Community

Musical friendships rekindled at Tabernacle Chapel Concert

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2024

MUSICAL friendships across the Haven were rekindled last Saturday as the Neyland Ladies Choir joined forces with the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir for a memorable concert at the Tabernacle Chapel, Pembroke.

The event, organised by Male Voice chorister Gareth Hopkins, featured each choir performing eight pieces in a varied and enjoyable programme. The evening commenced with a powerful joint rendition of ‘Rachie,’ setting the tone for a night of musical excellence.

A significant highlight of the evening was the fundraising effort for the Community First Responders charity, with over £350 raised. Tony Wall, Co-ordinator for the charity, attended alongside colleagues Heather Bowen-Hawkes, Angharad Hodgson, Craig Sutton, and Steve Bradfield. During the interval, Tony provided insights into the vital roles of the volunteer First Responders, who support and are trained by the Ambulance Service. From its humble beginnings with just three members in 2009, the group has grown to a 40-strong team.

The musical direction for the evening was skilfully handled by Juliet Rossiter for the Male Voice Choir and Lynne Kelleher for the Neyland Ladies Choir, with accompanists Carole Rees and Miranda Davies providing excellent support.

Solo performances were another standout feature of the concert. Alison Davies of the Neyland Ladies Choir captivated the audience with her rendition of ‘You are the wings beneath my feet.’ Meanwhile, Alyson Griffiths, the principal soloist and flautist for the Male Voice Choir, impressed with ‘On My Own’ and later joined first tenor Matthew John for a duet medley of musical and wartime songs.

The concert also paid tribute to Tenby Male Voice chorister Duncan Hilling, who, at 98 years old, received a special welcome from MC Matthew John. Duncan, three years senior to the host choir’s Frank Harries, aged 95, joined for the choir’s final piece, ‘African Prayer.’ The evening concluded on a high note, with both choirs delivering a rousing performance of well-remembered World War I songs.

The Community First Responders team joined the musical team members of both choirs and concert organiser Gareth Hopkins for a photo to commemorate the successful event.

The concert was a testament to the power of community, music, and mutual support, leaving attendees with lasting memories and a renewed sense of camaraderie.

Community

Classic car show returns to Carew airfield this summer

Published

2 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hundreds of vehicles, family attractions and local traders set for popular annual event

THE PEMBROKESHIRE CLASSIC CAR CLUB will once again bring a spectacular display of vintage motoring to Carew Airfield this summer, as its annual show returns on Saturday (June 6).

The much-anticipated event, running from 10:00am to 3:00pm, is expected to attract large crowds from across Pembrokeshire and beyond, with organisers promising a full day of entertainment for all ages.

Hundreds of classic cars will be on display, ranging from iconic British models to American classics, offering enthusiasts the chance to get up close to some of the finest vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars, visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including craft stalls, food vendors, trade stands and free face painting for children, making it a popular day out for families.

The event will take place at Carew Airfield, a location well known for hosting large-scale gatherings, with easy access and ample space for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Organisers are encouraging car owners, traders and exhibitors to get involved, with applications now open for those wishing to showcase vehicles or run stalls on the day.

Admission prices have been kept affordable, with family tickets priced at £10, while adults and OAPs pay £5 and children £3. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.

A spokesperson for the club said the show continues to grow year on year, adding: “It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together, celebrate classic cars, and support local traders in a fantastic setting.”

For exhibitor and trade enquiries, contact [email protected]. Stall holders and car boot sellers can apply via [email protected].

Community

Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues

Published

38 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.

The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.

As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.

Safety work underway

Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.

Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.

Appeal for information

Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Community

Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026

Published

47 minutes ago

March 28, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.

The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.

Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.

Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”

Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.

Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.