News

Christmas cheer in Pembroke town

Published

11 years ago

December 18, 2014

AS far as Christmas celebrations go Pembroke seemed to have it all last Friday (Dec 28) night with free cookies, an abseiling Santa and to crown it all a “live nativity” featuring the members of various local churches. The number of families supporting the annual carol singing event around the Christmas tree seemed to exceed most peoples’ expectations and it would be no exaggeration to say that at least 500 enthusiastic marchers followed Santa’s sleigh down Pembroke Main Street. Pastor Rob James told The Herald: “This is a super example of what can happen when the community pulls together.

The weather helped of course. It was a clear star lit night, but it was thrilling to see the way in which everyone showed their support for all those who had worked so hard to make the evening such a success”. The evening’s festivities began with Santa abseiling down the castle keep, and was followed by a procession to St Michael’s church where everyone gathered joined in the carol singing before the Vicar of Pembroke, Canon Roger Jones, offered a prayer of blessing for both the town and surrounding community.

“It is my hope that the good will and kindness that we see around us will continue up to the end of the month when we remember the coming of our Lord” he said. “My prayer for Pembroke would be that peace and understanding, reconciliation and forgiveness would begin in our own homes and then spread across the world”.

As members of the local Chamber of Trade offered free mince pies and spiced apple juice the newly formed Street Pastors team handed out hundreds of glow sticks. “These glow sticks are very appropriate because we want to operate as salt and light in our community” said local coordinator Lyn Edwards. “The church is here to show that it is good to have Santa and the lights going on but actually Christmas is all about Jesus, and we have come to show that He is the essential part of Christmas”

While encouraging everyone to remember that carol singing will take place in the Main Street every Saturday morning until Christmas, she added: “We also want as many children as possible to take part in the search for our lost donkeys. There is a rumour going around that after 3rd December, two donkeys will be seen wandering around Pembroke going into shop after shop. Is it just a rumour? Is the story true? Will the donkeys really be in the Post Office to see Father Christmas go past? Will they be seen in other shop windows trying to pretend they are toy donkeys? Where will they end up?”

“More newsflashes will be put up in shops, schools, churches and other places. Keep your eyes open. Strange things happen to donkeys leading up to Christmas. Rumour has it they move on Wednesdays” Those wanting to take part in the “Sight the donkeys competition” are asked to write their names and contact details on a piece of paper indicating where they have been seen, and to post it to the ‘Donkey Search and Rescue Box’ at Dragon Alley, Main Street Pembroke by December 19, The donkey’s story, together with the results of the competition will be unveiled at the Town Hall Pembroke at 5.30pm. that evening.

The day’s festivities will then draw to close with a ‘Silent Night Carol Service’ which begins at 6pm. The Pembroke event will be just one of many such ‘Silent Night Carols’ to be held throughout the UK offering communities an opportunity to remember the remarkable day during World War 1 when peace broke out in the trenches for 24 hours, with enemies exchanging gifts, singing this much loved carol and even playing football. The events have even attracted the backing of the Duke of Cambridge who has said “Even in the bleakest of times, Christmas offers peace and hope. This Christmas, the Silent Night carol services are a powerful way to remember the sacrifice made by so many in the Great War and to celebrate the peace we enjoy”.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

15 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

16 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.