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Hundreds march in Aberystwyth to form ‘Red Line’ for Palestine

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From Pembrokeshire to Palestine, Wales sends a message of solidarity

ABERYSTWYTH was turned red on Saturday (July 26) as hundreds of people from across Wales, including a strong Pembrokeshire contingent, came together to form a striking ‘Red Line’ through the seaside town in a bold show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Protesters dressed in red clothing gathered at 2:00pm at Owain Glyndŵr Square, marching through the town to the iconic bandstand on the promenade, carrying Palestinian flags, placards, and a continuous red fabric line. The message was clear: Wales stands against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and calls for an end to what campaigners describe as “Israeli apartheid.”

Many attendees wore keffiyehs, waved Cuban flags in solidarity, and held signs reading “From Cymru to Palestine, we are the Red Line,” with Amnesty International “End Israeli Apartheid” badges and slogans prominent.

Mayor joins the march

Supporting Gaza: Mayor Emlyn Jones

The Mayor of Aberystwyth, Cllr Emlyn Jones, took part in the march wearing his chain of office, standing proudly in front of the town’s ceremonial banner. He led a large section of the parade, walking alongside fellow councillors and campaigners, adding official weight to the growing Welsh solidarity movement.

Other participants included people from Haverfordwest, Fishguard, and Milford Haven, who travelled to the event by car and train to show support for the cause.

A police presence was visible, with a large number of officers from Dyfed-Powys on duty, but the mood remained peaceful and determined throughout.

Protest route and symbolism

The carefully planned route (as seen on distributed maps) began at the square near Owain Glyndŵr’s statue and wound through the town centre, ending at the seafront. Organisers said the red fabric line represented the “moral boundary” that must not be crossed – referencing the growing number of civilian casualties and what they see as the failure of Western governments to intervene meaningfully.

Shops and businesses along the route remained open, with some even stepping out to show support. Benches along the way were used by elderly protesters to rest briefly before re-joining the march, with accessibility pick-up points clearly marked and well-used.

There was plenty of music and drumming to keep the crowds in good spirits
The ‘red line’ snaking through the streets of Aberystwyth carried by hundreds of protestors

Claire Davies from Haverfordwest, who made the journey with her daughter Rachel, said: “We came today because staying silent isn’t an option anymore. I’ve watched the suffering in Gaza unfold on the news and felt helpless — but today I felt part of something.
“This red line shows that people in Pembrokeshire care, and we won’t look the other way.”
The protests reaches Aberystwyth promenade

Organisers speak out

One of the organisers told The Herald: “This isn’t just about Gaza, it’s about standing up for human rights, whether they’re being violated in Palestine, Yemen, or anywhere else. We’re proud that so many from West Wales came – our message is clear: Wales is not neutral. Cymru is the red line.”

As global pressure mounts over the situation in Gaza, Saturday’s march added another voice to a growing grassroots movement within Wales demanding action, not just words.

Photos: Rose Voon/Herald

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

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Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

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Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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