Community

Weather forces cancellation of sold-out paddle steamer cruise

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

THE much-anticipated voyage of the Waverley, the world’s only seagoing paddle steamer, was regrettably cancelled this morning due to adverse weather conditions. The steamer was scheduled to depart from Fishguard at 11am for a scenic journey along the coast of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, with a stop at New Quay before returning at 3pm.

However, due to challenging wind and sea conditions, Waverley Excursions Ltd made the difficult decision to cancel the cruise for the safety and comfort of passengers and crew. A spokesperson for the company stated, “Unfortunately, for the past few hours, she has been experiencing wind and sea conditions which we deem too uncomfortable for passengers. Given that conditions will not improve for most of today, we have taken the decision to cancel today’s cruise.”

The historic paddle steamer was due to arrive in Fishguard this morning after sailing overnight from Northern Ireland. Despite the disappointment this cancellation has caused, especially given the unique nature of this special sailing from Fishguard, the primary concern remains the well-being of those on board.

Initially, ticket holders were informed that they would still be able to board the ship for a guided tour. However, due to the increasing swell conditions at the harbour, which pose a risk to the ship’s paddlebox, this option was also withdrawn. The spokesperson added, “Unfortunately, the swell conditions at the quayside risk damaging the ship’s paddlebox on the concrete and she will need to depart as soon as possible. We are therefore unable to offer the open ship visits as initially thought between 10.30 and 12.00. I do apologise for this.”

In light of the cancellation, passengers with tickets for today’s cruise are being offered a free transfer to any other available sailing this year or in 2025. Alternatively, a full refund is available. Detailed instructions on how to transfer or request a refund have been emailed to all affected passengers.

While today’s cancellation is a disappointment to many, the decision underscores the importance of passenger safety in the face of unpredictable sea conditions. The Waverley, known for her historic significance and unique voyages, will continue to offer memorable experiences under safer circumstances.

For more updates and local news, stay tuned to The Pembrokeshire Herald.

Community

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

10 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard teams called to Dinas Island near Pwllgwaelod

A WOMAN was stretchered from the coast path near Pwllgwaelod after suffering an ankle injury.

HM Coastguard Fishguard was tasked at 5:22pm on Friday, June 27, alongside HM Coastguard Teifi, to assist the casualty on Dinas Island.

The teams attended the scene near Hendre Farm Campsite and Cottages and, with help from the landowner, were able to quickly locate the injured woman.

Her injured limb was immobilised before she was carried by stretcher to her nearby car, where family members were able to take her on to hospital.

Fishguard Coastguard thanked the landowner for their help.

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

13 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”

Community

Thousands line Cardigan streets for Lord Rhys homecoming parade

Published

13 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets and quayside in Cardigan on Saturday as the town marked 850 years since Lord Rhys held the first recorded Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle.

The spectacular procession formed the finale of the Journey of Lord Rhys, a week-long celebration which has travelled across west Wales before returning to Cardigan, where the story began in 1176.

***Five-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys in the streets of Cardigan (Pic: Steve Greenhalgh)***

At the centre of the event was a 5-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys, created as part of the Carreg Filltir Las project to celebrate the origins of the National Eisteddfod.

***Thousands of people in Cardigan outside the castle for the celebration (Pic: Eisteddfod)***

Crowds gathered around the castle, quayside and town centre as music, performance and pageantry brought the story of the first Eisteddfod back to life.

One of the most striking moments saw George, one of the Gentle Giants Shire Horses, given the honour of carrying this year’s Eisteddfod Chair to Cardigan Castle, 850 years after chairs were first awarded there for poetry and music.

VIDE:O FACEBOOK/Steve Greenhalgh

The first recorded Eisteddfod was hosted by Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd at Cardigan Castle in 1176, with poets and musicians competing in what is widely regarded as the foundation of the modern Eisteddfod tradition.

VIDEO: FACEBOOK/Gentle Giants Shire Horses

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held at Llantood from August 1 to 8. The location is less than four miles from Cardigan Castle, creating a direct link between the first recorded gathering and the modern festival.

VIDEO: SOLO CLOTHING/FACEBOOK

The Eisteddfod has described the anniversary as a chance to celebrate 850 years of tradition while inspiring new audiences across Wales.

Saturday’s homecoming brought that history into the streets of Cardigan, with families, visitors and local residents turning out in large numbers for one of the most significant cultural moments in the town’s recent history.