Community

Rare 1588 Welsh Bible goes on display in Pembrokeshire for first time

Published

9 months ago

June 16, 2025

A RARE copy of the first full translation of the Bible into Welsh is being exhibited in Wales for the first time—more than 430 years after it was printed.

The 1588 edition, translated by Bishop William Morgan, has been kept in the library of Westminster Abbey since its publication during the reign of Elizabeth I—the same year as the Spanish Armada.

The Bible will be on public display at St Davids Cathedral from Monday (June 17) until Tuesday (July 9).

Morgan was commissioned to produce a standard Welsh-language Bible by uniting earlier translations of different sections of scripture. He travelled to London to supervise the printing process, which took several weeks due to the printers’ unfamiliarity with the Welsh language.

During that time, he stayed at the Abbey’s deanery as a guest of Gabriel Goodman, a fellow Welshman and then-Dean of Westminster. Upon completion, Morgan gifted a copy to the Abbey with a Latin dedication, and the book has remained in its library ever since.

Although 900 copies were originally printed—with the aim of placing one in every church and chapel in Wales—most were heavily used and are now in poor condition. The Westminster Abbey copy is in exceptional shape, having been used only once in service, at a Welsh-language church in London in 1988.

Tony Trowles, librarian and head of collections at the Abbey, said: “Because they were used weekly or even daily, surviving copies in Wales are often in poor condition. Ours is unusually well preserved.”

The volume was originally chained to a library shelf to prevent its removal. It was printed using a complex method that involved typesetting every letter in reverse and printing multiple pages on single sheets, later bound in leather over wooden boards.

“This is the first time it’s returned to Wales,” said Mr Trowles. “And we believe it’s the first time it’s ever been publicly exhibited.”

The Right Reverend Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids, said: “It is a special treasure of the Welsh language and we are honoured to host it at St Davids Cathedral.”

The Dean of St Davids, the Very Reverend Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, added: “It seems fitting that its first visit to Wales should be to the home of our patron saint, and we’re pleased to share it with Christians of all traditions.”

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

6 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

14 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.”