News

Haverfordwest: Over 150 people at anti-Tory rally in Castle Square

Published

6 years ago

November 19, 2019

PEMBROKESHIRE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY and Momentum West Wales held a rally on Saturday (Nov 16) on Castle Square, Haverfordwest which was themed ‘UnseatStephen Crabb The Sequel’ – following on from a similar rally last year. The plan, say organisers, was to raise awareness of the damage that has been done to society under ten years of Tory austerity and cuts and to ultimately Unseat both Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart at the General Election next month. There is a similar rally planned to take place on Guildhall Square, Carmarthen on Sunday (Nov 24) and organisers say that the Tory Free Zone Campaign is “already taking off and gaining much traction and support around the two counties.” The rally on Saturday was attended by around 150 people, and featured speakers from a wide variety of campaign groups and unions.

Protesters criticised Stephen Crabb, who tweeted on the day of the rally inferring that ‘Labour’ had bussed people in for the event.

Jim Scott, Convener of Pembrokeshire People’s Assembly commented: “Stephen should check his facts before making false claims about the events we are putting to Unseat him, It’s encouraging to know that he’s’rattled’ by what we are doing here, and of course he will be very rattled, as his 314 vote margin is likely to be lost altogether on December 12 so he must be very nervous in the knowledge that he’s likely to lose his seat. However, Labour were not the organisers of the event and didn’t ‘bus’ anyone in. A handful of people came from Swansea to support the rally, two of whom were official speakers for the rally, when you think about it though. this is more of an indictment on Crabb’s record as an MP. The very fact he is vehemently disliked by so many people in West Wales that some are willing to travel from s far as Swansea says far more about ‘him’ and his Party of austerity than it does about ‘us’, but then we wouldn’t expect Stephen to understand the concept of people supporting each other in struggle, that would be anathema to his thinking and his Party of the super-rich! ” Stevie Jones, Secretary for Momentum West Wales said before the tally: “In 2017, the Unseat Campaign, working together with activists across the People’s Assembly and broader left levelled the biggest rally against neighbouring Tory Stephen Crabb since the Suffragettes came to West Wales! Labour are rising hour by hour in the polls at a rate that is now unstoppable.

“Simon Hart’s majority stands at just 3,110, and Labour gained a massive 5,089votes in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire in the last election. We knowwe can unseat him on 12th December and this starts with starts with peopletalking in their workplaces, around kitchen tables, online and to friends,family to get the message out there that Labour can and will win.

“But that’s not where it ends. “Momentum, who started a mass canvassing movement so huge that it won6,865 new votes with an epic 150-person door-knocking team to unseat Byron Davies in the Gower for Labour in 2017, has been growing in West Wales since2017, and we are ready.”

Berry Daines who was the Green Party candidate who stood down in order to back Marc Tierney said:”I was pleased to support the Unseat Crabb rally in Haverfordwest. Pembrokeshire has parliamentary representatives who choose to vote against the interests and well-being of their constituents. It was good to spend the afternoon with friends who are looking forward to voting for candidates who are willing to consider far greener policies.” Cerith Griffiths – Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Executive Council Member for Wales said: “I don’t think it can be understated how important this rally was given we’re about a month away from one of the most pivotal elections of our time. In terms of the fire & rescue service and during this decade or so of austerity, we’ve seen 10’s of fire stations close, dozens of fire appliances removed from service and we see 12,000 fewer firefighters keeping us safe day and night. Statistics released earlier this week show that the number of fires we attend has increased and the number of people dying from fire has also increased. Investment is desperately needed in the fire & rescue service and we simply cannot afford another five years of Tory ideology.’

Nimisha Trivedi – Stand Up to Racism Wales said: “It was important tosupport the rally as during this election, anti-immigration and anti-migrant policies are going to be pushed by the government and others to continue pushing their hostile racist agenda. “It is crucial that all anti racists challenge this and defend the right of refugees, migrants and freedom of movement. Matthew Shepherd – Communications Officer for Swansea Council Unison said:“I supported this inspiring event in a personal capacity because all workers in the public and private sector have been hammered by the Tories. We need strong and fighting unions to keep our rights – and a radical Labour government to roll back the attacks on our lives inflicted by Tory austerity. A great event and let’s make Wales Tory-free!” Moira Jenkins – Pembrokeshire WASPI said: “It was inspiring and humbling to represent Pembrokeshire WASPI and be part of such an amazing event that brought the community together with a common goal.

Philippa Thompson, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire, who spoke at the rally added: “I believe in equality,fairness and social justice.Austerity – the cuts to our public services – has been a political choice and many people here in this Pembrokeshire have faced hardship because of this Tory choice. Families, working families, should not need to rely on foodbanks – local charities to an amazing job helping people in incredibly difficult circumstances. “I’ve met families whose lives have been put under intolerable stress through the process around payments to people unable to work because of illness or disability. It’s been reported in the news only recently that four in five appeals in Wales against UK Tory Government decisions to deny people disability benefits succeeded. What an inhumane system that is. “The Welsh budget has been consistently cut by the Tories. That impacts on the levers available to the Welsh Government to invest in our public services. I’m standing for the Labour Party because I believe a Labour Government will invest in our country to bring about real change”.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

57 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

News

Late Griffiths strike caps dramatic Clarby fightback in nine-goal thriller

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Herald Sport

CLARBESTON ROAD staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Pennar Robins in a breathless Division One contest that delivered nine goals, wild swings of momentum and a hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing.

Despite falling behind on three separate occasions, Clarby showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a 5–4 victory, sealed late on by Emyr Griffiths after the hosts had earlier trailed 3–1 in the first half.

For Pennar, the result was a bitter one. Jack Jones struck three times and the Robins led at 1–0, 3–1 and 4–3, but each advantage slipped away as Clarby refused to lie down.

The opening exchanges hinted at little of what was to come. Ben ‘Rocky’ John tested Pennar goalkeeper Ryeley Clark early on, while Tom Davies dragged an effort wide at the other end. The game burst into life after nine minutes when Pennar opened the scoring following a slick team move. Nicholas Willis drove forward down the right, combined neatly with Kieran Smith and Noah Davison, and was tripped inside the box. Jack Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Clarby responded almost immediately. Player-manager Matthew Ellis, keen to atone for conceding the penalty, rose to head home Travis Jones’ corner at the near post just two minutes later.

Pennar regained control midway through the half. Tom Grimwood’s curling corner was met by Jones, who nodded in at the back post, and moments later the same duo combined again as Jones completed his hat-trick, finishing from close range after Grimwood beat his marker and cut the ball back.

Crucially, Clarby struck back before the break. Matthew Bowen delivered an inviting cross from the left and John powered a header past Clark to give the hosts renewed belief heading into half-time.

With the wind at their backs, Clarby came out flying after the restart. John levelled matters by cutting inside and firing low into the corner, before sustained pressure saw Matthew Davies have a goal ruled out for offside and substitute Josh Woods flash a shot across goal.

Against the run of play, Pennar edged back in front on 69 minutes when substitutes combined — Adam Phillips delivering a cross that Conner Phillips met unmarked to head home.

Once again, Clarby refused to fold. Jack Ashman drove forward from the edge of the area and thundered a high finish into the net to make it 4–4, before the decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Griffiths broke through the Pennar back line and showed composure to lift the ball beyond Clark, completing a stunning turnaround.

Clarby managed the closing stages well to see out a vital win ahead of the Christmas break.

Man of the match: Jack Jones
Despite ending on the losing side, Jones’ clinical finishing and constant threat were impossible to ignore. Kieran Smith and Noah Davison were also influential in Pennar’s first-half dominance, while Ben John was central to Clarby’s revival before limping off with a knee issue.

Clarby player-manager Matthew Ellis said: “It’s a huge three points. After nine goals your head’s spinning a bit, but you’ll take it when you’re on the right side of the result. Pennar caused us problems early on, but we really turned it around after the break.”

Pennar manager Craig Butland said: “The second half wasn’t good enough. Individual errors are hurting us and conceding just before half-time changed the momentum. We’ve got to see games out better.”

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell, Matthew Bowen, Greg Brown, Matthew Griffiths, Samuel Hurton, Jack Ashman, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (capt), Matthew Ellis, Ben John (Jake Wesley 62), Travis Jones. Sub not used: Joseph Jones.

Pennar Robins: Ryeley Clark, Nick Willis (Ryan Walters 80), Alex Wheeler (Adam Phillips 53), Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones (Conner Willis 53), Connor Roberts, Tom Grimwood, Kieran Smith (capt), Noah Davison, Jack Jones, Toby Davies.

Referee: Stefan Jenkins.