News

‘Identity of Pembrokeshire is crucial for survival’

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

THIS week a report published by the Williams commission recommended that councils in wales should merge.

Currently there are 22 councils in Wales, but the report wants to slash that to just 12. The amalgamation would see Pembrokeshire link up with Ceredigion. The last reorganisation came in 1996, but the report by former NHS Wales chief executive Paul Williams, focuses on how public services can be improved.

Councillor Peter Stock was among the campaigners to bring Pembrokeshire back on to the map in the 70s and he told the Herald:

“I firmly believe at the end of the day that the Williams report is taking a step backwards and we are reverting to what we know was a failed administration. People must not have short memories and they must look back to the Dyfed days and remember how Pembrokeshire lost out”.

Another option put forward was to merge Carmarthenshire with Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire to form a single local authority, but Councillor Stock does not want this to happen.

Cllr Stock continued:

“Dyfed was too big and too remote and we are now talking about situation of amalgamating with Ceredigion and even worse with Carmarthenshire as well. We will be looking at an administration that stretches from Angle to Aberystwyth. What worries me about the Williams report is that Welsh Government is trying to rush forward with these changes very fast without giving a chance for consultation and without giving the reasons as to why.

“I was involved in the fight to bring Pembrokeshire back onto the map from 1973. At that time we found that administration was all centred on Carmarthen to the detriment of Pembrokeshire. When David Hunt announced that Pembrokeshire was to come back as an administration he said that big was not always the best.

“There are times when small could be more efficient, and he believed that Pembrokeshire was one of those administration. Although things have not always been perfect, nothing is, but Pembrokeshire is as good as any administration in Wales. At the end of the day if something is not right, people have the opportunity to vote councillors out and elect new ones.

“The identity of Pembrokeshire is crucial for our survival. We are a tourism county. The name of Pembrokeshire is well known throughout the world and whatever happens in the future we need to keep the name Pembrokeshire.

“When Cardiganshire changed its name to Ceredigion it took years for people to realise where it was. I believe that many people felt after the change in name that they had made a mistake. There was, I believe, a detriment to businesses in the area”.

The report also recommends that the councils should be merged so that they lie within current health board and police force areas.

The report said that changes should be put in place “quickly and decisively”.

Business

RM Training and Security Solutions shortlisted for major UK festival industry awards

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Support service and supplier categories recognise Milford Haven firm’s work with outdoor events

RM TRAINING and Security Solutions Ltd has been shortlisted for two national honours at the Festival Supplier Awards 2026, placing the Pembrokeshire-based company among the top outdoor-event service providers in the UK.

The finalists were announced this week ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London. The annual event celebrates the teams and suppliers who deliver festivals and large-scale outdoor events across Britain.

RM Training and Security Solutions has been named a finalist in two categories — Best Support Service (Training) and Best Supplier — recognising its growing reputation for high-quality training provision, professional standards, and reliable on-the-ground event support.

Now in their eleventh year, the Festival Supplier Awards have become a staple of the industry calendar, providing a platform for companies to showcase innovation, specialist expertise and sector-leading achievements.

Event director Michelle Tayton said the standard of entries this year had been exceptional.

“Once again, we’ve been blown away by both the volume and calibre of entries for the Festival Supplier Awards,” she said. “Our finalists really highlight the creativity, capability and capacity that exists within the outdoor event industry. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself and RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has been recognised for its hard work and ability to deliver.”

Entries are judged by a panel of high-profile industry professionals, including representatives from Live Nation, IMG, London Marathon Events, CarFest, Engine No.4, Stable Events, and other major UK organisers.

The ceremony and gala dinner will take place in London on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Community

Saundersfoot lights up for Christmas as crowds gather to see Santa

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

Community

Christmas cheer as Young at Heart group fills Pembroke Town Hall

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.