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Campaign planned to unseat Stephen Crabb MP

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POLITICAL activists from Pembrokeshire and across Wales are gathering ahead of an event which they say will be unprecedented day of political action against Stephen Crabb MP.

Guardian writer and television personality Owen Jones is currently making preparations to stage the event called  Unseat Stephen Crabb.

Organisers have that that the event is a day of mass doorstep canvassing and a major rally demonstration in Haverfordwest’s Castle Square at 3pm on Saturday, October 14.

The event is part of the wider campaign to unseat eight prominent Conservative MPs with narrow majorities, including Boris Johnson, Iain Duncan Smith and Amber Rudd. Former leadership hopeful Stephen Crabb’s 314 vote lead in Preseli Pembrokeshire looks set for a major challenge by a wave of concerted post-election activism this autumn, the campaign has said.

Organised by Labour campaign group Momentum, the day is billed to kick off with a canvassing training session led by Jones in Pembrokeshire College, followed by a wide-ranging door-to-door campaign across Haverfordwest, a headline rally in Castle Square at which attendance from Momentum across Wales and Bristol, the People’s Assembly against Austerity and left activists from several parties is expected, and concludes with a comedy and variety night in the Merlin Theatre organised by the Pembrokeshire People’s Assembly group at 6.30 pm.

Following on from a cross-party meeting of the People’s Assembly last month at which high-level representatives from Labour, the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats and Momentum came to an unprecedented agreement to cooperate directly in campaigning against the Conservative incumbent on the basis of a rejection of the government’s economic austerity program, the day’s events form part of a marked transition from previously passive post-electoral campaign policy to several parties, most notably Labour under Jeremy Corbyn, remaining in ‘permanent campaign mode’ indefinitely.

Speakers at the rally expected to be in attendance include Owen Jones; Stop the War Coalition co-founder Chris Nineham; Wales Green Party Leader Grenville Ham; Sue Pasternak of Women against State Pension Inequality; Karen Passmore of Disabled People against Cuts; Mark Evans of UNISON; local anti-bedroom tax and social justice campaigner Paul Rutherford; Swansea-based performers Poets on the Hill; and more.

Stevie Jones, local Momentum organiser, told The Herald: “A rally in Haverfordwest of this kind of magnitude feels like a new category of event entirely for the town, and the enthusiasm we have been getting on the street from the public has been even more amazing than I anticipated.

“It is capturing imagination at an incredible rate, and the mood on the ground in responses we’ve had to it really seem to point to constituents’ thoughts moving to reflect on how poorly the Tories have represented the concerns, needs and ambitions of Preseli Pembrokeshire versus how so many mainstream media outlets fail to examine their record with much real critical scrutiny at all—as well as how something so substantially better is on offer from Labour this time around.”

Dr Louise Tarbuck, Campaign Coordinator for Labour Party Solva and St Davids Branch, said: “The Momentum-Owen Jones rally in Haverfordwest is a really positive way to connect with the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Pembrokeshire is ready for change. The June 2017 reduction of Stephen Crabb’s large majority to just 314 showed people are ready for Labour to bring jobs, homes, investment and real hope to everyone, not just a few.”

“We came so close to unseating Stephen Crabb in the general election, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Labour Party supporters across the county. October 14 will be a great, historic day.”

Jim Scott, convenor of the local People’s Assembly branch, said: “We have been working towards this moment here in Pembrokeshire for many years; it is fantastic that it is all finally coming together.

“October 14 is going to be the most significant and important political demonstration that Pembrokeshire has ever seen.”

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Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

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SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

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Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

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ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

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Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

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ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

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