News
Cragen calling for clean seas during Pembrokeshire visit
THE MYTHICAL Cragen is set to visit the shores of Pembrokeshire with a message to clean the seas.
Visitors to Tenby, Stackpole and Goodwick will have a chance to catch a glimpse of Small World Theatre’s new mythological monster, which will appear along Wales’ epic coastline throughout the summer during the Year of the Sea.
Last Friday (Jul 20) Aberporth witnessed the first sighting of the Cragen off the Ceredigion coast, as hundreds participated in a beach clean, before the 20 metre long sea monster emerged with the message to keep the waters clean.
Cardigan-based Small World Theatre created the giant sea-faring puppet. The theatre company, established in 1996, is excited about touring its latest giant in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Isle of Anglesey and Conwy, encouraging people to explore Visit Wales’ newly launched ‘The Wales Way’.
The Wales Way is a new family of three national routes that will lead visitors into the heart of real Wales. The Coastal Way travels the west coast around Cardigan Bay, a 180-mile road-trip between the sea and mountains. The Cambrian Way crosses the spine of Wales for 185 miles between Llandudno and Cardiff. The North Wales Way leads 75 miles into the island of Anglesey.
There are many accounts of sea monsters during ‘The Age of Exploration’ when European explorers sailed into uncharted waters. Their appearances were often thought to be prophetic, the harbingers of doom and disaster, or portents of great change.
Cragen is inspired by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner’s illustrated book published more than 460 years ago, and held at the Roderic Bowen Research Centre, University Wales Trinity Saint David.
Members of the public are invited to visit Cragen performances between July – December and participate in activities and events alongside the Wales-wide tour, including The Wildlife Trusts ‘Sea Wales 7D’ Augmented Reality Roadshow (where you can learn about some of the incredible marine wildlife that calls Wales home), beach cleans organised by Keep Wales Tidy and National Trust Wales and family activities galore organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and others.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Lord-Elis Thomas said: “The Year of the Sea gives us an excellent opportunity to show our fantastic coastline to the world. From our 50 islands, our 230 beaches with more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in Britain – to our world-first 870mile long Wales Coast Path.
“However, it also gives us a platform to raise awareness of the need to care for our environment – and the impact our activities can have on our seas and coastline. The Welsh Government is committed to reducing the use of single use plastics, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this innovative project by the Small World Theatre. Cragen will help raise awareness of the impact of single use plastics and the backdrop of our amazing coastline will be a reminder of the beauty that needs to be kept for future generations.”
The project received funding via the Tourism Product Innovation Fund (TPIF) and is supported through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government; the Fund aims to encourage new innovative product ideas working in partnership which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.
The Cragen will be at Tenby North Beach on July 27, Stackpole Quay on August 3 and The Parrog in Goodwick on August 17.
Follow Cragen’s travels online cleanseascragen.wales and share your ‘sighting’ on social media using the hashtags #cleanseascragen #findyourepic #cleanseas.
Crime
Neighbourhood Watch director questioned over blue lights use claim
A ROUTINE night supporting local communities turned unexpectedly dramatic for Ajay Owen, the Director and Chair of Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch, after he was pulled over by police twice on Tuesday evening last week (Nov 19).
Ajay, who was assisting residents across North Ceredigion and Western Powys during freezing conditions, was first stopped in Aberystwyth. Dyfed-Powys Police had received a report falsely alleging he was using illegal blue lights to stop drivers.
Cooperating fully with officers, Ajay allowed them to inspect his vehicle, where they confirmed no blue lights were installed. He explained that he uses legal magnetic amber lights, which are removed when not in use. Officers described the check as the “easiest” they had ever conducted, with Ajay even assisting in the inspection. Reassured, the officers thanked him for his community work and allowed him to continue.
However, hours later, Ajay was stopped again, this time near Cardigan, by a separate team of traffic officers investigating the same allegation. After explaining the earlier stop, the officers apologised and allowed him to proceed without issue.
Ajay praised the professionalism and empathy of the officers involved in both incidents, despite the false reports that triggered the stops. Following the events, he filed an official report requesting an investigation into the malicious calls.
The police would not comment on the specific stops but said in a general statement: “Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.
“Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
“We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.”
Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch reminded volunteers no Neighbourhood Watch member, Coordinator, or Deputy is permitted to use blue lights under any circumstances.
“Any breaches of this policy will be reported to the police”, they said.
News
Woman rescued from remote Pembrokeshire beach after serious injury
A WOMAN has been rescued from Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach in Pembrokeshire after suffering a serious open fracture to her femur.
Emergency services were called to the remote beach yesterday (Nov 25) following reports of the injury, which involved the bone puncturing through the skin.
Wales Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard, an ambulance, and a paramedic car were dispatched to assist the casualty.
Due to the severity of the injury, the air ambulance, carrying a doctor, landed in the caravan field behind the beach. The woman was treated at the scene before being stabilised.
She was subsequently transported to Withybush Hospital by land ambulance for further care.
Business
Roch Castle wins awards at the Historic Hotels of Europe ceremony in Prague
ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is proud to announce its recent wins at the Historic Hotels of
Europe Awards, held in the heart of Prague.
Adelle and Johanna, representing Roch Castle, accepted two distinguished accolades for the entire team: Historic Eco Hotel of the Year and the Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year.
The Historic Eco Hotel of the Year award recognises Roch Castle’s dedication to sustainable
hospitality, a core value shared by staff and visitors.
This award celebrates the castle’s eco-friendly practices and commitment to preserving the environment while offering a luxury
experience steeped in history.
The Silver Award for Historic Castle Hotel of the Year also honours Roch Castle’s unique ability to provide guests with an unforgettable stay in an authentic and beautifully restored 12th-century castle.
The management gave a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported Roch Castle and voted in the awards.
Special recognition is due to our exceptional team, whose hard work and dedication
made these achievements possible.
For more details on Roch Castle or to experience this award-winning destination for yourself,
visit our website at www.rochcastle.com, email [email protected] or call 01437 725 566.
-
Business5 days ago
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
-
Community6 days ago
Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!
-
News6 days ago
A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family
-
Business2 days ago
Plans unveiled for new fitness hub in Charles Street
-
Crime2 days ago
Pembroke Dock woman in court for failing to remove rubbish from property
-
News7 days ago
Dog-free zones make outdoor spaces ‘anti-racist,’ Welsh government told
-
News5 days ago
Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash
-
News3 days ago
Teenager’s death not linked to bullying or social media, says coroner