SAUNDERSFOOT welcomed in 2026 in spectacular fashion as a record 3,323 registered swimmers braved the icy waters for the town’s 40th annual New Year’s Day Swim, firmly cementing its reputation as the largest festive charity swim in the UK.

Thousands more lined the beach, harbour and village to watch the now iconic “dash and splash”, creating an estimated crowd of more than ten thousand people for what has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most anticipated annual events.

Behind the scenes, organisers say the success of the day was the result of year-round planning by the Saundersfoot Festivities Committee, a volunteer-led group that gives its time freely to deliver an event of national significance.

Safety at the forefront

A major focus of preparations is safety. Organisers work closely with professional water and land-based teams, monitoring long-range weather forecasts, tide times, wind direction and sea temperatures, with daily risk assessments carried out in the run-up to January 1.

The committee said recent tragic incidents elsewhere in the UK, including events on Christmas Day in Budleigh Salterton, served as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with cold-water swimming. Organisers stressed that safety decisions at Saundersfoot are never taken lightly.

The swim is supported by professional water safety teams and emergency services, with organisers also working closely with neighbouring events in Tenby and Porthcawl to share best practice and continually improve standards.

A village celebration

Saundersfoot Beach was once again the focal point for New Year celebrations, with entertainment and activity throughout the morning. The Pembrokeshire Boot Scooters led a lively warm-up on the sand, dancing to House of Bamboo, joined by the event’s mascot Charlie Shivers and thousands of swimmers.

Sam Hughes and Jo, alongside dancers from Escape Youth Musical Theatre, helped lead the crowd through the warm-up, before spectators and swimmers alike joined together for a rousing rendition of Rockin’ All Over the World.

The countdown to the swim was signalled by a firework launch provided by Westcoast Fireworks, longstanding supporters and sponsors of the event.

Fancy dress highlights

As ever, fancy dress played a major part in the spectacle. Janine Lewis and Martyn Williams faced the unenviable task of judging the group and individual costume competitions, with prizes kindly donated by Harbwr Bar and Kitchen.

The Saundersfoot Trotters claimed the group fancy dress award, while Mick Booth took the prize for best individual costume.

Forty years behind the lens

Every swimmer was captured on camera by local photographer Gareth Davies, who has attended every Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim since it began. His images have become an enduring record of the event’s growth over four decades.

Photographs from the day can be obtained via Gareth Davies Photography.

‘We could never have imagined this scale’

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman Chris Williams said the village had once again risen to the occasion.

He said:
“The village and wider community have done us proud once again. Forty years ago, we could never have imagined that this event would grow into something of this scale and national recognition.

“Our driving force has always been the many fantastic charities that benefit from the swim. Four decades on, the event continues to evolve and grow, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

“The support from Saundersfoot, surrounding areas and visitors from much further afield has been incredible. The numbers in the village over the last few days have been staggering and have provided a welcome boost to local businesses. We sincerely hope this wonderful tradition continues for many years to come.”

Evolving with the times

This year marked the third year of online registration and ticketing, which organisers say has helped manage swimmer safety and cover the rising costs associated with staging such a large-scale event.

Particular thanks were paid to Vicky, Simon and Charlotte for managing registrations and social media, with Charlotte also capturing the build-up and the event itself.

A park-and-ride service from Kilgetty was provided from 10:00am by Taf Valley Coaches, sponsored by the company and widely welcomed by visitors.

Community support and thanks

Medals were presented to swimmers by Côr Y Môr ladies’ choir, and it was fitting that Delwyn Williams, alongside past and present members of Saundersfoot Community Council, officially started the swim in its 40th year. Thanks were also given to Wheelers for the design and support of the commemorative medal.

Organisers acknowledged that rising costs have made it increasingly difficult to keep the event free of charge, with online ticketing helping to secure its long-term future while generating additional funds for charity.

The committee paid tribute to the dedication of safety marshals, bucket collectors and volunteers, as well as sponsors and local businesses — some of whom have supported the swim for more than 25 years.

Thanks were also extended to event safety partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI, St John’s Ambulance, Dyfed-Powys Police, Tenby Fire Brigade and Pembrokeshire County Council, along with numerous individuals and organisations who play key roles behind the scenes.

Special thanks were given to residents and businesses on the Strand for their cooperation with essential road closures, and to Ron Skinner and Son for providing mitigation vehicles.

What happens next

Swimmers who completed sponsor forms are asked to return them to Salt on the Strand, with organisers confirming that participants will be contacted regarding photos, fundraising totals and charity distribution. Further details of a presentation event are expected later this month.

Pics: Gareth Davies/Herald

THE PEMBROKESHIRE U3A Wind Ensemble is preparing for a packed programme of performances in 2026, with appearances planned at civic events, schools and concert venues across the county.

The ensemble has been reflecting on a busy 2025 while looking ahead to a year of new musical opportunities and expanded performances.

Last year saw the group’s first concert take place in May as part of the VE80 commemorations, followed by a demanding schedule later in the year, including performances around Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas period.

As planning for 2026 gets underway, the ensemble has confirmed that it has been invited by Haverfordwest Town Council to support a number of civic events. These include the Mayor Making ceremony, Beating the Bounds and the town carnival, alongside several other public occasions.

The group has also been invited to perform at Roche School as part of its music sessions, as well as visiting the music department at Pembrokeshire College.

In addition, the ensemble is planning a programme of summer and Christmas concerts at venues across Pembrokeshire. It is hoped that these will include performances at the Merlin Theatre, with arrangements also progressing for concerts on a larger scale than those previously staged by the group.

Members of the ensemble have thanked supporters for their encouragement over the past year and say they are looking forward to a busy and eventful 2026, continuing to perform for audiences across the county.

RSPCA CYMRU has looked back on a demanding year for animal welfare in Wales, marked by rising abandonment and neglect cases alongside major political and legislative developments.

For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has worked to bring animals to safety, and 2025 proved to be another relentless year for frontline officers, inspectors, volunteers and animal centres across Wales.

From emergency rescues and welfare investigations to rehabilitation and rehoming, teams across the country responded to an unrelenting demand for help, with animal welfare charities warning of a growing crisis.

One significant development during the year was progress made in the Senedd towards a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. The RSPCA, alongside its Cut the Chase coalition partners, says it will continue to work with Members of the Senedd as the proposed legislation moves forward in 2026.

With the Senedd election also approaching in May 2026, the charity says the coming year will be critical. RSPCA Cymru is seeking to influence political party manifestos to ensure animal welfare commitments remain firmly on the agenda.

Wales leads UK in animal compassion

Despite the challenges, new data published in 2025 showed Wales leading the UK in public concern for animals.

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index found that 75 per cent of people in Wales describe themselves as animal lovers — the highest proportion of any UK nation. This compares with 72 per cent in Scotland, 70 per cent in England, and 69 per cent in Northern Ireland.

However, the charity says this compassion is being tested. Reports of animal abandonment in Wales rose by 12.5 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, while neglect reports increased by 14 per cent over the same period.

On Wednesday (Jan 1), the RSPCA also revealed that more than 634,000 people visited its website during 2025 to report animal welfare concerns across England and Wales. During the Christmas period alone, between December 24 and 29, there were 7,279 visits.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Every single day throughout the year, our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of animals with very special backgrounds and stories of triumph over adversity.

“With the New Year upon us, we’re proud to showcase how animal lovers in Wales have supported us to help so many animals survive in so many situations.

“For more than 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve — but we can’t do that without public support. If you care about animals, it’s time to turn that care into action.”

Rescues that defined 2025

Among the many rescues carried out across Wales during the year was the dramatic rescue of a thrush found entangled 40 feet up a tree near Pontypool.

The bird had wire wrapped tightly around its leg and was unable to free itself. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Kirsty Morgan worked alongside South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to reach the bird using specialist equipment. After veterinary treatment and a night of rest, the thrush was released back into the wild.

A representative from Monmouthshire Housing Association said staff were “thrilled” to see the bird released safely, describing the moment as “heartwarming” as it reunited with another thrush nearby.

In Merthyr Tydfil, a severely underweight 12-week-old Patterdale Terrier puppy was found in Dowlais in June. Weighing just 900 grams and suffering from rickets, mobility problems and a docked tail, the pup was taken for urgent veterinary care.

RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper said the puppy — later named Audrey — made a full recovery and has since been rehomed. She said: “After being so small we feared for the worst, but it is wonderful she is doing so well.”

Elsewhere, a badger was rescued after falling four feet down an open manhole near the former Colwyn Bay Civic Office in November. RSPCA Inspector Louise Showering worked with the Clwyd Badger Group to safely remove the animal, which ran off unharmed. The manhole was later secured by the council.

In Caerphilly, a tawny owl was rescued after becoming tangled by its wing in branches above fast-flowing water in Bedwas. The bird was freed with the help of South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, treated by a vet, and later released back into the wild.

One of the most unusual cases involved a puffin named Oona, discovered 110 miles inland in a Herefordshire garden. After specialist rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre, Oona was returned to West Wales and released back into the sea.

Public urged to act quickly

The RSPCA says early intervention can save lives and is urging members of the public to help trapped animals where it is safe to do so, using guidance available on the charity’s website.

Anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare is advised to report it via the RSPCA’s online reporting system.

More information on the charity’s Big Give Back to Animals appeal can be found on the RSPCA website.