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Goodwick Band celebrates musical successes

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Delighted with their achievement: Phoenix Brass players stand on the steps of Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall

Delighted with their achievement: Phoenix Brass players stand on the steps of Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall

THERE WERE celebrations all around when Goodwick Brass Band managed to get two entries in the Welsh Regional contests of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain on March 19 and 20.

In what was only their second appearance in the Welsh Regionals, which were held at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, the comparatively new Phoenix Brass won the Fourth Section title and with it the chance to compete in the national finals which will take place in Cheltenham in September.

This victory set the band in the mood for success for the rest of the day, with an outstanding performance carried out by the senior band later in the afternoon when they took on Wales’ top bands in the regional finals for the first time.

Up against a Championship line-up that included the world’s top two bands in Cory and Tredegarm Goodwick gained an admirable sixth place.

Principal corner player for the senior band, Luke Jenkins was also the composer for Phoenix Brass in the championships for the first time this year and was in high spirits following the band’s fantastic performance.

He said: “This is great reward for all the players’ hard work and enthusiasm. We have had relatively few chances to rehearse but everyone was at the top of their game and we all enjoyed playing the test piece ‘The Journal of Phileas Fogg’ by Peter Graham.”

Featuring players from all over Pembrokeshire, the Phoenix Band managed to win the Welsh Regional Challenge Tribute and £200, and one of their percussionists, nine-year-old Sam Howell, won the prize for the youngest performer in the Fourth Section.

Goodwick’s challenge for one of the top three Championship places, which would have earned them a place in the national finals at the Royal Albert Hall later in the year, was led by conductor Matthew Jenkins.

Performing the complex and challenging piece ‘Cambridge Variations’ by Philip Sparke, adjudicator Dr Robert Childs stated that Goodwick produced a “well-shaped performance, always musically interesting.” He also praised the beautiful tones of flugel soloist Ffion Haf Williams and cornet soloist Luke Jenkins.

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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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