News
Battle of the Atlantic commemorated by moving ceremony and fly-past
WALES’ crucial part in winning the Battle of the Atlantic Campaign in World War II was commemorated at Pembroke Dock on Friday May 26th.
A flypast by the RAF’s newest aircraft, a P8 Poseidon maritime reconnaissance jet, was followed by a service and wreath laying at the Battle of Atlantic memorial stone in the grounds of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. The Rev Grayham Passmore, Air Cadets Wing Chaplain, led the service.
Chief guest was Air Marshal Ian Gale who was brought up at Newgale and is currently Director General Joint Force Development and Defence Academy. He later addressed a large gathering including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Tom Lloyd, High Sheriff Meurig Raymond, the Vice Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Councill, Councillor Steve Alderman, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Councillor George Manning, MP Simon Hart, and Senedd Member Sam Kurtz.
There was special recognition of many Veterans including 101-year-old Neville Bowen of Ammanford and 99-year-old Tony Bird of Freshwater East, who both served in the wartime Royal Navy. They were joined by D-Day Veteran Ted Owens.
Cadets from Nos 948 (Haverfordwest and St Davids) and 2420 (Whitland) Squadrons formed the guard of honour.
The commemoration – part of UK wide events – was organised jointly by the Heritage Centre and the RAF in Wales team, headed by Air Commodore Adrian Williams.
Pembroke Dock’s flying boat station and the county’s many airfields all had a connection with Coastal Command and the Atlantic Campaign in wartime. The Heritage Centre currently has an exhibition on the Battle of the Atlantic and is open Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 4pm.
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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