Community
National Trust pops up again
DINEFWR ESTATE has opened a pop-up catering unit in the old slaughter house within the Dinefwr parkland.
After the success of the pop-up shop in Llandeilo town centre, the team has converted their old slaughter house from an outdoor classroom to a dog friendly parkland café.
The Castle Walk Cafe is on route to the network of popular estate walks that includes the Bogwood Boardwalk, Castles and Princes audio trail, the Millpond and Wet Meadows. It offers welcome refreshments for park users whilst the Newton House Tearooms are under refurbishment.
The Castle Walk Cafe opened on March 16 and is enjoying lots of favorable comments from visitors.
If its success continues, the trust has stated that they would like to see this catering outlet remaining open throughout the year.
The tearooms at Newton House will re-open on Monday March 29 ready for the busy Easter weekend where families flock to Dinefwr for their annual Easter Egg trails in partnership with Cadburys.
For information on events at Dinefwr, visit the National Trust website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dinefwr .
Community
St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).
The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.
A legacy of faith and unity
St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.
Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”
These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.
A symbolic exchange
The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.
Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”
The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.
Community
Firefighters to rally against shift changes in Mid and West Wales

FIREFIGHTERS across Mid and West Wales are set to stage a rally in protest against changes to their working patterns, with concerns raised over the impact on work-life balance and mental wellbeing.
The demonstration, organised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), will take place at 9:30 am on Monday, March 24, 2025, outside the headquarters of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Lime Grove Avenue, Carmarthen.
The union has criticised senior management for pushing through a transition to 12-hour shifts, arguing that the change is being forced upon frontline staff without proper consultation. The FBU claims the new shift pattern will be particularly damaging to firefighters with caring responsibilities and could negatively affect both mental and physical health.
A spokesperson for the FBU said: “There is no justification for these changes. Senior managers are refusing to listen to the valid concerns of firefighters, who are already working in a high-pressure environment. This decision will make it even harder for them to balance their personal and professional lives.”
Around 80 firefighters are expected to attend the rally, with FBU officials also present. The event will provide opportunities for media coverage, including interviews, photographs, and filming.
The dispute over shift patterns comes amid wider concerns about resources and working conditions within fire services across Wales. The Herald understands that tensions have been growing between staff and management over what many see as a disregard for frontline workers’ welfare.
A response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been sought.
The rally is expected to draw significant attention, with firefighters standing united against what they see as an unjustified overhaul of their working hours.
Community
Lucky escape for sleeping showmen as fairground lorry catches fire

A FIRE broke out in the cab of an articulated lorry at Pembroke Fair in the early hours of Sunday (Mar 16), prompting a call-out for Pembroke Dock firefighters.
Showmen sleeping in their caravans at the Commons had a lucky escape when their generator truck caught fire in the middle of the night. By the time the alarm was raised, the vehicle was already well alight.
Thanks to the swift actions of those at the scene, the blaze did not spread to nearby caravans—a potentially deadly situation due to the presence of sleeping occupants and Calor Gas bottles used for heating and cooking.
The incident occurred near Commons Road, Pembroke, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) receiving the call at 2:42am.
A MAWWFRS spokesperson said: “The crew responded to a vehicle fire involving the cab of an articulated lorry.
“The main fire was out on the crew’s arrival, and firefighters used one hose reel jet to dampen down the area. A thermal imaging camera was deployed to check for remaining hot spots.
“Safety information and guidance were given to the vehicle’s driver.
“The crew left the scene at 3:18am.”
No injuries were reported.
(Pic: File image)
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