Community turnout despite wet weather as children greet Santa along village route

SANTA brought early Christmas cheer to Solva as families turned out to greet the village’s festive sleigh run organised by Solva Community Council.

The pre-Christmas route saw Santa and his helpers make their way through the village on Monday (Dec 22), with residents encouraged to step outside and wave as the sleigh passed by. Children along the route were treated to small festive gifts, adding to the excitement.

Posting on social media ahead of the run, Solva Community Council said: “All ready for a pre Christmas route run of Solva. Come out and say hi.”

The event drew warm reactions from residents, with one parent commenting: “Kid’s loved this, thank you.”

Responding, the Community Council said it was delighted with the turnout, adding: “We love doing it! Thank you all for coming out, we have plans for next year too! Have a lovely Christmas!”

Others also shared their appreciation, with one resident joking: “Well we’re all big kids really,” while another described the event as “Brilliant.”

The Santa sleigh has become a popular part of the festive calendar in Solva, helping to bring neighbours together and create a sense of community in the run-up to Christmas.

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Christmas cheer: Santa on his way to families during the festive sleigh run through Solva (Pic: Solva Community Council).

PEMBROKE & MONKTON Local History Society will return in the New Year with a special talk by leading Welsh historian Nathen Amin at Pembroke Town Hall.

The society will meet on Saturday, January 17, a week later than originally advertised, due to repair work being carried out in the Town Hall’s main hall.

Mr Amin, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, is nationally recognised for his research into Welsh and Tudor history. He has previously spoken to the society about his book Son of Prophesy: The Rise of Henry Tudor, but this time will turn his attention to one of Wales’s most iconic historical figures.

His talk, titled ‘Owain Glyndŵr: Rebel, Prince and Visionary’, will explore the life and legacy of the Welsh leader who led a major uprising against the English crown in the early fifteenth century.

Owain Glyndŵr remains one of the most revered—and debated—figures in Welsh history. Seen by many as a national hero and by others as a rebel, his vision for an independent Wales challenged the political order of his time. In this new talk, Mr Amin will examine the man behind the legend, offering fresh insight into Glyndŵr’s ambitions, leadership and long-term impact.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to purchase Nathen Amin’s books, including Son of Prophesy and The House of Beaufort.

Doors will open at 10:00am for a coffee morning, with the talk beginning at 11:00am. Pembroke Museum and the Council Chamber, both located on the first floor of the Town Hall, will also be open to visitors. Lift access is available.

The event is free to attend and open to all.

Further information can be found at www.pembrokeandmonktonhistory.org.uk

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has celebrated the graduation of its latest intake of Wholetime Firefighters following a Passing Out Parade held on Thursday (Dec 16) at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre.

Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to mark the achievements of eleven recruits — collectively known as Squad 03/25 — who are transitioning from On-Call roles to begin full-time careers serving communities across Mid and West Wales.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and marked the successful completion of an intensive eleven-week training programme designed to prepare recruits for the physical, technical and mental demands of modern firefighting.

Head of Training Delivery, Group Manager Stuart Bate, praised the squad’s commitment and resilience.

He said: “From the first day of training, Squad 03/25 have exhibited courage, discipline and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.

“Throughout their journey, they have faced demanding challenges both physically and mentally, demonstrating exceptional resilience while embracing the values of teamwork, integrity and selflessness that define our profession.

“As we celebrate their achievements, we should also recognise the sacrifices they have made and the dedication they have shown. They have chosen a path that requires courage, compassion and a deep sense of duty to others, and I feel enormous pride in what they have accomplished over the past eleven weeks.”

The ceremony included a formal inspection of the recruits by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones, and Group Manager Stuart Bate. Drill yard displays were also held, showcasing the emergency response skills developed during training, followed by the presentation of certificates and awards.

Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the recruits’ professional lives.

He said: “We were proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Squad 03/25, who have completed eleven weeks of rigorous training and reached a key point in their careers as Wholetime Firefighters.

“As an integral part of Wales’s emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism, readiness and an unwavering commitment to public safety. You are now an essential part of that work.

“My sincere thanks go to the Training Delivery Department, whose expertise and dedication ensure that our recruits receive first-class training. Without their tireless efforts, none of this would be possible.”

Each graduate will now take up a Wholetime Firefighter role at their designated fire station. MAWWFRS wished them all long, safe and successful careers in the Service.

Awards and presentations

Wholetime Firefighter Training Course Certificate

All recruits received a framed certificate, presented by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, in recognition of successfully completing the eleven-week Wholetime Firefighter Training Course.

Physical Fitness Achievement Award and 300 Club
Selected by the Service’s Fitness Team, the Physical Fitness Achievement Award recognises the recruit who has consistently pushed themselves to their limits throughout training.

From Squad 03/25, the award was presented to Dale Wells.
The 300 Club Award was presented to Molly Jones, Dale Wells, Matthew Evans, Rylee Roberts and Owain Thomas.

The Recruits’ Recruit Award
Chosen by fellow recruits, this award recognises the individual who has shown outstanding effort, commitment and support for others during the course.

The award was presented to Matthew Evans by Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones.

Highest-Achieving Recruit Award (The Silver Axe)
Awarded to the recruit demonstrating the highest overall performance across all aspects of training — including practical skills, written work, examinations, leadership and teamwork — the Silver Axe was presented to Owain Thomas by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery.