News
Fferm Ffactor’s first female winner
NORTH WALES farmer Gwenno Pugh, the first female winner of the popular S4C series Fferm Ffactor with its prize of a new Isuzu D-Max Yukon 4×4, has driven the vehicle away with free insurance for a whole year – thanks to FUW Insurance.
“We’re pleased to be associated with Fferm Ffactor and Gwenno’s fantastic achievement and sponsoring the insurance on her new Isuzu is part of our determination to support young farmers across Wales,” said Farmers’ Union of Wales north Meirionnydd area officer Eirian Lloyd Hughes.
“Sponsoring the insurance on her new vehicle also gives us the chance to show that we can offer competitive insurance rates for all rural-based businesses.
“FUW Insurance is supported by a panel of specialist agriculture and commercial insurance companies and our field force of 32 area officers and management team work closely with farmers to make sure they have the cover needed to protect their businesses.
“Our staff understands the needs of the rural community and will be there when needed to give all our rural business customers a professional, locally-based service.”
Gwenno, 28, farms sheep, cattle and pigs with her husband Gwion on their farm in Talsarnau, near Harlech, and also helps her father, FUW member Selwyn Hughes, on his farm at Tyn Llan, Penmynydd, Anglesey.
She said: “I entered the competition just hoping to become the first female contestant to reach the final but to go the extra step and actually win was an unbelievable feeling.
“It was such a privilege to become the first woman to win Fferm Ffactor since the series began in 2009. I’m delighted with my new Isuzu and getting free insurance from FUW really is a wonderful bonus,” said Gwenno.
FUW member and Fferm Ffactor contestant Dylan Jones also won a new Yahama Grizzly 450 EPS ATV farm bike, a Logic OXR off-road trailer and – courtesy of FUW Insurance – a year’s worth of insurance following a quad race during the series.
Dylan, 42, a part-time farmer from Bodffordd, Anglesey, completed the course quicker than the remaining contestants at the halfway stage of the 2013 Fferm Ffactor series.
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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