News
Free swimming sessions for kids and older people
The Welsh Government is changing the way it funds free swimming in Wales with the objective of ‘enhancing opportunities for those from deprived areas and those facing the biggest barriers to participation’.
Free swimming will continue to be available to over 60s and those under 16 however there are going to be changes.
Under 16’s
Under the new scheme there will be a free sessions every weekend in every swimming pool in Pembrokeshire throughout the year for those 16 and under.
Adults attending with their children during the designated weekend free swimming session will be eligible for a discounted rate.
Those registered for Pembrokeshire Leisure’s Passport to Leisure – those in receipt of benefits – will be eligible to free swimming during all school holidays.
An annual swim membership for public swimming will be available to all children aged 16 and under for £25/year.
Over 60’s
For those 60 and over there will be a free session available every Monday in all facilities throughout Pembrokeshire.
Those in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee will be eligible for free swimming at all public swimming sessions.
There will continue be a discounted rate for over 60’s Aquatic Classes & Public Swimming from Tuesday to Sunday.
A six month swim membership, providing access to all public swimming sessions, will be available to over 60’s for £25.
Councillor Paul Miller, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “We fully recognise the value that swimming can and does play in the health and wellbeing of everyone.
“The young and not so young across Pembrokeshire make excellent use of our swimming pools and we want everyone to continue to do so in a manner that is affordable to them.
“Through its review, Welsh Government has reduced its free swimming funding throughout Wales by 50%. As a means of addressing the newly identified priorities of the initiative we have tried to react to those, in line with the reduction in funding, by trying to make sure that no-one who’s under 16 or over 60 is prevented from swimming because of the costs.
“The changes are due to take effect from October 2019 and we’ll be carefully monitoring the impact of these changes on swimmer numbers.”
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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