VETERANS, standard bearers and civic representatives gathered at Freshwater West on Saturday (Apr 25) for a moving service of remembrance for the men lost in one of Pembrokeshire’s worst wartime maritime disasters.

The annual memorial service remembered the crews of HM Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16, and members of HMS Rosemary, who died after the vessels were overwhelmed in heavy seas off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

A total of 79 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel lost their lives in the tragedy, which unfolded on April 25 and 26, 1943.

The two landing craft had been travelling from Belfast to Falmouth when they ran into severe weather off Freshwater West. Their flat-bottomed design made them vulnerable in rough seas, and both vessels were eventually lost.

HMS Rosemary, a fishery protection vessel, went to the aid of the stricken craft, but six of her crew also drowned when a rescue boat capsized during the attempt to save others.

On Saturday, standards were carried to the memorial above the beach, where clergy led prayers and wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen.

The ceremony was attended by veterans, members of the Royal Marines Association, standard bearers, civic dignitaries and members of the public.

The names of those who died are recorded on the memorial at Freshwater West, overlooking the sea where the disaster took place more than eight decades ago.

Those attending stood in silence as the Last Post was sounded, with standards lowered in tribute to the men who never returned.

The service served as a reminder of the sacrifice made by wartime sailors and marines, as well as the bravery of those who gave their lives trying to rescue others.

Photos: Martin Cavaney

AUTHORS, poets, playwrights, storytellers, artists and musicians will head to Carmarthenshire this weekend as Llandeilo Literature Festival returns for its 10th year.

The festival, which began as a small book fair in 2016, has grown into one of south Wales’ leading literary events.

This year’s event runs from Friday, April 24, to Sunday, April 26, with a wide-ranging programme of talks, poetry readings, live performances, workshops and family activities across the town.

The festival celebrates Welsh and English language literature, culture and the arts, with organisers saying the programme offers something for devoted readers, families, writers and anyone interested in stories, creativity and performance.

BILINGUAL FESTIVAL

Llandeilo Lit Fest is one of the few festivals in Wales to fully embrace bilingual programming.

More than half of the events are held in Welsh, with translation available at adult sessions to make the programme accessible to wider audiences.

Subjects across the weekend include sport, politics, poetry, the environment, Welsh history, protest, walking, wild running, children’s literature, LGBTQ+ stories and creative writing.

Featured writers appearing this year include Fflur Dafydd, Gillian Clarke, Carwyn Graves, Menna Elfyn, Iola Ynyr and Jay Griffiths.

Sessions will be chaired by leading cultural figures including Owen Sheers, National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, Manon Steffan Ros, Rhodri Gomer, Hanna Hopwood and Adam Price.

Herald editor Tom Sinclair will also chair Nigel Graddo’s talk at Hengwrt, Carmarthen Street, on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00pm.

POLITICS, PROTEST AND CULTURE

Former First Minister Mark Drakeford will be in conversation with Edwina Hart about the centenary of the General Strike and the literature it inspired in Wales.

Wyn Thomas will discuss the history of protest in Wales and the current debate around pylons in the Welsh countryside.

Andrew Green will present a talk on the history of walking in Wales, while Natalie Holborow will be in conversation about wild running with ultra-marathon runner and television presenter Lowri Morgan.

The closing event on Sunday, April 26, will be a talk by rugby player Ifan Phillips, chaired by Rhodri Gomer Davies.

Venues include Hengwrt, also known as The Shire Hall, which will host many of the talks as well as the festival bookshop.

Other venues include Horeb Chapel, Cegin Diod, The Hen Vic, St Teilo’s Church and Llandeilo’s new independent bookshop, Noisy Newt Books.

FAMILY EVENTS

Running alongside the main programme is KidsFest@the LitFest, a children’s festival offering storytelling, workshops and creative activities for families.

Many of the family activities will be free and held at Yr Hen Farchnad.

Aardman Animations will return for the third year with model-making workshops for all ages.

Television presenter and adventurer Will Millard will introduce audiences to real-life fascinating creatures, while Bardd Plant Cymru Siôn Tomos Owen and Children’s Laureate Nicola Davies will host workshops inspired by their latest books.

Adult creative workshops include lino printing, horror writing and textile workshops with the Calico Dress Project at Newton House.

PRIDE AND REPRESENTATION

Organisers say inclusivity is at the heart of the festival, with the programme championing representation and diverse voices.

Pride@LitFest, delivered in partnership with Pride Llandeilo, will celebrate LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives.

Ian H Watkins, of Steps fame, will discuss his new children’s book, while Bafta and Emmy award-winning writer Daf James will be in conversation with author Mike Parker about his life, career and television series Lost Boys and Fairies.

Alongside the literary programme, there will be free music across the weekend at the White Horse, with further performances at Civic Corner and in the courtyard of Pitchfork & Provision.

On Friday, April 24, Llandeilo storyteller Ceri John Phillips will perform an evening of tales with Will Anselm at Cegin Diod, accompanied by Neil Rosser and his Tywi Jazz Quartet.

On Saturday, April 25, the Civic Hall will host an evening of Welsh folk music featuring Elidyr Glyn, Mari Mathias and Lowri Evans.

Tickets and more information are available at llandeilolitfest.org.

Debate at Haverhub to link agriculture, sustainability and Senedd election issues

A UNIQUE political and environmental debate is set to take place in Haverfordwest this weekend, bringing together the worlds of agriculture, sustainability and politics.

The “Hemp Hustings” event will be held at Haverhub on Sunday (Apr 26), with doors opening at 5:30pm.

Organised in partnership with Hemp Cymru, the event aims to explore how hemp production could play a role in Wales’ future economy, particularly in the context of the upcoming Senedd elections.

The organisers say the discussion will examine the crop’s potential across multiple sectors, including construction, agriculture, carbon reduction and rural jobs.

A spokesperson said: “What has hemp got to do with the Welsh economy and Senedd elections? Turns out – a whole lot.”

Hemp, once widely grown in Wales for rope and building materials, is increasingly being revisited as a sustainable crop with modern applications ranging from eco-friendly construction materials to textiles and food products.

The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from speakers and engage in discussion about how policy decisions could influence the growth of the hemp industry in Wales.

It will take place at Haverhub Depot, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, and is open to the public. Entry is free, although a suggested donation of £5 is encouraged, with advance registration available online.

Organisers hope the hustings will spark wider debate about how Wales can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, particularly in rural communities.