News

Newgale pub fire: Cause undetermined, but ruled accidental

Published

8 months ago

April 11, 2024

THE MID and West Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has recently concluded its investigation into the fire that devastated the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Newgale, Pembrokeshire, with findings that leave the community without closure. Despite exhaustive efforts, the inquiry led by the MAWWFRS Business Fire Safety Team has been unable to determine a specific cause for the blaze that tore through the pub in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 January.

The investigation faced significant hurdles due to the level of destruction at the presumed point of origin, complicating efforts to identify a clear cause. As a result, the incident has been officially classified as “accidental undetermined”. A spokesperson for the fire service articulated the challenge faced by investigators: “The outcome of the fire investigation was inconclusive due to the extent of damage in the area of the building where the fire most likely first started. There were no suspicious circumstances so it will be recorded as accidental undetermined.”

This statement underscores the profound impact of the fire, which not only destroyed a two-storey building housing a beloved ground floor pub and accommodation above but also left a mark on the local community. Firefighting teams from St Davids, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, and Fishguard had deployed extensive resources, including hose reel jets, main jets, a seven-metre ladder, and a thermal imaging camera, in a concerted effort over six hours to control the blaze. The operation also necessitated overnight road closures and police presence, although, no injuries were reported.

The inconclusive end to the investigation, despite confirming no suspicious circumstances, highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of fire incidents and the challenges inherent in forensic examinations amidst significant destruction. For the residents of Pembrokeshire and the regulars of the Duke of Edinburgh pub, this outcome may not provide the closure they had hoped for but it does bring a degree of solace in knowing there was no foul play involved.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.