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Thrills and spills at Fishguard’s highly anticipated Soapbox Derby

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THE HILLS of Fishguard came alive with excitement as the town’s beloved Soapbox Derby took to the roads on a splendid Saturday, offering a day filled with exhilarating moments for spectators.

Onlookers lined the route alongside Lota Park, eagerly cheering on the gravity-propelled, creatively crafted karts of various wacky designs and sizes. Organised by Fishguard and District Round Table, the event proved to be a resounding success, leaving participants and attendees alike enthralled by the spectacle.

The Soapbox Derby, described by the organisers as “a fantastic day,” captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Sponsored by A&E Nichols, the event awarded trophies to the top five contenders and recognised outstanding designs with special accolades, including the coveted title of ‘Derby Disaster.’

Claiming the much-coveted pole position was the remarkable Merlin’s Hill Umbulance, securing the well-deserved 1st place. The impressive Scorpions 2 clinched the 2nd place, while the admirable efforts of Belle’s Story Charity earned them the respectable 3rd place.

Fishguard and District Round Table, despite their Derby Disaster, demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the event’s success. Belle’s Story Charity stood out with their exceptional design, earning them the Best Design accolade. Additionally, DH White Van Man showcased their steady determination, winning the Slow and Steady award.

Expressing their gratitude, the organisers extended a heartfelt thank you to all participants, sponsors, and event volunteers, as well as the local businesses that set up shop in Lota Park. The event would not have been possible without the remarkable support of RT boys from far and wide, as well as the Ladies Circle and 41 Club. Above all, they extended their deepest appreciation to the entire community whose overwhelming support made the day truly unforgettable.

This year, the Soapbox Derby returned to its original route along the side of Lota Park at Rope Walk, Fishguard. While a new route at Fishguard Leisure Centre was trialed last year, the organisers decided to embrace the roots of the original course, which has witnessed a surge in popularity over the years. With carts of diverse shapes and sizes now entering from all corners of the county, the event continues to captivate the hearts of Pembrokeshire residents.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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