LARGE crowds welcomed the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay to Pembrokeshire on Friday, July 1.

The Baton went back in time at Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, travelled by Sea Cadet boat, came face to face with Jemima’s Army and was celebrated by hundreds of Ysgol Bro Gwaun pupils before departing to Carmarthenshire.

The first Pembrokeshire port of call was Castell Henllys where the baton was proudly carried by Ysgol Eglwyswrw pupils to the site of the Iron Age village.

The pupils were greeted at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority-run attraction by Village Chief, Liz Moore.

Following the event, pupils tested their mettle in some Iron Age sporting activities, including slingshot and spear throwing, before moving on to sustainability workshops, where they learned how to make seed bombs, natural dyes, wattle and daubing. 

Cllr Di Clements, Chair of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “It was wonderful to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Castell Henllys, marking a memorable occasion for Pembrokeshire and the National Park. It was also a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful county, which already plays host to a number of world-class sporting events.

“We hope the event will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get active and explore the world-class landscape we have on our doorstep here in Pembrokeshire – and that the young people who took part on the day picked up some useful Iron Age tips on sustainability during their visit.”

From Castell Henllys the convoy moved to Lower Town Fishguard where Fishguard Sea Cadets passed the Baton across the Harbour Quay Wall.

It was placed into a Sea Cadet boat for the short journey around to Goodwick where large crowds, including lots of school children, had gathered.

Awaiting the Baton was Jemima Nicholas (Kay Evans) the heroine of the Last Invasion of Britain.

Jemima was the first Batonberarer and gave excited pupils from Ysgol Wdig a touch before a Baton Relay took place across Goodwick beach, accompanied by Army drummers.

Among those welcoming the Baton at Goodwick were Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr David Simpson, Council Chairman Cllr Pat Davies, Council Assistant Chief Executive Richard Brown and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Chief Executive Tegryn Jones.

Cllr Simpson said: “It was such a lovely atmosphere at Goodwick on Friday and fantastic to see that so many people decided to join us for the Queen’s Baton Relay across north Pembrokeshire.

“I’d like to thank the teams from the Council, National Park, Commonwealth Games, Army, the community and others who have been planning this event for many months. The hard work paid off.

“It was a proud moment to see so many Pembrokeshire people play their part in the Baton’s journey around the world, culminating in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“We hope the Baton Relay and the Games themselves inspire more people to enjoy sport and get more active.”

After leaving Goodwick the Baton was transported to Ysgol Bro Gwaun by Army vehicle.

The Baton received an incredible welcome with hundreds of Ysgol Bro Gwaun pupils lining the route into the school.

Among the Batonbearers at the school were Commonwealth Games athletes Ysie White (bowling) and Lily Rice (Para-swimming) who will represent Team Wales.

Ysgol Bro Gwaun Headteacher Paul Edwards, said: “Ysgol Bro Gwaun was delighted to welcome the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton as part of its historic journey around Wales, the UK and of course the Commonwealth.

“This was a proud day for the school and its community, and a memorable occasion for all of our pupils. We structured the day around the arrival of the baton, but our pupils also had the opportunity to take part in many Commonwealth themed sports and learning activities.

“These included an unofficial attempt at the world record for successful rugby passes and also an opportunity for pupils to gain an appreciation of the Commonwealth Charter and its core values of tolerance, respect and human rights.

“A memorable day for all of the school community.”