Pembrokeshire revellers caught up in violent Lincolnshire rave

Published

10 years ago

May 25, 2015

Pembrokeshire music fans were part of the crowds at UKTEC2015

A CONTINGENT of Pembrokeshire dance music lovers were amongst over a thousand revellers who attended UKTEK 2015 rave in Lincolnshire this Bank Holiday weekend.

However, the unlicensed event descended in to public order chaos, and three police officers and a police dog were injured after being attacked by about 200 people. The police had moved in, dressed in riot gear to try and shut down the party, which involved multiple sound systems, following complaints by neighbours.

One of the officers is in a serious but not life-threatening condition after being called to the rave on Saturday night, Sky News reported.

Lincolnshire Police told The Herald that all the injuries were caused by missiles thrown by the crowd at police. As police moved in to shut down the event crowds chanted “Shame on you” at police as the MC took to the microphone saying: “Do not attack the police, this event is about love and peace, do not stoop down to their level.”

The BBC have reported that 43 people were arrested at the event.

The illegal party, which is an annual event, was taking place in the area of Twyford Wood near Bourne, about 20 miles north of Peterborough. Locals may recall that a few years back the event took place at Dale Airfield.

It is estimated that around thirty people from Pembrokeshire travelled to England for the event.

UKTEK2015

A 26-year-old Pembroke Dock man, who asked not to be named, told The Herald by telephone: “The event would have been peaceful if the police were no so heavy handed. They decided to come in full riot gear with batons to a music event where everyone just wanted to dance and enjoy the Bank Holiday. We came up to UKTEK because we enjoyed the Dale event, and love big sound systems. No one from Pembrokeshire was arrested as far as I know, at least no one in our cars anyway.”

Police went to the site after receiving a complaint of loud noise and anti-social behaviour at about 11pm.

A statement said: “Police attended and found a large and illegal rave and the officers came under attack from an estimated 200 or so of the estimated 1000 or so who were at the site.

“Because of our regional collaboration arrangements we were able to mobilise enough resources to deal with the situation. We have seized a number of sound amplification systems and generators and we remain at the site today.”

Part of the A1 road was temporarily closed to deal with the situation. Police said they are carrying out a full investigation and would be prosecuting anyone involved in the disorder.

Police in riot gear trying to shut the illegal rave

News

Fire crews test skills in airport training exercise

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FIREFIGHTERS from Haverfordwest and Milford Haven were put through their paces last week during a specialist training exercise held at Withybush Airport.

The operation, known as Exercise Red Kite, was carried out on Wednesday (Apr 29) and saw teams from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) simulate an emergency response at the airport, putting their incident command and rescue skills to the test.

As part of the exercise, crews deployed foam carriers and a water bowser, practising a complex rescue scenario designed to mirror the challenges of a real-life airport incident.

Station Manager Aled Lewis described the day as a valuable learning opportunity.

“Exercise Red Kite gave crews the chance to work together across stations, sharpen their operational response, and train in a realistic setting,” he said. “We’re very grateful to Withybush Airport for making the site available.”

The training forms part of the fire service’s ongoing commitment to readiness and teamwork in high-pressure environments.

MAWWFRS is currently looking to recruit new on-call firefighters across the region. Anyone interested can visit the service’s website for further details and to register their interest.

Health

Tufnell secures pledge to improve GP access across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CAMPAIGN to improve GP access across Pembrokeshire has taken a significant step forward this week following a meeting between local MP Henry Tufnell and the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda Health Board.

The Herald understands that during the meeting, held earlier this week, it was agreed that best practice would be established across all GP surgeries in the county—something Mr Tufnell has been calling for since launching his primary care campaign several months ago.

The move follows a detailed public survey conducted by the MP, in which hundreds of residents voiced concerns over delays in securing GP appointments and inconsistent service levels across different practices.

In a video message posted to social media, Mr Tufnell said: “After a constructive meeting with Professor Phillip Kloer, I am pleased that we are both on the same page and recognise the need for real action in response to the needs of our community.

“For months now, I have raised the need for improvements, and thanks to the powerful feedback from my recent survey, we are on the right path to establishing best practices that will benefit everyone across Pembrokeshire. We must finally see an end to the postcode lottery of accessing primary care.”

Mr Tufnell is expected to meet with Professor Kloer again later this summer to assess whether the promised improvements are being implemented effectively.

He added: “I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to complete my survey on GP services. Your input is making a real difference, and together, we can continue to improve the healthcare services that are so vital to our community.”

The MP has also launched a new survey to gather public feedback on access to NHS dental services in the area.

Residents wishing to take part in the dental survey can do so online HERE.

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/mid-and-south-pembrokeshire-nhs-dentist-access-survey/

Entertainment

SPAN Arts presents: An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A contemporary dance-theatre experience by Deborah Light

SPAN ARTS is proud to present Deborah Light — acclaimed choreographer, movement director, and mother — in her first solo show, An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge. This bold and visceral work of contemporary dance-theatre delves into the complexities of motherhood through three seemingly unrelated objects.

With a distinctive blend of clinical precision, raw vulnerability, feminist fury, and wicked humour, Deborah unpacks the symbolic connections between a mother, a bear, and a fridge. In doing so, she lays bare personal truths and the societal pressures that weigh on the female body, in a powerful critique of patriarchal systems.

Known for her collaborative work across dance, theatre, film, and site-based performance, Deborah is also co-director of Light/Ladd/Emberton and lectures in movement at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This new solo show is supported by Arts Council Wales, Chapter, NDCWales, YMa, SPAN Arts, and Taking Flight.

The performance will take place at Canolfan Hermon on Thursday, May 16 at 7:00pm. After the show, audiences are invited to stay for an informal post-show conversation with Deborah over tea and cake, to reflect on the themes of the piece.

Please note: The show is recommended for ages 14+ and contains references to death, motherhood/matrescence, surgery, violence against women, gender-based inequality, ageing, climate change, and may include strong language.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, 16 May 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Canolfan Hermon, Hermon, Glogue, SA36 0DT
Tickets: £12.00 (full price) / £8.00 (concessions)
Box Office: www.span-arts.org.uk/book or call 01834 869323
Access: Free companion/carer tickets are available. Please call 01834 869323 to arrange.

Refreshments and snacks will be available at the venue.