Community
Train enthusiasts let off steam
P E M B R O K E S H I R E MODEL ENGINEERS played host to no less than nine visiting engines on Saturday (Sep 20) when members of The Swansea Model Engineering Club came to visit them at their half mile long track behind The Meads Sports Centre in Priory Road Milford Haven. The visitors each brought their 5 inch gauge models along with them with an exception to Bill, who brought his 3 and a half inch gauge LNER 0-8-0 Q6. As he passed the photographer he said: “Look no hands!” A Co-Co GWR Class 52 diesel-hydraulic was also on the scene thanks to Ken.It was by far the longest engine on the track at almost 6 feet in length. The Co-co classification simply means that each bogie holds 6 wheels. Ken’s engine is powered by batteries although the full sized engines are diesel hydraulic. This taken aside, if out to the test it is a very capable engine and can easily and consistently pull a load that exceeds half a ton. The members had a drive of different engines whilst swapping around. Also at the event was Bobbie, who is a PME member and anyone that went to the exhibition in Milford Haven last September would have seen Bobbie’s engine on the PME display. For this visit Nick brought his 0-6-0 ‘Simplex’. Martin Evans was the original designer for the ‘Simplex’. It is an extremely popular design for model engineers as a basis of variations such as lengthening and adding extra axles. Completed in LMS colours, Nick’s engine was almost unmodified and performed all day without fault, much to Nick’s pleasure! Lunch was in the form of fish and chips which was organised for the visitors and members. Some of the drivers were enjoying themelves so much that they ate on the go! Also to bring a ‘Simplex’ was James. He spent all day driving around the track with the engine performing faultlessly. His driving skills and care and attention with the maintenance of his engine is a credit to James. His engine is in a spotless condition! Able to pull loads of over a ton is the 6100 Class GWR 2-6-2 tank engine which was brought along by the ever casually dresses, Ivor. The engine performed without a fault and Ivor informed that it weighs just over 170kg. This is no toy, all engines are working engines in their own right! Taking a different approach on driving was John on his 2-6-0 Mogul, he was laying rather than sitting and his driving trolley has been made specifically for this. The overcast weather did not become a problem and the fun carried on all afternoon. Soon the day came to an end, fires were dropped and engines packed away. The end of the day saw everyone gather in the clubhouse to catch up with old friends and finish off the refreshments provided by the wives of the members.
Community
Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.
With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.
John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.
Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.
Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.
Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.
Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.
National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.
“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.
“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”
Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.
The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.
Charity
Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign
THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.
Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.
The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:
- Privates are private.
- Always remember your body belongs to you.
- No means no.
- Talk about secrets that upset you.
- Speak up; someone can help.
After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign
He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.
“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”
Community
Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.
Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.
The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.
Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.
Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.
For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.
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