News

Prince Charles visits Pembrokeshire to celebrate landmark birthday of The Church in Wales

Published

5 years ago

July 9, 2021

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS The Prince of Wales attended a service for the centenary of the Church in Wales at St Davids Cathedral on Thursday (Jul 8).

Clarence House confirmed that HRH Prince Charles arrived at the cathedral to be greeted by Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards, who then introduced him to the Dean of St Davids; The Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones LVO OBE, Sub-Dean of St Davids; Revd Canon Leigh Richardson, and the Senior Bishop of the Church in Wales; The Rt Revd Andy John.

Prince Charles said he was interested to learn about the creation of Erw Dewi – Dewi’s Acre, the Cathedral’s community garden and meet with leaders of the project.

His Royal Highness also joined a reception in the Cloister Garth where he was introduced to members of the cathedral and local communities.

Residents were thrilled to catch a glimpse of His Royal Highness

Around 100 years ago, Church in Wales became an independent part of the Anglican Communion after centuries of being part of the Church of England. The process was known as ‘disestablishment’ as it broke the link between Welsh churches and the state with the historic Welsh Church Act.

As part of his summer tour of the country, The Prince of Wales then went on to St Brynach’s Church in Nevern and ended his visit at St Martin of Tours Church, Haverfordwest.

St Martin of Tours Church is the oldest Church in Pembrokeshire, founded in 1120.

Met by Father Neil Cook, High Royal Highness went on to tour the Church and it’s grounds.

Residents in the vicinity were thrilled to catch a glimpse of The Prince of Wales from their doorsteps while he met with church groups and local organisations at the Church Hall a short walk away.

The Prince of Wales met with several local organisations during his tour including Pembrokeshire Blind Society, local drama groups and Girlguides.

The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, said, “We will be celebrating this landmark birthday throughout the year in churches and communities across Wales, and I invite everyone to join in giving thanks and praise for the fellowship we have shared over the years and, at the same time committing to a future renewed with hope and confidence.”

The Provincial Secretary, Simon Lloyd, said, “The Church in Wales is involved in community life in all parts of Wales – in cities, towns, villages and hamlets, in both of our languages, amongst people of all ages. We welcome everyone. The centenary is an opportunity to share our story and our life together with our friends, our neighbours and our nation.”

His Royal Highness will continue his final day of his tour of the country today (Jul 9).

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.