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Ted Owens: Farewell to a true Pembrokeshire hero

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A SOMBER yet proud atmosphere enveloped the streets of Pembroke Dock as around a hundred armed forces personnel and community members lined up to pay their final respects to a true hero, Ted Owens.

The decorated D-Day veteran, who fought courageously in the Second World War as a Royal Marines commando and marksman, passed away just weeks before his 99th birthday.

Born in 1924 in Pembroke Dock, Ted Owens’ life was a testament to bravery and dedication. He played a pivotal role in the liberation of Normandy in 1944, a contribution that earned him the esteemed Légion D’Honneur, the highest honor in France. On this solemn day, the community came together to honor not only his valor on the battlefield but also his profound impact on the lives of those he encountered.

Ted’s indomitable spirit was evident throughout his wartime journey. Despite sustaining injuries during the D-Day landing on Sword Beach on 6 June, he defied adversity and returned to the battlefield just a few months later, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his comrades and the cause of freedom.

A remarkable aspect of Ted’s story was his resilience in the face of adversity. He survived being injured three times in a span of just five months, twice seriously, and yet continued to play a pivotal role in liberating not only France but also Belgium and the Netherlands. His dedication to service and sacrifice resonated deeply with all who knew his story.

Beyond his wartime heroics, Ted Owens’ legacy extended to the realm of education and remembrance. In the program “Lest We Forget,” he embarked on a poignant journey with two primary school children, imparting invaluable lessons about World War Two as he retraced his steps as a young soldier. His firsthand accounts of the Normandy landing brought history to life, leaving an indelible mark on the young minds he interacted with.

“He may not have been a scholar, but he had a world of knowledge,” said Greg Lewis, Ted’s friend and TV producer, during the funeral ceremony. “It is not just a history book or a war diary that we have lost with Ted’s passing; we have lost a library of memories and wisdom.” These words aptly encapsulated the profound impact Ted had on generations far beyond his own.

As the hearse carrying Ted’s coffin made its way from Garrison Chapel to St. John’s Church, standard bearers led the procession, a poignant reminder of his military service and dedication. The local fire station played its part, with a fire engine leading the way, a symbolic farewell to a man whose courage burned brightly.

In his own words, Ted Owens reflected on his extraordinary life, saying, “I have had a wonderful life, exceptional.” The turnout at his funeral, the heartfelt tributes, and the tears shed by those who had the honor of knowing him underscored just how exceptional his life truly was.

The community of Pembroke Dock, along with veterans and armed forces personnel, united on this solemn day to bid farewell to a true hero, whose legacy of courage, resilience, and wisdom will continue to inspire generations to come. As Ted Owens takes his final journey, his memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were privileged to know him and learn from his remarkable life.

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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