Community
Launch of new supercomputing facility

A BRAND new supercomputing facility for Wales has been launched at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock.
The innovative facility from High Performance Computing (HPC) Wales will provide local access to the UK’s largest distributed supercomputing network along with the software, training and support to utilise it effectively. HPC Wales is a partnership between the Universities in Wales, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. It aims to boost the success of businesses and research, develop skills to enhance Wales’ knowledge economy, and speed up the delivery of new products and services, in order to improve competitive advantage. Professor Sian Hope, Chief Executive of HPC Wales, said: “We are thrilled to have officially opened our latest facility at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock. “The centre now houses one of 17 local access points that are being installed around Wales offering those with poor internet connection access to the network. “With the support of the local council and the college we anticipate that the site will foster collaborations between industry and academia and allow local businesses and academics to compete at a level previously unimaginable.” The HPC Wales Supercomputing launch event was run jointly with Pembrokeshire County Council – which owns and manages the BIC – and Pembrokeshire College. Councillor David Pugh, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism, said the Council was delighted to give 100% support to the exciting project that is now ‘part of the West Wales landscape’. “Having the HPC Wales facilities physically located in the Bridge Innovation Centre gives a new and quite unique opportunity for the huge contingency of small companies in West Wales to play on a new technology stage previously beyond their reach,” he said. “Partnership and collaboration are really important, and we are delighted to be working with our colleagues in Pembrokeshire College and alongside the HPC Wales Project in helping our young people to learn about and access technology that has not been available to them until now. “By learning these higher level skills, our young people are put in a strong position to exploit opportunities in high tech organisations, which puts them ahead of the competition.” David Thomas, Manager of the Bridge Innovation Centre, said; “Society is changing, and technology is changing at an ever increasing pace, it doesn’t ever seem to slow down. “High Performance Computing is making a massive difference in terms of design, modelling and bringing down the time to compute complex problems. “Having access to this new technology on our doorstep enables our businesses at the Bridge Innovation Centre to develop and grow in Pembrokeshire and to compete with much larger companies throughout the world.”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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