A MODERN-DAY maritime hero has welcomed plans to commemorate the launch of HMS Erebus from Pembroke Dockyard two centuries ago.

Admiral Lord West has congratulated the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre after learning it has secured funding for its forthcoming exhibition, HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery.

He said: “I am delighted to send my warmest good wishes for the HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery exhibition.

“With strong family links to Pembroke Dock, it is wonderful to see this remarkable maritime story being celebrated and shared with new generations.

“I wish everyone involved every success with what promises to be a truly inspiring and fitting tribute.”

The exhibition comes as 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of HMS Erebus being launched from Pembroke Dock. (Pic: Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre)

Admiral Lord West – who served as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002 to 2006 – can trace his family links back to Pembroke Dock, where his great-grandfather worked at the Royal Dockyard.

He went on to enjoy a distinguished naval career.

In 1982, aged 34, he was the commanding officer of the frigate HMS Ardent when it was sunk by Argentine forces during the Falklands War. He was the last to leave the sinking ship, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross.

After retiring from the Royal Navy, Lord West went on to advise successive UK governments on defence and foreign policy.

Praise for the exhibition has also come from the much-loved British adventurer and storyteller Michael Palin, who has written a book about the famous vessel.

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre’s forthcoming exhibition, HMS Erebus: From Dockyard to Discovery, will mark the 200th anniversary of the ship’s launch.

HMS Erebus was built and launched at the Royal Dockyard on June 7, 1826, thanks to the exceptional skill of Pembrokeshire’s 19th-century shipwrights and the region’s proud maritime craftsmanship.

The ship went on to play a pivotal role in some of the most important explorations of the age, including the pioneering Ross Antarctic Expedition, before being lost during the ill-fated Franklin Expedition to the Arctic.

Her rediscovery beneath the icy waters of the Canadian Arctic in 2014 reignited worldwide interest in the mystery and legacy of polar exploration.

The exhibition will feature recovered artefacts never before shown to the public, alongside interactive displays and video footage telling the dramatic story of the ship’s construction, service and discovery.

Cover image: Painting by François Etienne Musin (1820-1888) – HMS ‘Erebus’ in the Ice, 1846 – BHC3325 – Royal Museums Greenwich

THE FAMILY of Alex Edwards have paid an emotional tribute after an inquest examined the circumstances surrounding his death in a road traffic collision near Llandrinio.

The hearing was told that Mr Edwards died following a crash on the B4393 on Monday (Sept 16), 2024.

In a statement released following the inquest, his family said Alex had been a “blameless victim” and urged drivers to reflect on the consequences of dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

They said: “Alex didn’t just die; he was killed by a reckless and selfish decision to overtake in impossible conditions. The evidence shows that on that foggy morning, Alex was doing everything right, simply trying to get home to his family.”

Police previously confirmed that a man had been charged in connection with the collision. However, the suspect later died, meaning there were no ongoing criminal proceedings relating to the case.

Despite this, Alex’s family said the circumstances of the crash remained clear.

They said: “While the van driver’s subsequent death means we were denied justice in a criminal court, it does not change the facts. Alex was a blameless victim. We hope that by speaking out, other drivers will realise the lethal power they hold in their hands.”

Describing Alex as a much-loved member of a close family, relatives said his loss had left a permanent void.

“Alex was kind, gentle and funny. One impatient moment has destroyed our tight-knit family of four, leaving us with a lifetime of ‘what ifs’ and a void that can never be filled,” the statement continued.

“Alex’s future has been stolen from him and us. We will never see him get married, and we ache for the grandchildren we will never get to hold. Our grief has no end.”

The family also thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and members of the public who came to Alex’s aid after the crash.

“We especially wish to thank those members of the public who were first at the scene; though there was nothing more that could be done for Alex, we are grateful for the care and dignity they showed him.”

In a final message, the family appealed directly to motorists.

“To every driver: please think of Alex. Don’t let your decisions behind the wheel become another family’s nightmare.”

Alex, they said, will be “loved and missed forever by all his family and friends.”

Photo:

Alex Edwards: Family say he was “kind, gentle and funny” (Pic: Family handout).

Buses to replace trains for one week as engineers carry out track work and Tenby station accessibility improvements

PASSENGERS travelling on the railway between Whitland and Pembroke Dock will face temporary disruption later this month while major engineering works are carried out to improve the line and upgrade facilities at Tenby Station.

Network Rail has confirmed that buses will replace trains for one week from Monday, March 16, while essential work takes place across the route.

The railway between Whitland and Pembroke Dock will be closed from 11:00pm on Sunday (March 15) until 5:45am on Saturday (March 21), allowing engineers to safely complete a programme of track renewal and maintenance works.

The upgrades form part of Network Rail’s ongoing investment in the West Wales line, aimed at improving reliability while also delivering accessibility improvements for passengers using Tenby Station.

Track renewal and maintenance

During the closure, engineers will carry out track renewal work between Whitland and Narberth, alongside a range of maintenance tasks across the route.

Planned works include vegetation management, fencing repairs, level crossing maintenance, and inspections of earthworks and other railway infrastructure.

Network Rail says the work is designed to strengthen the long-term reliability and resilience of the railway for the communities and passengers who depend on the line.

Accessibility improvements at Tenby

At the same time, significant accessibility improvements will take place at Tenby Station through the UK Government’s Access for All programme.

The project will eventually deliver a fully accessible footbridge with lifts, making it easier for disabled passengers, those with reduced mobility, parents with pushchairs and travellers carrying luggage to move between platforms.

As part of the work, the existing footbridge will be demolished overnight on Saturday, March 14.

A temporary scaffold footbridge will then be installed the same weekend to ensure passengers can continue to access both platforms.

Further construction activity will take place between March 16 and March 21 while the railway line is closed.

Travel advice for passengers

During the engineering works, replacement buses will operate instead of trains between Whitland and Pembroke Dock.

Passengers are being urged to check their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel.

The latest journey information is available on the National Rail website and through Transport for Wales’ website and mobile app.

Mark Dix, Lead Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “These track upgrades and supporting works are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable railway for passengers across West Wales, while the improvements at Tenby Station will make a real difference for passengers who rely on step-free access.

“We would like to thank passengers, residents and local businesses for their patience while we carry out this important work.”