Community

Senedd unites in cross-party remembrance debate

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2025

SENEDD Members set aside their differences to reflect on the cost of war, sharing deeply personal family stories of loss in a poignant cross-party debate to mark Armistice Day.

Ken Skates, who is responsible for policy related to the Armed Forces in Wales, led a debate to honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn the Armed Forces uniform.

The cabinet secretary said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day – two milestones that signalled the end of the most devastating conflict in human history.

“For many, these anniversaries are not just historical footnotes – they are personal, lived memories. In Wales, the remembrance period is woven into the fabric of our communities.”

Mr Skates told the Senedd: “We gather each November, not to glorify war but to honour courage, sacrifice and the hope of peace. We wear our poppies… as a promise: that we will remember and we do remember.”

He said: “These anniversaries remind us that peace is precious – that freedom is fragile – and the sacrifices made by previous generations must never, ever be taken for granted.”

Mr Skates pointed out that 7% of the UK’s armed forces – from the Royal Navy to the Royal Air Force – come from Wales, which makes up 5% of the population.

Leading the cross-party debate on November 11, he stressed the importance of ensuring “when service ends, support does not” as he welcomed a new UK veterans strategy.

James Evans, for the Conservatives, said: “We reflect, once more, on the extraordinary generation who, in the darkest of times, stood firm in the defence of our islands.

Conservative MS James Evans, pictured in July

“Their courage brought a peace we often take for granted, their sacrifice shaped the world.”

Mr Evans’ father and both grandfathers served in the Armed Forces.

He said: “One endured the terror of being torpedoed twice while at sea and survived to tell the tale. The other played his part in the liberation of Europe. Their stories are carried in my family as similar stories are carried through families right the way across Wales.

“They remind us that the cost of war is measured not only in battles but in lives interrupted, futures changed and families forever marked by loss.”

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth told the Senedd: “We bear witness today to the emptiness of the phrase that portrayed the First World War as the ‘war to end all wars’.

“In Sudan, in Ukraine, in Gaza, to name but three, the atrocities of violence bring pain and suffering that we cannot comprehend to millions of people.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said 117 million people have been forced to flee their homes across the world as a result of war or persecution, according to the United Nations.

Labour MS Carolyn Thomas, pictured in May

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas said her great-grandfather, Thomas Morris, was killed in action in 1917 aged only 32 and her grandfather spent time in an orphanage following his death. “It was an experience he rarely spoke about,” she said. “But he too, was a victim of war.”

Ms Thomas also highlighted the sacrifice of animals, with more than a million horses taken from civilians for military service and only 60,000 returning from the First World War.

Reform UK’s Laura Anne Jones said: “We remember those who have served, those who fell and those who continue to stand ready to defend us… we will remember them.”

Reform UK's South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones — Reform UK’s South Wales East MS Laura Anne Jones

Alun Davies, a Labour backbencher, warned peace on the continent is under greater threat today than at any time since 1945 due to a new “fascism of Putin which has unleashed war”.

He told the Senedd: “Remembrance must mean more than simply an event held once a year, it is… a challenge to all of us. It means that we take care of veterans… the families of veterans, it means we invest in today’s armed forces….

“Remembrance is an active verb – and not simply a passive noun.”

Community

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter Rally continues in the seaside town.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts have travelled to Pembrokeshire for the four-day event, which runs from Friday (May 1) to Monday (May 4), bringing a splash of colour, chrome and Mod culture to the resort.

The rally, organised by Scooter Collective South Wales, is taking place across several venues, including De Valence Pavilion, Tenby United Rugby Club and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Entertainment includes live music, Northern Soul nights, club events and the traditional rally atmosphere which has made Tenby a popular stop on the national scooter calendar.

A ride-out was also planned from Tenby RFC’s ground at Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon, with scooters heading through the surrounding area. A Custom Show and Traders Fair were also due to be held at the rugby club.

Classic Vespas, Lambrettas and custom scooters have been seen around the town throughout the weekend, with visitors adding to the atmosphere in local streets, pubs, cafés and hotels.

This year’s event also marks 25 years since the first national scooter rally was held in Tenby in 2001 at Kiln Park, when soul legend Edwin Starr headlined.

Before that, smaller local rallies had taken place in 1999 and 2000, while Tenby had already become a regular weekend destination for South Wales scooterists during the 1990s.

The 2026 event is understood to be the 12th time a national rally has been held in Tenby, underlining the town’s long-standing connection with the scooter scene.

The rally continues until Monday, with organisers and visitors hoping the Bank Holiday atmosphere will provide another boost for the town.

Photo caption:

Scooter spectacle: Riders and enthusiasts gather in Tenby for the Welsh National Scooter Rally 2026 (Pic: Malcolm Richards)

Community

New officer appointed as Pembrokeshire Pride expands year-round work

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE Pride has appointed Jamie Rees as its new Community Liaison Officer as the organisation looks to strengthen its year-round presence across the county.

The role, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, will focus on building closer links with LGBTQ+ people in Pembrokeshire, as well as wider community groups, local organisations and partner agencies.

Jamie, who is originally from Pembrokeshire, brings experience in marketing, communications and community engagement within the arts and cultural sector.

He will help expand Pride’s regular programme beyond its annual event, creating more opportunities for people to meet, feel supported and take part throughout the year.

Monthly events

Current events include Pride Brunch on the first Saturday of the month, Pride Book Club on the second Thursday, Pride Quiz on the last Wednesday, and Pride Friday Dinner Club on the last Friday of the month.

Pembrokeshire Pride said the appointment marks an important step in its ambition to become a more visible and active organisation across the county all year round.

Chair of Pembrokeshire Pride, Donna Humphrey said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jamie to the team as our new Community Liaison Officer.

“This role is a vital part of our vision to grow Pembrokeshire Pride into a visible, active and supportive presence throughout the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this role possible. Their support allows us to invest in our community, strengthen connections, and ensure that Pembrokeshire Pride continues to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Main Pride weekend

Jamie Rees said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this role at such an important moment for Pembrokeshire Pride. This is about building something that lives and breathes all year round, not just at one event.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting people from across the county – both within the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community – and creating more opportunities for connection, visibility and understanding.

“Pembrokeshire has always been home for me, and I care deeply about helping to build a county that feels welcoming, inclusive and full of pride for everyone who lives here.”

Plans are already underway for this year’s main Pembrokeshire Pride event, which will take place at Dewslake Farm on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.

The team is keen to hear from stallholders, food vendors and entertainers interested in taking part in the weekend.

Tickets are due to go on sale later this month.

Anyone wishing to find out more, attend an event, or contact Jamie directly can follow Pembrokeshire Pride on social media or email [email protected].

Community

Reduced hours at Hakin Post Office spark concern

Published

9 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Councillor says the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community

RESIDENTS in Hakin and Hubberston have been left shocked after opening hours at Hakin Post Office were suddenly cut without warning.

The branch, based inside CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road, is now only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm.

It means the Post Office is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with only limited Saturday morning access.

Local councillor Vivien Stoddart has raised concerns that the sudden reduction represents a serious loss of a vital community service, particularly for elderly residents, people without access to transport, and those who rely on the branch for banking, parcels, pensions and other essential services.

Cllr Stoddart said the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community.

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted the Post Office after being provided with evidence that opening hours at the CK’s-operated branch had been significantly reduced.

The Herald asked whether the Post Office was aware of reductions at CK’s-operated branches, whether the changes had been approved, what minimum opening hours were required, and what safeguards were in place to ensure communities retained reasonable access to Post Office services.

In its initial response, the Post Office referred to Milford Haven Post Office, but later issued a clarification confirming that the Milford Haven branch is fully open and not affected.

The reduced hours apply to Hakin Post Office, at CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by the short notice change and for the lack of communication informing them of this update for Hakin Post Office.

“We are currently working with the operator to review the opening hours for its branches. Alternative branches for Hakin is Milford Haven and The Mount.”

The statement confirms that the Post Office accepts there was a lack of communication with customers about the change.

For residents in Hakin and Hubberston, the practical impact is significant. The branch now operates for only three full weekdays and one Saturday morning each week.

The Herald understands there is concern locally that the reduced hours could hit vulnerable residents hardest, particularly those who depend on nearby services and cannot easily travel to alternative branches.

The Post Office has not yet provided detailed answers on minimum contractual opening hours, whether the changes were formally approved, or whether similar reductions have been made at other CK’s branches.