News

Local couple ‘survived Hurricane Irma’ [VIDEO]

Published

7 years ago

September 11, 2017

A LLECHRYD man who booked a dream holiday for his wife’s 50th birthday found himself in the middle of Hurricane Irma.

Anthony Jones had a holiday booked in Cuba as a present for his wife, but when news of the hurricane first caught his attention he never imagined he would end up in the middle of it.

His dramatic videos shows the Cuban neighbourhood during the storm:

Speaking to the Herald, Mr Jones said: “We booked Cuba for my wife’s 50th birthday. We’d heard the day before leaving that there was a hurricane in the Caribbean but never thought it would hit us. We arrived on Monday and by Wednesday we were on hurricane alert.”

As it became more apparent that the hurricane was going to directly over their hotel, things started to get more serious.

Mr Jones told us: “On Thursday we had a hurricane meeting with the reps. It was then became reality – it was hitting us on Thursday night, into Friday morning.

“We were told the bar would close at 9 and no alcohol would be served after that until the Cuban government states it’s far enough away, in case it came back.

“We were then told to stay in our rooms until it passed, the bathroom being the safest place. The staff were really good and looked after us by bringing us food and drinks.

“It was a really frightening experience which I hope we don’t have to ever go through again.”

Mr Jones recorded footage of the aftermath:

He concluded: “Luckily nobody was hurt but the resort was in a state the following morning with trees down and a few roofs missing but the clear up is now underway.”

Mr Jones’ dramatic videos show how the 250kph windows hammered Cuba. He told us the entire experience was ‘pretty scary’.

On Facebook, he posted a update stating ‘We survived Hurricane Irma’ to reassure friends and family.

Hurricane Irma has since moved across Florida in the United States. Six million homes – 62% of the entire state – are without power. In the islands of the Florida Keys, officials have warned of a ‘humanitarian crisis’.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

15 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

16 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.