Community
Fishguard welcomes St Davids day visitors
THE TOURISM industry in North Pembrokeshire received a welcome boost on St David’s Day, as a luxury train carrying 250 passengers visited Fishguard.
The Northern Belle, operated by the Orient Express owners Belmond, arrived in Fishguard Harbour train station at 3pm and stayed for an hour, allowing passengers the chance to relax and view a selection of local craft stalls. The train was on a St David’s Day round-trip from Cardiff, and passengers paid £265 for their tickets, which included a five-course meal.
Mayor of Fishguard and Goodwick Mike Lloyd was among local representatives there to greet the train. He was joined by representatives of the local army and naval cadets, as well as Fishguard heroine Jemima Nicholas (complete with pitchfork).
Goodwick brass band performed for the visitors, and their mixture of classic jazz tunes and re-workings of pop songs set a lot of feet tapping, and encouraged several couples to take an impromptu twirl on the dance floor.
Stalls set up by local art-and craft businesses, including Icatcha Jewellery, Bears by Steph Button, and Abella Art, attracted a lot of interest. Steve Button, who along with his wife dressed in Fishguard-themed costumes, was pleased with the way the day went: “We made a few sales, and everyone – the visitors and the local community – had a really good time.”
The visit was organised by Refreshing North Pembrokeshire, a new tourism initiative started by the Fishguard Chamber of Trade, and backed by the Coastal Communities Fund. Jeremy Martineau, the Head of Refreshing Pembrokeshire, told the Herald that the event was a success: “I was really pleased that the local community turned out,” he said, and went on praise the efforts of the band and the stall holders.
Mr Martineau also said that this was one of the first of many events organised in the north county this year: “There is going to be a really big effort to put Fishguard on the map. Fishguard has a real tendency to underestimate what it has to offer, and we are looking to address that. The Refreshing North Pembrokeshire scheme covers the area between St Davids and St Dogmaels and is active in communities and among businesses. Our aim is to expand and safeguard employment in the tourism industry, and we feel that we can best achieve this by extending both the length of the tourist season and the range of what is on offer.”
Community
RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions
RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.
Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.
Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Engaging young minds
The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.
Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”
Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”
Building a sustainable future
Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”
RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation
RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.
As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Community
New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station
TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.
Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.
The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.
Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”
The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.
A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”
They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Community
Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).
The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.
Shaping the future together
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”
The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.
A data-driven approach
The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.
Get involved
Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.
For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].
About MAWWFRS
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
-
Crime3 days ago
Man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week-old baby in court
-
News5 days ago
A48 crash: Four injured as police arrest man on suspicion of dangerous driving
-
News7 days ago
Beloved Haverfordwest institution, The George’s, to close after 35 years
-
Health7 days ago
‘Truly abysmal’ – Welsh NHS waiting list hits new record high
-
News7 days ago
Grandmother jailed for killing baby girl in Withybush Hospital crash
-
Crime5 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police tax bill could rise by nine percent
-
News6 days ago
County councillor warns of dangerous and illegal E-scooter use in Haverfordwest
-
News4 days ago
Traffic held on M4 after crash leaves car in central reservation