News
Templeton: Major military exercise heading to Pembrokeshire this month
THE PEMBROKESHIRE coast will play a key role in this month’s military live exercise by joint UK and French forces known as the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF).
Exercise Griffin Strike 2016 is the culmination of six years of UK-French military cooperation and will demonstrate the CJEF’s potential high-readiness to deploy.
The exercise will involve air land and sea operations, with the Maritime Component Command operating from two Carrier Manoeuvre Boxes in the Bristol Channel with a small contingent at RAF St Mawgan.
According to the MoD, Activity will include amphibious assaults on to the Pembrokeshire coast between April 17 and 23.
Templeton airfield will play an important role with around 500 personnel and more than a dozen helicopters including Chinooks, Apaches, Merlins and Wildcats being stationed there during the exercise.
These aircraft will be supporting ground troops and will be flying by both day and night and hence noise and movement will be above the routine business of the airfield.
French military units, equipment and vehicles will join forces with those of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF. Interoperability training will include ground close combat, mechanized movements and air assault insertions. Maritime activities will include amphibious assault, aviation and combat logistics patrols.
Troops on the ground will be supported by RAF Typhoons and French Rafale as well as attack helicopters. Warships of both nations will be deployed to sea from which training and military movements will be coordinated.
The exercise will culminate with a land firepower demonstration, supported by air, with UK and French troops working side by side on Salisbury Plain, attack helicopters, close air support and the mock seizure of a village by mechanized infantry.
“The national security interests of the UK and France are more aligned now than ever before” the MoD said in a press release.
“Both countries have made a commitment to enhance the long-term bilateral relationship envisaged by the Lancaster House treaties in 2010 in the face of global threats and an increasingly unstable world.
“CJEF is an early entry combined force capable of conducting non-enduring, complex intervention operations, facing multiple threats up to the highest intensity. It will be able to conduct offensive and defensive operations on land, in the air and at sea wherever UK and France national defence interests are aligned.”
The project has been developed through a series of exercises, undertaken each year to develop integrated specialist units, culminating in Exercise Griffin Strike 2016.
Griffin Strike 2016 exercise in numbers:
- 3,500 UK personnel
- 2,000 French personnel
- 5 UK ships
- 5 French ships
- 11 UK aircraft
- 10 French aircraft
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Charity
Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues
ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.
Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.
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