A CALL for Pembrokeshire County Council to join other west Wales authorities in calling for its pension funds to be divested from companies profiting from genocide is to be heard by councillors.

Recently, a call for Ceredigion County Council to stress it does not wish to be involved in companies connected with Israel during the ongoing Gaza crisis through its pension fund was backed by councillors.

A notice of motion before Ceredigion County Council’s meeting of October 23, proposed by Cllr Endaf Edwards, said: “The ongoing and deeply concerning conflict in Gaza has led to significant loss of innocent life and widespread humanitarian suffering.

“Despite a temporary ceasefire in January 2025, hostilities have resumed, and conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate.”

It asked five points: a commitment to ethical governance and global justice; to express it does not wish to be associated with companies potentially complicit in war crimes or human rights violations; to write to the Welsh Pension Partnership, conveying these concerns and requesting a review of current investments; to request that the Dyfed Pension Fund and Welsh Pension Partnership strengthen their ethical investment policies; and to call on the Dyfed Pension Fund Committee and Welsh Pension Partnership to regularly review and publicly report on progress toward divestment from unethical holdings.

Following that, a petition was submitted on Pembrokeshire County Council’s own website, making a similar call.

The Pembrokeshire petition, started by Sarah Davies of Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire, reads: “We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to pass a resolution calling on Dyfed Pension Fund to divest our pension money from companies profiting from genocide.

“As residents of Pembrokeshire, we are deeply concerned that the Dyfed Pension Fund (DPF) invests millions of pension fund money in companies complicit in Israel’s genocide, occupation, and apartheid against Palestinians. In addition, DPF uses the multinational asset management firm BlackRock to manage 40 per cent (£1.4 billion) of its total assets. BlackRock has been cited in a recent UN report as profiting from genocide.
“Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and other Welsh councils have already committed to divestment. We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to use its influence to urge Dyfed Pension Fund to divest from these companies.”

If a petition gets 500 signatures, the creator will have an opportunity to debate it at a future full council meeting; more than 100 will trigger a debate at a council overview and scrutiny committee.

SAUNDERSFOOT welcomed in 2026 in spectacular fashion as a record 3,323 registered swimmers braved the icy waters for the town’s 40th annual New Year’s Day Swim, firmly cementing its reputation as the largest festive charity swim in the UK.

Thousands more lined the beach, harbour and village to watch the now iconic “dash and splash”, creating an estimated crowd of more than ten thousand people for what has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most anticipated annual events.

Behind the scenes, organisers say the success of the day was the result of year-round planning by the Saundersfoot Festivities Committee, a volunteer-led group that gives its time freely to deliver an event of national significance.

Safety at the forefront

A major focus of preparations is safety. Organisers work closely with professional water and land-based teams, monitoring long-range weather forecasts, tide times, wind direction and sea temperatures, with daily risk assessments carried out in the run-up to January 1.

The committee said recent tragic incidents elsewhere in the UK, including events on Christmas Day in Budleigh Salterton, served as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with cold-water swimming. Organisers stressed that safety decisions at Saundersfoot are never taken lightly.

The swim is supported by professional water safety teams and emergency services, with organisers also working closely with neighbouring events in Tenby and Porthcawl to share best practice and continually improve standards.

A village celebration

Saundersfoot Beach was once again the focal point for New Year celebrations, with entertainment and activity throughout the morning. The Pembrokeshire Boot Scooters led a lively warm-up on the sand, dancing to House of Bamboo, joined by the event’s mascot Charlie Shivers and thousands of swimmers.

Sam Hughes and Jo, alongside dancers from Escape Youth Musical Theatre, helped lead the crowd through the warm-up, before spectators and swimmers alike joined together for a rousing rendition of Rockin’ All Over the World.

The countdown to the swim was signalled by a firework launch provided by Westcoast Fireworks, longstanding supporters and sponsors of the event.

Fancy dress highlights

As ever, fancy dress played a major part in the spectacle. Janine Lewis and Martyn Williams faced the unenviable task of judging the group and individual costume competitions, with prizes kindly donated by Harbwr Bar and Kitchen.

The Saundersfoot Trotters claimed the group fancy dress award, while Mick Booth took the prize for best individual costume.

Forty years behind the lens

Every swimmer was captured on camera by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has attended every Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim since it began. His images have become an enduring record of the event’s growth over four decades.

Photographs from the day can be obtained via Gareth Davies Photography.

‘We could never have imagined this scale’

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams said the village had once again risen to the occasion.

He said:
“The village and wider community have done us proud once again. Forty years ago, we could never have imagined that this event would grow into something of this scale and national recognition.

“Our driving force has always been the many fantastic charities that benefit from the swim. Four decades on, the event continues to evolve and grow, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

“The support from Saundersfoot, surrounding areas and visitors from much further afield has been incredible. The numbers in the village over the last few days have been staggering and have provided a welcome boost to local businesses. We sincerely hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

Evolving with the times

This year marked the third year of online registration and ticketing, which organisers say has helped manage swimmer safety and cover the rising costs associated with staging such a large-scale event.

Particular thanks were paid to Vicky, Simon and Charlotte for managing registrations and social media, with Charlotte also capturing the build-up and the event itself.

A park-and-ride service from Kilgetty was provided from 10:00am by Taf Valley Coaches, sponsored by the company and widely welcomed by visitors.

Community support and thanks

Medals were presented to swimmers by Côr Y Môr ladies’ choir, and it was fitting that Delwyn Williams, alongside past and present members of Saundersfoot Community Council, officially started the swim in its 40th year. Thanks were also given to Wheelers for the design and support of the commemorative medal.

Organisers acknowledged that rising costs have made it increasingly difficult to keep the event free of charge, with online ticketing helping to secure its long-term future while generating additional funds for charity.

The committee paid tribute to the dedication of safety marshals, bucket collectors and volunteers, as well as sponsors and local businesses — some of whom have supported the swim for more than 25 years.

Thanks were also extended to event safety partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI, St John’s Ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police, Tenby Fire Brigade and Pembrokeshire County Council, along with numerous individuals and organisations who play key roles behind the scenes.

Special thanks were given to residents and businesses on the Strand for their cooperation with essential road closures, and to Ron Skinner and Son for providing mitigation vehicles.

What happens next

Swimmers who completed sponsor forms are asked to return them to Salt on the Strand, with organisers confirming that participants will be contacted regarding photos, fundraising totals and charity distribution. Further details of a presentation event are expected later this month.

Pics: Gareth Davies/Herald

THE PEMBROKESHIRE U3A Wind Ensemble is preparing for a packed programme of performances in 2026, with appearances planned at civic events, schools and concert venues across the county.

The ensemble has been reflecting on a busy 2025 while looking ahead to a year of new musical opportunities and expanded performances.

Last year saw the group’s first concert take place in May as part of the VE80 commemorations, followed by a demanding schedule later in the year, including performances around Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas period.

As planning for 2026 gets underway, the ensemble has confirmed that it has been invited by Haverfordwest Town Council to support a number of civic events. These include the Mayor Making ceremony, Beating the Bounds and the town carnival, alongside several other public occasions.

The group has also been invited to perform at Roche School as part of its music sessions, as well as visiting the music department at Pembrokeshire College.

In addition, the ensemble is planning a programme of summer and Christmas concerts at venues across Pembrokeshire. It is hoped that these will include performances at the Merlin Theatre, with arrangements also progressing for concerts on a larger scale than those previously staged by the group.

Members of the ensemble have thanked supporters for their encouragement over the past year and say they are looking forward to a busy and eventful 2026, continuing to perform for audiences across the county.