News
Castlemartin tank blast rescuers recognised for their bravery
TWO soldiers who helped rescue colleagues from a burning tank after a blast killed two others have been recognised for their bravery.
Staff Sergeant Stuart Griffiths and Corporal Saimone Qasenivalu received Gallantry Medals from the Queen on Friday (Oct 25).
Cpl Matthew Hatfield and Cpl Darren Neilson died in 2017 during an exercise at Pembrokshire’s Castlemartin Range.
An inquest last year blamed a flaw in the tank for the blast.
Warrant Officer Stuart Lawson and Trooper Michael Warren were both injured but survived after being saved by the two members of the Royal Tank Regiment.
They were presented with the medals at a special royal investiture at Windsor Castle.
At the time of learning they were to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, Corporal Qasenivalu and Sergeant Griffiths said: “Whilst we are humbled and moved to be recognised, we will never forget our colleagues who were lost in this tragedy. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends.”
Sergeant Griffiths was commended for his “unreserved compassion and conspicuous courage in the face of extreme danger”.
The citation stated: “Despite the hissing noise coming from inside the turret and the presence of seven highly explosive bag charges and ammunition, he jumped inside to do all he could to save the trapped crew.”
The man in the gunner’s seat and the tank operator, who was lying on the floor, were “severely burnt and had suffered serious injuries”.
Sergeant Griffiths stayed with the man in the gunner’s seat for 30 minutes until he was lifted, still unconscious, from the tank, and then for a further two hours while paramedics administered life-saving first aid.
Corporal Qasenivalu “fought the acrid smoke and lack of oxygen inside the turret to reach the unresponsive operator”.


Community
Lydstep Haven swimming warning lifted after sewerage repairs
BATHERS have been told they can return to the water at Lydstep Haven after warnings linked to a pollution incident were lifted.
Pembrokeshire County Council had advised people not to swim at the beach after an “abnormal situation” was declared earlier this month over concerns about bathing water quality.
Natural Resources Wales has now confirmed that the status has been lifted following repair works to a private sewerage system.
Water samples taken in the days after the repairs indicated that the bathing water was no longer being affected.
Signage warning people not to swim will now be removed by the council.
An NRW spokesperson said: “The ‘abnormal situation’ status at Lydstep Haven beach in Pembrokeshire has been lifted by Natural Resources Wales.
“The lifting of this status means that Pembrokeshire County Council is no longer advising people not to swim at Lydstep Haven.
“The private operator has carried out repair works to their sewerage system and results from several water samples taken indicate the bathing water is no longer being impacted.
“NRW is continuing its investigation into any possible regulatory breaches.”
Community
Safe Haven Homeless breakfast raises more than £170 in Whitland
A FUNDRAISING breakfast held at The Station House pub in Whitland has raised more than £170 for Safe Haven Homeless CIC.
The event saw supporters gather at the pub, where landlord Mike provided a dedicated area for the organisation to display leaflets and posters, sell mugs, and explain more about its plans.
Collection tins were placed on each table and organisers said several generous donations were made during the morning.
Safe Haven Homeless CIC is being set up to provide a safe location, together with a wider support package, for homeless people who are desperate to get their lives back on track.
Organisers said the money raised would go towards the group’s work and help demonstrate to grant funders that the organisation is able to raise support locally.
A spokesperson said: “We intend to fund our initial start-up costs from grant funding, and by holding events like this we show grant funders that we are capable of raising funds ourselves.”
Safe Haven Homeless is also in the process of having a website built, which is expected to include a donations portal. The front page is currently live at www.safe-haven-homeless.org.uk, with OROGO Advertising working on the full site.
Photos:
Dave, founder and general manager, with his wife Lynne; director Steve Cox; supporters at the breakfast; the display area; and The Station House, Whitland.






Business
Cardigan bakery named among best in UK
A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.
Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.
The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.
“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.
“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”
The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.
Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.
Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.
For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.
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