News
An evening with Andy Powell in Neyland
FORMER Welsh international Andy Powell was guest speaker at Neyland Athletic Club on Friday night (Apr 27) offering an insight into one of the great characters of Rugby Union.
The event, attended by over 70 people, was organised by Jason Morgan, and hosted by Phil Howe; the comedian and actor with roles in Hollyoaks, Casualty and Eastenders. After his routine, Howe proceeded to interview Powell about his life, coaxing many anecdotes out of the 23 cap international known for his colourful career. Powell, 36, was selected for the 2009 tour to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions, as well as featuring for the Barbarians in their 2009 victory over the All Blacks. He represented ten different clubs in his Union career, as well as having spells with Wigan and South Wales Scorpions in Rugby League.
Powell told The Herald of his admiration for the Scarlets, as well as the West Wales side’s coaching staff, backing them to take over from Warren Gatland after the 2019 World Cup.
He said: “Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones encourage their players to take their chances and back themselves.”
When asked of the success of the Wales Deaf side in Australia, lifting the Sevens World Cup after beating England in the final last week, Powell described it as: “a special moment. Going out there and beating England, they’ll always remember that.”
Powell is now coaching hometown club Brecon RFC in Swalec National League Division One East, set for a top three finish.
He spoke of his ambitions: “I’m there for the next two years, I’ve told them that, then I’ll look to move on, maybe abroad. I believe I can coach at the highest level.”
Powell felt the fact that he was ‘very hard to manage’ as a player gives him the insight needed to motivate individuals.
Regarding his reputation as a character, Powell said: “I was a little bit wild but got away with it, the story of my career until the M4.”
Of course talk soon turned to the infamous incident in 2010, when after the last gasp victory over Scotland, many Wales players went out for celebratory drinks. One thing led to another and Powell was arrested driving a golf buggy down the M4. Powell described the event as ‘costing him 20 caps’.
The evening is a continuation of famous faces acting as guest speakers in Neyland, after referee Nigel Owens spoke in January, whilst former All Black Zinzan Brook and Welsh international Rupert Moon visited last year.
The night also had a sports auction, with memorabilia such as signed prints and shirts sold, with the profits going to Neyland clubhouse. The event carried on well into the night, fitting for one of Welsh rugby’s great characters.
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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