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Saundersfoot: X-Factor contestant launched New Year dip

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Launched ice cold swim: Jay James

Launched ice cold swim: Jay James

JAY JAMES is now used to thousands of fans screaming at him, so he probably wasn’t daunted by the crowds attending the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Dip.

The local X Factor contestant was there to launch the event, now in its 31st year, seeing 1,521 swimmers in fancy dress plunge themselves in the ice cold Pembrokeshire waters.

For the second year, Jay James started the swim which took place alongside a mascot race, made up of well-known local mascots, prior to the main event with Danny Dog of Heatherton Country Sports Park lifting the prestigious Superfast Cymru Trophy.

Following the event, Jay put a heartfelt message on Instagram along with a snap from the event and a selfie with the event’s official mascot Charlie Shivers: “We made history in our home town today, lush to finally come home! Massive love and thanks to the thousands who came out and supported the event, another amazing year, happy 2015.”

Jay, who grew up in Saundersfoot and is deeply proud of the village, will give the countdown and signal the start of this legendary local event where hundreds of swimmers will brave the icy waters to raise money for charitable and worthy causes.

Each year thousands of people visit the village of Saundersfoot to watch or participate in the swim. The 2015 swim will be the village’s 31st and the charitable event has raised around £500,000 since it began and an incredible £37,500 last year.

Jay James, who has taken part in the swim many times before, said: “I grew up with the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim being a yearly tradition and to be able to come back and launch it is a huge honour and a privilege. I urge everyone to donate as the money raised goes towards some fantastic causes and local charities that really make a difference.”

Ex-Royal Navy serviceman Jay made it through to the final eight on ITV’s X Factor and Simon Cowell named him as a favourite to win the show. Jay entertained millions of viewers, as well as the judges, week after week with his rendition of hits including Adele’s Skyfall and his unique twist to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers reached number 7 on the iTunes chart.  From February 2015 Jay James will join Andrea Faustini, Ben Haenow, Fleur East, Lauren Platt, Only The Young, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie on the X Factor Live Tour. Kicking off in Belfast, The X Factor 2015 Live Tour will see the eight contestants performing classic songs and viewers’ favourites from the TV series.

Jay James: At event for the second year.

Jay James: At event for the second year.

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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