Community

Number of Welsh speakers falls for second year running

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

THE NUMBER of Welsh speakers living in Wales has fallen for the second year in a row, according to the latest annual population survey.

Figures published on Wednesday (Apr 22) show that 844,300 people aged three and over were able to speak Welsh in the year ending December 31, 2025.

That represents 27.3% of the population.

The figure is down from 896,300, or 29.2%, in the year ending December 31, 2023.

Despite the recent fall, the overall trend since 2010 remains upward. In March 2010, the survey recorded 731,000 Welsh speakers in Wales, equivalent to 25.2% of the population.

The Welsh Government said the latest data showed that the number of Welsh speakers had “declined in general over the past two years”, but added that the longer-term picture since 2010 was still one of growth.

However, officials have also urged caution when interpreting the figures.

The Annual Population Survey has seen falling sample sizes in recent years, and the estimates have not been reweighted to the latest population estimates. As a result, the Office for Statistics Regulation has agreed that the figures should no longer be treated as accredited official statistics for the time being.

The Welsh Government says the census remains the key source for measuring the number of Welsh speakers in Wales.

According to census data, the number of Welsh speakers was 582,400 in 2001, 562,000 in 2011, and 538,300 in 2021.

Cardiff had the highest estimated number of Welsh speakers in the 2025 survey, with 96,800, followed by Gwynedd with 91,300 and Carmarthenshire with 88,100.

The lowest estimated numbers were in Blaenau Gwent, with 8,200, and Merthyr Tydfil, with 10,200.

Gwynedd had the highest estimated percentage of Welsh speakers, at 74.7%, followed by Anglesey at 63.5%.

The lowest percentages were recorded in Blaenau Gwent, at 12.1%, and Bridgend, at 15.5%.

Children and young people aged three to fifteen remain the age group most likely to speak Welsh, with 48.8%, or 237,900, reporting that they could do so.

But the percentage of children and young people able to speak Welsh has generally fallen since the start of 2019.

The survey also found that 14.5% of people aged three and over, around 448,800 people, said they spoke Welsh daily.

A further 4.9%, or 151,200 people, said they spoke Welsh weekly, while 6.5%, or 200,400 people, said they spoke it less often.

Around 43,500 people said they could speak Welsh but never did so.

The figures also showed that 31.5% of people could understand spoken Welsh, 24.9% could read Welsh, and 22.3% could write in Welsh.

Community

Memorial plaque presented in honour of Cllr Pamela George

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEMORIAL plaque has been presented in honour of Cllr Pamela George, recognising her dedicated service to Pembroke Dock.

The presentation took place at a recent full meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, where the town’s mayor, Cllr Michele Wiggins, presented the plaque to Cllr Jon George and Cllr Tracy George.

The plaque bears the words: “A life of service, a legacy of dedication,” and commemorates Cllr George’s contribution to the town and its community.

Pembroke Dock Town Council thanked Michaels Civic Robes & Regalia, which donated the plaque.

Photo caption:

Tribute: Cllr Jon George and Cllr Tracy George receive the memorial plaque from Pembroke Dock Mayor Cllr Michele Wiggins (Pic: Pembroke Dock Town Council).

Community

Freshwater West memorial honours crews lost in wartime tragedy

Published

19 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VETERANS, standard bearers and civic representatives gathered at Freshwater West on Saturday (Apr 25) for a moving service of remembrance for the men lost in one of Pembrokeshire’s worst wartime maritime disasters.

The annual memorial service remembered the crews of HM Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16, and members of HMS Rosemary, who died after the vessels were overwhelmed in heavy seas off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

A total of 79 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel lost their lives in the tragedy, which unfolded on April 25 and 26, 1943.

The two landing craft had been travelling from Belfast to Falmouth when they ran into severe weather off Freshwater West. Their flat-bottomed design made them vulnerable in rough seas, and both vessels were eventually lost.

HMS Rosemary, a fishery protection vessel, went to the aid of the stricken craft, but six of her crew also drowned when a rescue boat capsized during the attempt to save others.

On Saturday, standards were carried to the memorial above the beach, where clergy led prayers and wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen.

The ceremony was attended by veterans, members of the Royal Marines Association, standard bearers, civic dignitaries and members of the public.

The names of those who died are recorded on the memorial at Freshwater West, overlooking the sea where the disaster took place more than eight decades ago.

Those attending stood in silence as the Last Post was sounded, with standards lowered in tribute to the men who never returned.

The service served as a reminder of the sacrifice made by wartime sailors and marines, as well as the bravery of those who gave their lives trying to rescue others.

Photos: Martin Cavaney

Community

Pembrokeshire RNLI lifeguard represents Wales at Buckingham Palace

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lifeguard supervisor attended special reception marking Queen Elizabeth II centenary

A PEMBROKESHIRE RNLI lifeguard has represented Wales at Buckingham Palace during a special event marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth.

Matty McLeod, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for North Pembrokeshire, attended the reception on Tuesday (Apr 21) alongside three other RNLI representatives, with one chosen from each UK nation.

The event commemorated the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, who was the RNLI’s longest-serving patron. Her Late Majesty held the role for 70 years.

RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said: “It was a great honour for the RNLI to be represented at Buckingham Palace as part of this national occasion.

“Queen Elizabeth II’s unwavering support to the RNLI meant a great deal to our volunteers and staff, and the reception provided a fitting opportunity to reflect on The Late Queen’s extraordinary dedication to saving lives at sea.”

Matty, who has been part of the RNLI for 12 years, was nominated in recognition of his dedication and service to the lifesaving charity.

This year also marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguarding across the UK and Channel Islands.

Growing up on the coast and becoming a keen surfer, Matty developed a strong interest in water safety and helping people around the coastline.

He said: “I feel very grateful to have attended such a prestigious occasion and represent Wales and West RNLI lifeguards in their 25th anniversary year.”

Queen Elizabeth II was a much-loved member of the RNLI family for seven decades. During that time, the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 65,979 lives.

Her Late Majesty attended many RNLI occasions during her reign and recognised the efforts of thousands of RNLI volunteers through visits to lifeboat stations, national honours, and Jubilee medals issued to RNLI crew in 1977, 2002, 2012 and 2022.

Her connection with the charity included the opening of the RNLI College in Poole on July 24, 2004, accompanied by Prince Philip and the RNLI President, the Duke of Kent.

Queen Elizabeth II’s final official engagement on behalf of the RNLI took place on May 17, 2013, when she unveiled a plaque at St Ives Lifeboat Station in Cornwall and met the volunteer lifeboat crew and fundraisers.