Community

Series of accessible walks planned in the National Park

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2024

A LEISURELY stroll through Broad Haven in September will mark the start of a fortnightly series of accessible walks in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

This inaugural walk has been organised as part of the YHA’s annual Festival of Walking, which aims to boost the health and wellbeing of the nation, as well as help people to learn new walking skills and make connections with nature and the outdoors.

As part of the Park Authority’s and YHA’s commitment to inclusivity, the guided walk around one of Pembrokeshire’s most scenic spots, which has been scheduled for Saturday 14 September, is wheelchair-friendly and BSL interpretation will be provided along the route. Please note that mobility equipment is available for hire in advance at no cost for this event.

Ben Macare the Park Authority’s Get Outdoors Co-Ordinator, who will be leading the walk, said: “Pembrokeshire has long been regarded as one of the best walking destinations in the world, and it’s becoming more accessible than ever before.

“We look forward to welcoming people of all abilities and backgrounds to this free event, where we’ll look at inhabitants of some of the rockpools on Broad Haven beach and the biodiversity of the developed wetlands behind the village.”

The Accessible Social Walk from YHA Broad Haven will take place on Saturday 14 September. The overall distance is 1.6 miles and it’s estimated that the walk will take around two hours – with a free cup of tea and slice of cake at the hostel afterwards. Please note that wellies or we shoes are advisable when walking across the beach.

Although the event is free, places are limited to a maximum of 20 people on a first come first served basis. Those attending are encouraged to make a voluntary donation towards the YHA’s Heart of the Community appeal to install life-saving defibrillators at every YHA hostel. Find out more at https://getinvolved.yha.org.uk/fundraising/appeals/heart-of-the-community/.

To book your place, please email [email protected] with ‘YHA Festival of Walking’ as the subject of the email.

Visit https://www.yha.org.uk/festival-of-walking/social-walks to see other events taking place as part of YHA’s Festival of Walking.

Further information about accessible walks, beaches, viewpoints, and the beach wheelchairs and mobility equipment that are available throughout the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/access-for-all.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

13 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

23 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”