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Pro-Palestine demonstrators to display ‘mock dead bodies’ in Castle Square

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A ‘MOCK Funeral’ organised by Pro-Palestine demonstrators is set to take place in Haverfordwest this Saturday at 2pm in Castle Square. Protestors are turning up the heat on local MP Stephen Crabb, urging him to retract his support for what they describe as Israel’s ‘genocidal war’ on Gaza.

The organisers are encouraging attendees to bring along white shrouds smeared in red paint, symbolising ‘mock dead bodies’. This act aims to represent the 24,448 Palestinians reportedly killed during the 100-day conflict in Gaza.

Since October 7, local protests have been organised, marching towards Stephen Crabb’s constituency office and targeting Marks & Spencer and Barclays Bank for their alleged support of Israel’s actions in Palestine. Additionally, weekly vigils have been conducted.

The current hearings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, addressing South Africa’s genocide allegations against Israel, have added momentum to the demonstrators’ cause. The organisers claim, “Israel’s intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza of Palestinians is clear.” They further accuse global leaders, including Biden, Netanyahu, Sunak, Starmer, and local MPs Stephen Crabb & Simon Hart, of complicity in these alleged war crimes. The rally aims to send a firm message from Pembrokeshire to Crabb & Hart to halt what they call a genocide.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, 20th January, in Castle Square, Haverfordwest, at 2pm, to stand in solidarity with Palestine.

Since October 7th, reports indicate that 24,448 Palestinians, including 10,400 children and 7,100 women, have been killed in Gaza. A further 61,504 have been injured, with 7,000 unaccounted for. The conflict has also reportedly resulted in the deaths of 337 health workers, 117 journalists, and 152 UN staff, while displacing nearly 1.9 million Palestinians, severely limiting their access to essentials like food, medicine, and water.

Local campaigners have been delivering weekly open letters to Stephen Crabb. This week’s letter questions Crabb’s stance on the Genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, asking: “Will you support the ICJ ruling?”

Prominent National Trade Unionists are expected to attend and speak at the rally. These include Cerith Griffiths of the Fire Brigades Union Cymru and Mairéad Canavan, a National Executive member of the NEU (National Education Union). Canavan stated, “I am supporting the demonstration because this is a human catastrophe caused by the deliberate actions of the Government of Israel, which constitute war crimes and genocide. The UK government’s failure to demand a permanent ceasefire and its unconditional support for Israel is alarming. As a teacher, the impact of this genocide on children is particularly distressing.”

Nizar Dahan (Neezo), a noted Pro-Palestine activist from Swansea, said, “After 103 days and 75 years of Israeli aggression and occupation, it’s more crucial than ever to speak out for Palestine. The narrative is shifting, and awareness of Israel’s brutality is growing. Our movement is instrumental in educating about the urgent need to support Palestine. This is a cause for all humanity.”

This weekend’s demonstration is part of coordinated local rallies across the UK, following hundreds since the onset of the Gaza conflict. Recent national demonstrations in London have drawn up to one million participants.

The organisers, Stop The War Pembrokeshire and Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire, commented: “It’s unfathomable and deeply saddening that we have to resort to staging a protest with a mock funeral and laying shrouded dead bodies. Yet, we feel compelled to act on behalf of our Palestinian brothers, sisters, and comrades currently suffering. We aim to make Stephen Crabb and Simon Hart understand that international pressure against Israel’s actions is mounting and they will be judged by history for their current stance.”

Details for Saturday’s demonstration are available on the event’s Facebook page.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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