase Nathen Amin’s books, including Son of Prophesy and The House of Beaufort.

Doors will open at 10:00am for a coffee morning, with the talk beginning at 11:00am. Pembroke Museum and the Council Chamber, both located on the first floor of the Town Hall, will also be open to visitors. Lift access is available.

The event is free to attend and open to all.

Further information can be found at www.pembrokeandmonktonhistory.org.uk