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New Roman fort discovery hints at full integration of Wales into Roman Britain

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A PREVIOUSLY unknown Roman fort has been discovered in an overgrown field in north Pembrokeshire, suggesting a more militant history for west Wales and indicating that the region was fully integrated into Roman Britain.

The discovery was made by Dr Mark Merrony, a leading Roman specialist and tutor at Wolfson College, Oxford, while he was out on a bike ride. The exact location of the fort is being kept secret to protect the site from potential looters.

Dr Merrony began examining the site for Roman material to confirm his initial suspicions. “I wanted to find a particular roofing slate type, which tends to be hexagonal, with a long point,” he said. “Sticking out of the ground was a triangular piece that looked like a Roman roofing slate. I pulled it up and lo and behold, it’s an archetypal Roman roofing slate, an absolute peach. Flip it upside down and you can see underneath a diagonal line where it was grooved to fit into the one that was underneath it. It’s a real beauty.”

Estimated to be two to three hectares in size, the site would have housed around 500 soldiers during its prime. This finding supports the notion that Wales was completely integrated into Roman Britain, contradicting previous beliefs that only two forts existed in west Wales.

“There are more villas than we think and there are more forts than we think here in west Wales,” Dr Merrony stated. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there were at least another two, three, or even more forts that we just haven’t found yet. West Wales has been neglected, partly because there aren’t the resources to cover it. So the more archaeologists start looking, the more we can start to find.”

Dr Merrony believes the fort dates back to between the first and third centuries, a period when the Celtic Demetae tribe inhabited south-west Wales. This new find challenges the perception that the Demetae peacefully coexisted with Roman invaders. “The tribe, who were thought to have peacefully coexisted with the Roman invaders, weren’t probably as peaceful as we think they were,” Dr Merrony explained.

The fort’s form and scale are similar to Pembrokeshire’s only other known Roman fort, which was excavated at Wiston near Haverfordwest in 2013. Both forts are now believed to be linked to a previously unknown Roman road network.

Despite some local criticism and fears that treasure hunters might be attracted to the site, Dr Merrony reassured the community by stating, “I haven’t said where it is. They’re assuming it’s somewhere that it’s not. They might find some rusty nails for the roofing slates. This is a pretty hardcore military site.”

The fort is being hailed as a site of national importance, but its location will not be disclosed to the public until a geophysical survey is carried out to validate the discovery. This will be followed by potential excavation to further explore the site.

This significant discovery not only enhances our understanding of Roman military presence in Wales but also underscores the importance of continued archaeological exploration in uncovering the rich history of the region.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service launches recruitment drive

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THE MID AND WEST WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has announced it is halfway through its recruitment window for Wholetime Firefighters. The service is actively seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to join their ranks and contribute to the safety and well-being of communities across Mid and West Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM emphasised the evolving nature of the firefighter’s role, stating, “The role of a Wholetime Firefighter goes far beyond tackling fires, road traffic collisions and water rescues. Modern-day firefighters play a crucial part in educating the public and working to prevent risks to life and the environment.”

The MAWWFRS is keen to attract applicants with a wide range of skills and experiences, recognising the diverse challenges faced by today’s fire service. “We encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply, emphasising the diverse skill set needed for this challenging yet rewarding career,” added Thomas.

This recruitment initiative is seen as a vital step in ensuring the service has the necessary personnel to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain safety standards across the region. The MAWWFRS covers a vast area, encompassing nearly two-thirds of Wales, making it the third largest Fire and Rescue Service in the United Kingdom.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the MAWWFRS website for detailed information on fitness requirements, the application process, and how to apply. The online registration window closes at 12pm on Monday, 27th January 2025.

As the service continues its mission to create safer communities, this recruitment drive offers an opportunity for individuals to become part of a team that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Citations:
[1] http://eastwoodacademy.co.uk/docs/How%20to%20write%20a%20newspaper%20article.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid_and_West_Wales_Fire_and_Rescue_Service
[3] https://midwestwalesfire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5689/HR%20People%20and%20Well-Being%20Update%20Report.pdf
[4] https://nickdale.me/2023/05/31/how-to-write-a-newspaper-article/
[5] https://www.gov.wales/find-your-local-fire-and-rescue-service
[6] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/current-vacancies/
[7] https://www.superprof.co.uk/resources/questions/english/broadsheet-articles.html
[8] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk
[9] https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/
[10] https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/mid_and_west_wales_fire_and_rescue_service

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Residents urged to check eligibility for Warm Homes scheme

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PEOPLE living in Mid and West Wales are being urged to check if they are eligible to join the 11,550 homes across the region which have already been adapted to make them warmer, greener and fit for the future under a Welsh Labour Government scheme. 

Between 2011 and 2024, 82,000 households benefitted from measures in their homes through the Welsh Labour Government’s Warm Homes Nest Scheme.

Joyce Watson MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said:

“I know that many of my constituents in Mid and West Wales are worried about their energy bills. The Welsh Labour Government recognises this and is spending £30 million this year to help cut bills.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, Labour Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, added:

“Thousands of eligible homes in Mid and West Wales have already benefitted from the Warm Homes Scheme, and yours could be next.

“In 2022-2023, the original scheme saved families on average £422 a year on their energy bills – real money that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The Warm Homes Scheme works by offering free, impartial advice to anyone and practical upgrades to eligible homes. These upgrades could include heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation, while appliances such as boilers can be repaired and replaced.

The Welsh Government also offers interest-free loans through the Green Homes Wales scheme, for homeowners who want to save energy but can’t afford the initial costs. 2,500 people in Wales have already engaged in the scheme.

Upgrading home energy efficiency is not just about saving money, but also helps save our environment. Reducing the energy that we use in our homes is one practical way to help the Welsh Government reach its commitment to net-zero by 2050.

Find out what support you may be eligible for by visiting the Welsh Government Nest Cymru website and the Green Homes Wales website.

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Crime

Police investigate as spate of burglaries hits West Wales communities

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said they are investigating a series of burglaries that occurred in the St Clears, Narberth, and Haverfordwest areas on 22 January 2025. The incidents, which police believe are linked, have resulted in property damage and the theft of valuable items including cash, jewellery, and power tools.

Detective Inspector Owen Lock has reassured the public that enquiries are ongoing and the force is committed to apprehending those responsible. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities, emphasising the importance of community vigilance.

“No matter how insignificant it may seem, please report all suspicious activity to police immediately, and don’t assume someone else would have notified us,” DI Lock stated.

In light of these events, police are advising residents and second-home owners to check their properties, ensure they are secure, and safeguard valuables by using protective marking and secure storage.

This recent spate of burglaries follows an attempted break-in at a flat above the Welsh Bakery in Robert Street, Milford Haven, between 18 and 20 January 2025.

The proximity in time and location suggests a possible surge in criminal activity in the region.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Dyfed-Powys Police via their website, email, social media, or by calling 101. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or through their website.

As investigations continue, local authorities are working to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents. Residents are advised to review their home security measures and stay informed about crime prevention strategies available on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

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