Community

A diary tells the tale

Published

10 years ago

September 10, 2015

Tom Sinclair

What the firemen had to tackle:
One of many photographs of the
Llanreath Oil Tanks Fire in the
Pembroke Dock Archive

A handwritten diary, which recorded the dramatic and tragic day-by-day battle against a huge fire in wartime Pembroke Dock, is on display for the first time.

It was compiled by Captain Tom Breaks, the senior fire officer who took charge of the firefighting teams following the German air attack on the Llanreath Oil Tank Depot 75 years ago, in August 1940.

The ‘Breaks Diary’ is a prized artefact at the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre and was donated to the town by Captain Breaks’ daughter several years ago.

Martin Cavaney, a Trustee of the Sunderland Trust, which runs the Heritage Centre, said: “We were contacted by his daughter who was anxious that the diary should return to Pembroke Dock. I drove to Cornwall to collect it.

“It is a remarkable document, reflecting a grim chapter in local and national history and much heroism by the firemen. The diary, which is very fragile, is on display at the Heritage Centre and many extracts have been taken from it. It makes a compelling display.”

The Breaks Diary is one part of a major exhibition which marks the 75th anniversary of the Luftwaffe raid.

On Friday and Saturday (Aug 21-22), visitors to the Heritage Centre will be able to enjoy family friendly events with displays and demonstrations by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

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Community

Christmas Spectacular fills St Davids Cathedral for unforgettable concert

Published

18 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Capacity crowd enjoys Britten masterpiece and light-hearted carols

A CAPACITY audience packed into St Davids Cathedral on Sunday (Dec 14) for the annual Christmas Spectacular, with hundreds filling the nave for one of the Cathedral’s most anticipated events of the year.

The evening opened with a serious and striking performance of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, delivered by the Cathedral Choir and accompanied by harpist Bethan Semmens. Choristers took on a series of demanding solos, earning warm applause from the audience.

Festive second half

The tone shifted after the interval as the Cathedral Choir and Vox Angelica returned for a lively programme of carols, Christmas favourites and crowd singalongs. The highlight of the evening was a colourful and humorous rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas by the Vicars Choral and Choral Scholars, which had the audience laughing throughout.

Team effort behind the scenes

The event was led by Director of Music Laurence John, with Assistant Director of Music Ben Richards and music team member Arwel Davies supporting the performance. The Cathedral also thanked backstage staff and volunteers for helping to deliver a smooth and memorable evening.

The Christmas Spectacular is now a fixture of the Cathedral’s festive season and continues to draw large crowds, with Sunday’s concert selling out well in advance.

Community

HaverHub talk showcasing 40 key artefacts from Haverfordwest’s history

Published

18 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THOSE who attended “The History of Haverfordwest in 40 Artefacts” talk at HaverHub on 5 December 2025, said the event was “excellent”.

The talk offered a fascinating insight into the town’s past, including the remarkable fact that Haverfordwest was once a county within Pembrokeshire with its own currency and police force.

***Dr Simon Hancock and Cllr Tom Tudor at the event in Haverfordwest***

Below is a summary of the themes explored during the presentation, based on the museum’s collection and Dr Simon Hancock, who presented the talk’s expertise:

A journey through Haverfordwest’s story

Haverfordwest’s rich history is brought to life through objects held in its museum, illustrating the town’s development as a medieval port, administrative centre, and thriving market hub. The 40 artefacts selected for the presentation reveal centuries of Welsh life, local craftsmanship, political change, and moments of conflict—from early prehistory to the modern era.

Early and Medieval Life

Neolithic standing stones & Iron Age slag – Traces of prehistoric occupation near Garn Turne.
Roman artefacts – Finds demonstrating Roman presence in the wider area.
Medieval tiles & effigies – Unearthed from the Augustinian Priory, showing craftsmanship and burial practices.
Imported French floor tiles – Evidence of wealth and long-distance trade at the Priory.
Jet chess piece – A rare object hinting at leisure activities and trade connections.
Skeletal remains – Providing insight into high child mortality and possible injuries from the 1405 siege of the town.
Warfare evidence – Including a skull bearing a puncture wound consistent with medieval combat.

Trade, Power and Governance

Port and market artefacts – Reflecting Haverfordwest’s importance as one of Wales’s leading medieval ports.
Banking materials – Linked to the historic Haverfordwest Bank.
County corporate charters – Documents showing the town’s unique status as a county corporate in its own right, granted by Edward V in 1479.

Social and Cultural Life

Local crafts and furniture – Examples of regional artistry and practical workmanship.
Military uniforms and objects – Underlining the town’s long association with local defence forces.
Music-related artefacts – Celebrating the town’s strong musical tradition.
Cinema memorabilia – Particularly from the Palace Cinema, operating from 1913 onwards.

Where these stories live today

Haverfordwest Town Museum – The primary home of many of these significant artefacts.
HaverHub events – Where Dr Simon Hancock continues to present and interpret local history.
Archaeological sites – Including the Priory ruins and recent excavations on Bridge Street.

Community

Kurtz thanks Narberth postal workers for Christmas effort

Published

20 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual visit to Royal Mail delivery office recognises “exceptional dedication”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has paid tribute to postal workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Narberth during a visit this week, thanking staff for their hard work at the busiest time of the year.

The run-up to Christmas is the peak period for Royal Mail, with teams processing and delivering thousands of cards, parcels and festive packages for households and businesses across west Wales. During his tour of the depot, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd met with postal workers and heard first-hand about the pressures they face in keeping deliveries on track.

As part of the now annual tradition, Mr Kurtz also donated a bottle from Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Velfrey Vineyard for a free staff raffle.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Every year, postal workers go above and beyond to make sure our Christmas cards and parcels arrive safely. Their dedication keeps communities connected, and I want to pay a heartfelt thank you to the team in Narberth for the incredible work they do at the most demanding time of the year.”