Community
Huge crowds in Saundersfoot for fantastic weekend of music and celebrations

THE QUEEN’S Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Saundersfoot were successfully concluded yesterday with a charity band evening. There was a great buzz in the village’s cafes and businesses during the day as momentum built towards the main event. Wogan Terrace was closed for a few hours to allow a large crowd to gather safely and enjoy the festivities.
Rocking Rod started events at the Captain’s Table, followed by the entertainment at Wogan Terrace with the Royal Oak, Harbwr Bar and Foam (The Hean) working together. Both the Twist and Daz were class acts, much appreciated by the crowd. Popular local bands Footbridge and Sleeping Dogs also performed to help make this event a huge success.
It proved to be a successful evening with the large crowd certainly getting into the spirit of the event. The curtain was brought down with local legend Butch playing to a packed Old Chemist Inn. Of course, no village event would be complete without Wally Marr’s unique rendition of “You’ll never walk alone”.
With a heavy downpour in the morning we were all nervous, but our prayers were answered. Apart from one very brief shower the sun shone on all the proceedings. The behaviour of those attending was absolutely impeccable throughout the whole day.

There are so many people to thank, including Marc Owen of PCC for his assistance in the road closure application and Ben for the professional traffic management system which ensured that the village remained accessible throughout. Thanks also to Paul of Scaffold 2000 who kindly donated the stage for the event and John from Tazrock for providing the raffle prizes and John from Tazrock (the specialist crushing and screening company) for providing the raffle prizes – which included tickets to Wales vs New Zealand and Wales vs Australia in the Autumn Internationals at Cardiff Principality Stadium and two tickets to a Manchester United home game at Old Trafford. Thanks also to Nick Pudsey who filmed the event from the roof of Foam.
An event of this size couldn’t be managed without the professionalism of the bar staff, glass collectors, the many marshals and raffle ticket sellers; including Rod, the Chief Marshal. The volunteers were fed throughout the day by Mike and Ross at the Harbwr Bar, a special ‘thank you’ to them.

A sincere thank you was given by organisers to all the local residents, especially those on Wogan Terrace, who fully supported our efforts. The wristband system definitely seemed to work and this enabled us to keep a count of the immense numbers that filled the area.
Some people were happy to just purchase a band to support our worthwhile charities and causes, a very generous gesture so thank you to them.
Councillor Chris Williams said “Following on from last year’s event, I feel that Saundersfoot is more than capable of getting people together to support music around the village over a weekend next year. We should be able to cater for everyone’s taste in music and, hopefully, use the amazing facilities at the Regency Hall and the Decking on Saundersfoot Harbour. The music event is yet another great example of the community spirit we have in Saundersfoot.”
The charities and causes to benefit are Cancer Research (Saundersfoot Branch), Guide Dogs (Saundersfoot & Tenby Branch), Dementia UK, Saundersfoot in Bloom, Saundersfoot Sailing Club and Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club.
Community
St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).
The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.
A legacy of faith and unity
St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.
Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:
“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”
These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.
A symbolic exchange
The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.
Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”
The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.
Community
Firefighters to rally against shift changes in Mid and West Wales

FIREFIGHTERS across Mid and West Wales are set to stage a rally in protest against changes to their working patterns, with concerns raised over the impact on work-life balance and mental wellbeing.
The demonstration, organised by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), will take place at 9:30 am on Monday, March 24, 2025, outside the headquarters of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Lime Grove Avenue, Carmarthen.
The union has criticised senior management for pushing through a transition to 12-hour shifts, arguing that the change is being forced upon frontline staff without proper consultation. The FBU claims the new shift pattern will be particularly damaging to firefighters with caring responsibilities and could negatively affect both mental and physical health.
A spokesperson for the FBU said: “There is no justification for these changes. Senior managers are refusing to listen to the valid concerns of firefighters, who are already working in a high-pressure environment. This decision will make it even harder for them to balance their personal and professional lives.”
Around 80 firefighters are expected to attend the rally, with FBU officials also present. The event will provide opportunities for media coverage, including interviews, photographs, and filming.
The dispute over shift patterns comes amid wider concerns about resources and working conditions within fire services across Wales. The Herald understands that tensions have been growing between staff and management over what many see as a disregard for frontline workers’ welfare.
A response from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been sought.
The rally is expected to draw significant attention, with firefighters standing united against what they see as an unjustified overhaul of their working hours.
Community
Lucky escape for sleeping showmen as fairground lorry catches fire

A FIRE broke out in the cab of an articulated lorry at Pembroke Fair in the early hours of Sunday (Mar 16), prompting a call-out for Pembroke Dock firefighters.
Showmen sleeping in their caravans at the Commons had a lucky escape when their generator truck caught fire in the middle of the night. By the time the alarm was raised, the vehicle was already well alight.
Thanks to the swift actions of those at the scene, the blaze did not spread to nearby caravans—a potentially deadly situation due to the presence of sleeping occupants and Calor Gas bottles used for heating and cooking.
The incident occurred near Commons Road, Pembroke, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) receiving the call at 2:42am.
A MAWWFRS spokesperson said: “The crew responded to a vehicle fire involving the cab of an articulated lorry.
“The main fire was out on the crew’s arrival, and firefighters used one hose reel jet to dampen down the area. A thermal imaging camera was deployed to check for remaining hot spots.
“Safety information and guidance were given to the vehicle’s driver.
“The crew left the scene at 3:18am.”
No injuries were reported.
(Pic: File image)
-
News1 day ago
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing
-
Education1 day ago
Former Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer
-
Crime5 days ago
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Top News7 days ago
Pembrokeshire man sentenced for driving four times over drink-drive limit
-
News5 days ago
Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
Community1 day ago
Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away
-
Crime7 days ago
Milford man jailed for hurling racial insults during verbal attack
-
Business6 days ago
Auditor general criticises ‘irregular’ Industry Wales accounts