PEMBROKESHIRE PRIDE is thrilled to announce its upcoming Festival of Inclusion, a celebration of diversity and community spirit. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, 20th July, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Foundry House in Pembroke.

The Festival of Inclusion aims to bring together the LGBT+ community, allies, and the wider Pembrokeshire community for a day of celebration, entertainment, and togetherness. Attendees can expect:

• • Live performances throughout the day, featuring local artists and a captivating drag act
• •.A variety of local food and drink suppliers showcasing Pembrokeshire’s talent
• • A dedicated youth tent for young attendees
• • Engaging kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained
• • Informative stalls from local inclusive services and organisations

“Our Festival of Inclusion is all about celebrating diversity and fostering connections within our community,” said Lewis George, organiser of Pembrokeshire Pride. “We’re excited to offer a space where everyone can come together, have fun, and learn from one another.”

The event is free to attend, but tickets must be reserved in advance through the Pembrokeshire Pride TicketSource event page.

For more information and to book your free tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshirepride.

ON FRIDAY (Jun 28) Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas joined the crew from Crymych Fire Station, and working in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, welcomed His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed – Miss Sara Edwards to present Watch Manager (WM) Euros Edwards with his British Empire Medal.

WM Euros Edwards proudly attended Crymych Fire Station accompanied by close friends and family, along with fellow members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) to receive his British Empire Medal. This medal celebrates his long-standing career and his commitment to the community of Crymych. 

Euros’ career started at MAWWFRS, known then as Dyfed Fire Brigade, in 1979. He was subsequently promoted to Leading Firefighter in 1987 and Sub-Officer in 1988.  Euros has served the communities of Pembrokeshire and MAWWFRS faithfully for over 40 years and has played a prominent role in maintaining high levels of availability at Crymych Fire Station during this time.

In 1998, he was instrumental in introducing a voluntary Co-Responder scheme to Crymych, an initiative which has provided invaluable support for local Ambulance and has saved many lives in the communities of North Pembrokeshire. To support the Co-Responder scheme, Euros has also played a key role in raising over £40,000 to purchase a new vehicle for the Fire Station, which illustrates his drive and commitment to supporting his local community.

On receiving the British Empire Medal, WM Euros Edwards said: “I am very humbled and proud to be awarded the British Empire Medal. After 44 years of Service, the commitment that On-Call must give, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have enjoyed my time in the Service. If there is anyone out there that would like to give back to their community, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently looking for On-Call Firefighters.”

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas said: “I am delighted that Euros’ commitment and dedication has been recognised by His Majesty the King in the 2024 New Year Honours List. This award recognises Euros’ hard work and lifelong devotion to his local community and the leadership that he has provided to the crew at Crymych Fire Station.”

The afternoon was a joyous occasion and a real celebration of Euros’ long service achievements and dedication to the Fire and Rescue Service throughout the years. Many congratulations Euros.

FOUR World War II Veterans, whose combined ages total 397 years, were honoured guests at a unique gathering hosted by Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre for the older person’s charity, Age Cymru Dyfed.

This coincided with an exhibition at the centre marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the invasion of Occupied Europe in 1944.

Royal Navy Veteran Tony Bird, of Freshwater East, believed to be Pembrokeshire’s last surviving veteran of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, served aboard the Flower class corvette HMS Clematis – part of a huge fleet protecting the invasion. Tony recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Joining him were 101-year-old Neville Bowen, of Ammanford, a Royal Navy gunner on wartime Atlantic convoys; Duncan Hilling (98), of Saundersfoot, a Royal Welch Fusilier who served in India and with occupying forces in Japan at war’s end, and Idwal Davies (98), of Llanelli, a Royal Armoured Corps Churchill tank crewman.

They were supported by veterans of other military eras, representatives of the Royal Navy, the Army and RAF, the Royal British Legion, and the veterans staff and volunteer team of Age Cymru Dyfed. Colonel James Phillips, Veterans Commissioner, and Lieutenant Colonel Hayley Edwards, AFC Regional Liaison Officer, were among the guests.

Hugh Morgan, Age Cymru Dyfed Veterans Coordinator, said: “It was wonderful to witness Tony, Neville, Duncan and Idwal recounting stories from 80 years ago and so obviously enjoying each other’s company and it was also a tremendous privilege for the invited guests to be in the presence of ‘our greatest generation’.”

In additional to Tony Bird, the Heritage Centre’s D-Day exhibition features the stories of many local servicemen who took part in the Normandy campaign following the D-Day landings. They include Royal Marine Ted Owens, Army despatch rider Gordon Prime and Maurice Mullins, who arrived in France in a glider on June 6th.

The Centre’s D-Day exhibition is on display for the rest of the year. The Centre is open Mondays to Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm.