News

30th Playday attracts over 1,000 to Scolton Manor

Published

9 years ago

August 7, 2017

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PEMBROKESHIRE celebrated 30 years of the national Playday in style with approximately one thousand visitors to a family play event at Scolton Manor, with lots of free, fun activities for all ages.

After a wet start, the weather brightened up and children enjoyed jiving to live Samba music from Samba Doc, and taking part in a procession around the grounds.

They learnt circus skills, played hide and seek in the woods, cooked marshmallows over campfires, painted their parents’ faces, and much more – including creating ‘sock noodles’ and playing in an sunflower maze in the walled garden created from the planting of 10,000 sunflower seeds.

Playday was co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council and supported by community organisations and groups from all over the County who offered activities – plus plenty of ideas for low-cost or free things for families to do at home or outdoors.

Organiser Damian Golden said: I would like to thank each of the activity providers for again volunteering their time and providing a myriad of amazing activities for all of the families who came along and had fun. I’d also like to thank the six young volunteers who didn’t stop all day.

“The feedback has been fantastic with parents and children telling us what a brilliant time they had. It was a wonderful way to celebrate this year’s 30th anniversary Playday event. Here’s to another wonderful 30 years!”

Cllr David Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Education, said it was a ‘remarkable event’.

He said: “Although it was affected by the rain at the beginning of day, the enthusiasm of the volunteers overcame that, and the children obviously loved the event. The range of activities was wonderful.”

He added: “I really want to say thank you to all those who pulled it together. Their commitment and generosity of spirit were admirable.”

Cllr Lloyd added that he represented Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Children’s Services at the event, who offered her apologies as she was unable to attend.

Jeanette Clark, Chair of Pembrokeshire Play Partnership, added that it was wonderful to see so many families having such a good time and extended thanks to all who contributed to making the day a success.

Damian Golden said he was grateful to local businesses Grahams, Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons, and Haverfordwest Plumbing for contributing resources.

Playday is intended to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. To celebrate Playday, children, young people and communities get together and play at hundreds of community events across the UK.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

6 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.