SCHOOLS, families, local businesses and visitors from across Pembrokeshire came together in St Davids on Saturday 28 February for a colourful St David’s Day celebration marking the culmination of a major community arts project.

Hosted by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority at Oriel y Parc, Taith y Chwedlau / Journey of the Legends formed the centrepiece of a wider half-term programme inspired by Welsh legends and supported by Welsh Government funding. The project combined storytelling, art, music and bilingual activities, in the lead-up towards the annual parade through the city.

The celebration was attended by the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan, along with invited guests, community groups and visitors, as St Davids burst into life with dragon wings, daffodils, boar headdresses and other handmade creations produced during workshops and drop-in sessions in the weeks leading up to the event.

Preparation for the parade involved extensive outreach work with local schools and community groups, as well as workshops and activities at the Authority’s sister sites, Carew Castle and Castell Henllys. In total, 255 participants took part in workshops and community sessions, including 102 school pupils and 153 children, young people and adults from various groups.

The project was delivered with artist Kate Evans and storytellers Phil Okwedy and Michael Harvey, who worked with participants to explore Welsh legend through a contemporary story rooted in creativity, community and environmental awareness.

Led by the dynamic drumming of Samba Doc, the procession set off from Oriel y Parc at 2pm, bringing music, movement and a strong sense of Welsh hwyl to the High Street of Britain’s smallest city.

Beyond the parade itself, Taith y Chwedlau continued along the High Street through a trail hosted by 16 businesses. Story stops were illustrated by Oriel y Parc team member Elen Beynon, while Chapel Chocolates in St Davids kindly supported the prize.

Oriel y Parc also hosted the Makers Bizarre Handmade Craft Market, which added to the day’s festive atmosphere and gave residents and visitors the chance to support local makers.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, said: “Taith y Chwedlau was about much more than a single afternoon’s parade. It was the result of weeks of creative work with schools, community groups, artists, storytellers and businesses, all coming together to celebrate Welsh culture in an imaginative and inclusive way. It was wonderful to see so many people taking part, and to welcome the First Minister to share in such a vibrant community event.”

As part of the wider St David’s Day celebrations, visitors to Oriel y Parc, Castell Henllys and Carew Castle were welcomed with complimentary bunches of daffodils over the weekend.

To find out more about events, exhibitions and opening times at Oriel y Parc, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk

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Participants in the Taith y Chwedlau / Journey of the Legends parade bring colour and creativity to the streets of St Davids.

A CHARITY tractor road run across the Llŷn Peninsula will take place later this spring, raising money for two important health causes in north Wales.

The Welsh National Tractor Road Run (WNTRR) 2026 is scheduled for Sunday (May 31), starting at 10:00am from Crugarn Farm in Llanbedrog, near Pwllheli.

Organised by the Llŷn and Eifionydd Tractor Enthusiasts, the popular event will bring together tractor owners from across Wales and beyond for a scenic drive through the countryside while supporting charity.

This year’s run will raise funds for two beneficiaries: the Wales Air Ambulance and the Alaw Cancer Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Support for vital services

The Wales Air Ambulance provides lifesaving emergency treatment across Wales, often reaching patients in remote rural areas where rapid response is critical. Meanwhile, Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd supports cancer patients and their families across north Wales.

Organisers say the tractor run offers a chance for the farming and rural community to come together while raising money for causes that make a real difference.

The event has become a highlight in the calendar for vintage tractor enthusiasts, with tractors of all makes and sizes expected to take part.

Entry details for participants

Entries are open to tractor owners who wish to take part in the run. Entry costs £20 if submitted before the closing date of May 20. On-the-day entries will be accepted at £25.

Participants are asked to ensure their tractors are fully insured and road legal, and that drivers hold the appropriate licence.

All tractors are welcome, although larger machines will be grouped together at the rear of the convoy. Transport boxes and trailers with safe seating will be permitted, but standing passengers or bales are not allowed.

Caterers will be present at the start point and again during the lunch break, with toilet facilities available.

Late entries may be accepted, although organisers say drivers submitting forms after the closing date might not receive a souvenir or have their names included in the official programme.

How to enter

Drivers wishing to take part can request an entry form or further details from the event secretary, Anne Bates, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07721 910405.

Entry forms should be returned to Little Gigrin, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5NU.

Organisers say the run promises a relaxed day out for tractor enthusiasts and supporters alike, while helping to raise funds for two vital Welsh healthcare charities.

CONCERNS have been raised about the future of a distinctive Haverfordwest building after a car crashed into it last week, leaving part of the frontage badly damaged.

Two people were taken to hospital after a vehicle collided with the former County Library building in Dew Street during the early hours of Sunday (Mar 1).

The impact caused significant damage to the front of the building. Campaigners who want the structure protected are now calling for urgent repairs and greater transparency about what will happen to the site.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been asked to comment on the condition of those involved in the collision.

The crash is believed to have followed a medical emergency.

The former library is widely regarded as an important example of post-war public architecture in Pembrokeshire. Built in the 1960s and designed by architect Gilbert Ray, the building is often described as a notable piece of modernist – sometimes labelled brutalist – design.

Its distinctive appearance includes bold concrete forms and a striking sculpture representing an open book, created by artist David Tinker.

The library closed to the public on Saturday (Oct 13, 2018).

In April 2022 the building and around 3.3 acres of surrounding land were purchased from Pembrokeshire County Council by housing association ateb for £250,000.

The organisation intended to relocate its headquarters from St Thomas Green to the Dew Street site. Plans also included commercial office space within the building and a street-level café.

A second phase of the development proposed housing on the former car park area behind the building, previously used by the library and community education centre.

However, a local campaign group known as Save the Library Action Group (SLAG) is seeking to have the building formally listed because of its architectural and historical importance.

Members of the group say the recent damage highlights the need for urgent protection and repairs.

Retired architect Mike Daffern said the group hoped the damaged section would be rebuilt rather than simply secured.

He added that residents would welcome a clear timetable from ateb for delivering the refurbishment plans approved in 2023, which would see the building converted into the organisation’s headquarters.

Mr Daffern said that if the project was no longer going ahead, the community should be involved in considering alternative uses for the building that could help revitalise that part of Haverfordwest’s conservation area.

The campaign group has also contacted Cadw about listing the building and plans to provide photographs and a report detailing the recent damage.

They argue the building could potentially be reused for community education, arts, or other cultural activities.

A spokesperson for ateb confirmed the organisation was aware of the damage caused by the collision.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the building is safe and secure,” the spokesperson said. “The damage will be addressed to maintain appropriate safety measures.”

The spokesperson added that the former library site remained a complex redevelopment project and that ateb was continuing to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to explore possible options for the site’s future, including funding and potential redesign of the building.

“We recognise the strong interest in the building from members of the community and local groups,” the spokesperson said.