News
Local excellence at this year’s Boat Show
A PEMBROKESHIRE marine business and four others from Wales are at the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show, which opens today (Sept 11). With business performance in the marine sector on the up it is no surprise that these businesses will join more than 600 UK companies by exhibiting at the show. From boating accessories to superyachts, marine clothing to sailing holidays, the show will offer everything needed to have fun whether on the water or land.
British Marine recently published figures which indicate that the leisure marine industry in Wales alone contributes up to £64.6 million (2.2%) of the UK Industry’s £2.905 billion total turnover, with more than 983 people from the region employed in the sector.
Key companies taking part includes Pembrokeshire Yacht Constructions, Idealboat.com and Cyclo-ssage. Plus, British Marine association, British Marine Wales, will be showcasing the best of its members and what the industry has to offer in region. Also Wales-based business, Swallow Yachts, will be launching the latest in its line-up of dayboats, the GRP BayCruiser 26.
Visitors to this year’s boating festival will see hundreds of world-class boats, brand new attractions such as the Aquarium, Adventure River Canoe Ride, as well as favourites such as The Honda Boat Show Eye. Visitors will have a number of opportunities to get out on the water to try out boats and watersport activities for themselves. Whether it’s going out on an exhilarating Suzuki RIB Experience ride, having a go in the Challenge 72, or climbing aboard the historic tall ship Earl of Pembroke, there is something for everyone to have a go at.
Speaking earlier this week, Murray Ellis, British Marine Boat Shows’ Managing Director, said: “This year’s Southampton Boat Show further upholds its declaration as Europe’s biggest boating festival by providing more free opportunities than ever before for visitors to get out on the water. Whether dinghy sailing, trying out a yacht, power boating or taking a ride on a RIB, we want to get all the family active and exploring the world of boating and watersports at the Show. Over the coming days, more than 350 of the world’s leading sailboats and high-performance powerboats will travel up the Solent to berth in the marina, ready for the Show to begin this Friday.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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