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Busy year for Royal Artillery Association, South Pembrokeshire Branch

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THE SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE BRANCH of the Royal Artillery Association has enjoyed a 12-month period full of events and changes. After several changes of venue, the Branch have now settled down and hold their monthly meetings in the Pembroke Dock Cricket Club. Also, the Branch’s Secretary for the past 28 years retired from the post at the AGM in 2023. Colin Friend and his wife Florrie continue to attend meetings and contribute fully to the running of the Branch.

After a very successful St Barbara’s Day Lunch in December 2022 and an AGM in February 2023, 3 new members joined the branch.

Wreaths were laid by the Branch`s Chairman, Chris Roberts at the Remembrance Ceremony in Pembroke, and at ceremonies at Freshwater West (near Pembroke), Milford Haven on Anzac Day (where a Wellington bomber aircraft crashed into an area of Milford Haven killing 4 New Zealand and Australian officers and soldiers) and the Normandy Veterans Service (also held in Milford Haven and organised by the British Legion). A wreath was also laid by other members of the branch at the Pembroke Dock Remembrance Service. Finally, a wreath was laid in the Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery, near to the site of the former Llanion Barracks which saw the last Royal Artillery unit leave Pembroke Dock in 1967. Poignantly and sadly, members of the branch attended the funeral of Ted Owens, a native of Pembroke Dock who died at the age of 99 years old. Ted, a Royal Marine, had landed as a 21-year-old on the beaches of Normandy during the D Day landings, had been wounded and evacuated to a field hospital and subsequently, after being wounded 3 times, was demobbed at 21 years old! The large turnout of all Regiments and Corps paid tribute to this fine old soldier. The branch Standard was paraded at all these events by our Standard Bearer John Swilka.

The Branch have enjoyed visits to Pembroke Dock by the quite recently appointed Veterans Commissioner for Wales – James Phillips – who gave a talk on his new role and responsibilities. The branch also welcomed our Regional Representative Clive Boyles who highlighted the fact that Wales had only 3 RAA branches still operating, namely Wrexham, Rhondda and South Pembrokeshire. Clive also spoke regarding his role as the Regional Representative.

Liaison continues with our Affiliated Royal Artillery Battery – 12 (Minden) Air Assault Battery RA. The Branch send best wishes on Minden Day and received a warm response. The Branch also send a message of congratulations to King Charles III on his Coronation and received a letter of thanks.

Probably the highlight of the year was the visit made to the National Memorial Arboretum for the RA Service of Remembrance Day in July, when 6 members travelled from Pembroke Dock to Burton on Trent to attend the occasion. A full day of events was enjoyed by the visiting members , some for the first time, and the opportunity of meeting up with old comrades. Despite the weather, Standard Bearers from all over the country maintained their usual high performance.

The Branch has continued to forge links with the British Legion in Milford Haven and the VC Gallery Centre which operates both in Pembroke Dock and Haverfordwest. Although consisting of only 24 members, South Pembrokeshire Branch have organised many fund-raising events throughout the year and continue to make contributions to the RACF.

During the visit by Clive (and his partner Gill), a branch photograph was taken and is enclosed with this article.

In this area of historical Royal Artillery presence, with Manorbier, Pendine, Penally and Castlemartin (in their heydays!), seeing many Gunners pass through their gates, it is considered that there are many RA veterans in our area, and we continue to try and recruit new members, to foster good social ties and maintain the feeling of the Gunner Family.

So, if you live in the South Pembrokeshire Area and you are reading this, don’t delay – PLEASE GET IN TOUCH, TODAY!

 

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

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MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

 

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