Dyfed-bred mare rose from a farm in Eglwyswrw to national ceremonial fame and became a trailblazer for the Household Cavalry

TRIBUTES have been paid across Pembrokeshire following the death of Major Juno, the Dyfed-bred Shire horse whose journey from a working farm in Eglwyswrw to the centre of Britain’s ceremonial life made her a source of enormous local pride.

Known at home as Willa Rose, she was bred at Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, where her size, strength and calm temperament quickly marked her out as something special. Born on May 10, 2013, she was part of the fourth generation of the Dyfed bloodline and would go on to become one of the farm’s most celebrated horses.

In 2021, she was bought by the Household Cavalry and sent to London, where she underwent two years of specialist training before being officially named Juno in 2023.

Her rise was historic. Major Juno became the first mare to pass out onto parade as a Household Cavalry drum horse, placing both horse and farm in the national spotlight. The achievement shone a light on Pembrokeshire and on the work of breeders in rural west Wales, with many locally seeing her success as something truly extraordinary.

She went on to appear in three consecutive Trooping the Colour parades, cementing her place among the most notable horses ever bred at the farm. For local people, she was far more than a ceremonial animal. She was living proof that a horse raised in Pembrokeshire could reach the very highest level of national service.

Major Juno came from a remarkable line. Her uncle Celt went on to serve in London as Major Mercury after joining the Household Cavalry in 2008, while another Dyfed horse, Ed, later became Major Apollo. In 2023, Apollo and Juno paraded together at Trooping the Colour, an extraordinary moment for the family behind Dyfed Shire Horse Farm and a measure of the farm’s unique reputation for producing elite ceremonial horses.

Despite her national fame, Juno never lost her connection to Pembrokeshire. She returned to the farm for public visits, drawing crowds of admirers eager to see the Dyfed-bred mare whose reputation had spread far beyond the county.

Her death, after a short illness, has prompted an outpouring of sadness from those who followed her story from the beginning. Dyfed Shire Horse Farm paid tribute to her as “our Rose”, while the family has asked for her to be returned to Pembrokeshire to be laid to rest alongside Major Mercury.

Among those paying tribute was county councillor Huw Carnhuan Murphy, who wrote: “Your journey is done, proud to have been there on the day it all began on May 10th, 2013 with Nikki Murphy & Anna Raymond.”

From the fields of north Pembrokeshire to Horse Guards Parade, Major Juno carried the county with her. In death, as in life, she remains a symbol of the care, quality and quiet ambition that took a Welsh-bred mare to the very heart of national tradition.

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.