News

Teething problems for Cardigan Castle

Published

10 years ago

May 7, 2015

ONLY a week after it was opened to the public, Cardigan Castle temporarily closed its gates to the public.

Despite receiving £12m in grants, the Castle’s tarmacking works were not completed when local media and worthies were invited to attend last week’s opening event.

Sue Lewis, Cardigan Castle spokesperson, said: “The castle opened to the public last week following an extensive £12m restoration project. During the soft-launch period, we’ll be putting final touches in place in time for the busy tourist season ahead, which includes the final surfacing of the garden paths. The site was closed to visitors for two days, from Monday April 20 to Tuesday April 21, while work is being carried out. We recorded more than 500 visitors on the first day of opening so are delighted with the response and looking forward to a great summer at the castle.”

Speaking after the original opening, Ms Lewis said: “The whole community is of course ecstatic to see Cardigan Castle returned to its former glory. The site has witnessed many key moments in Welsh history over its 900 years including bloody battles.”

It seems, however, as though some battles remain to be fought.

Response to the castle’s opening has not been unmixed. In a faux pas that is sure to anger The Friends of Rhys ap Gruffudd, who have condemned the castle’s failure to book Welsh music acts for a festival in July, menus for the castle’s restaurant during the opening week were printed only in English.

The Herald understands, however, that following complaints bilingual menus are now available while catering arrangements at the castle, which were described as ‘chaotic’, have also been changed.

Claims made by local historian Father Cunnane at the opening ceremony about the cost of bringing the Gorsedd of Bards and transporting the Gorsedd stones down from Brondesbury Park (near Tesco’s) to the Castle have been disputed.

Fr. Cunnane’s further comments regarding Dic yr Hendre, the late Eisteddfod Chair whose family have withdrawn an offer to place his Archdruid’s regalia on display at the Castle, have also been met with considerable resentment.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.