News
Pembrokeshire’s Democracy Champions of the future join forces
Young people from Pembrokeshire’s secondary schools recently attended a special event designed to help them become Democracy Champions.
These Democracy Champions will raise awareness of the importance of democracy to everyone’s lives and encourage their peers to register to vote.
Organised by the Electoral Services Team and the Children and Young People’s Rights Office the event focused on what democracy means to the pupils and what impact it has on their everyday lives.
Young people from Ysgol Bro Preseli, Ysgol Harri Tudur, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Ysgol Caer Elen, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High VC School and Castle School attended the event at Pembrokeshire Archives.
Throughout the day there were a number of activities that aimed to generate ideas and discussion, as well as raising awareness of the rights of young people in Wales to vote in some elections from age 16.
There was a game of democracy bingo, workshops on the history of democracy and why votes matter as well as a mock election and vote, including polling booths, along with discussions on how to get even more young people involved and share information.
They also heard from senior Council staff about the value in voting, with Assistant Chief Executive Richard Brown opening the event and a closing address from Director of Education Stephen Richards-Downes.
There was positive feedback from the young people involved and they will also be helping to shape the resource pack to be made available to all schools for future events.
Senior Youth Worker, Engagement, Performance and Community, Nadine Farmer said: “It was fantastic to meet such an enthusiastic group of young people who will help spread the word of the importance of democracy and using your vote. With the introduction of votes for 16-year-olds for some elections in Wales it is vital that more and more young people get involved in their democracy and understand that democracy is for everyone!
“The information and resources developed at the Democracy Champion events will allow the representatives of each school to hold future events and inform learning for their peers.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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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