News

Art is George’s tribute to town

Published

11 years ago

October 8, 2013

A LIFE-sized Sunderland airman has stepped up for duty with the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust – courtesy of highly regarded Pembrokeshire artist and personality George Lewis. George, from Pembroke, has created the airman in full flying gear with a number of the famous flying boats as a backdrop. It was ‘unveiled’ at the recent Open Doors event at the town’s Dockyard Chapel and much admired by all who attended. Educated at Pembroke Dock Grammar School, George studied at Swansea College of Art and Swansea University, before teaching and lecturing for 36 years in art and design, latterly becoming a head teacher. Since retiring to Pembroke in 1991 George has immersed himself in the local community and was a tutor at the old Coronation Further Education Centre in Pembroke Dock for nine years. During that time he designed and researched two huge murals which were painted under his direction by mature students in his arts groups. The ‘Millennium Mural’ – 20 ft by 8 ft – is a remarkable montage telling the 200 year story of Pembroke Dock, while the ‘Garrison Town Mural’ depicts all the cap badges of regiments and corps which served at Pembroke Dock from 1814 to 1967. Both murals were on display at the Open Doors weekend in the Dockyard Chapel and plans are developing for them to again go on permanent view in the town. Along with wife Jeanne – herself a graduate teacher of art and design – George has created several other murals with examples in St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, and Monkton Priory Church Hall. The largest and most spectacular example of their work is in Pembroke Town Hall where over 200 foot of panelling fills the walls on two floors. The thoroughly researched pictures depict the story of Pembroke and local area from the Stone Age to the reign of Edward VII, in 1901-911. Commenting on his latest creation George said: “I have presented this to the Sunderland Trust as my tribute to the part the flying boats have played in the town’s history and in admiration of the work the Trust is doing to promote and record this important period of Royal Air Force history in west Wales.” George’s airman is now displayed in the Glass House Coffee Shop, part of the Trust’s visitor centre at the Fleet Surgeon’s House in the Royal Dockyard. The Centre and the Coffee Shop are open Tuesdays to Fridays inclusive, 10 am – 4 pm.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

12 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.