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Call for Welsh Government decision on DARC space radar

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A CALL has been lodged for the contentious DARC ‘space radar’ scheme in Pembrokeshire to be decided by Welsh Government rather than county planners.

In an application recently submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council following a public consultation, the Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects which would utilise three sites worldwide, part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement says of the DARC scheme: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debris-related incidents.

“Without DARC, the UK faces a significant risk of losing access to these vital services, which would have severe consequences for national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

It says the scheme would create 90 full time equivalent construction jobs, and, when operational, will result in the creation of 60 full time equivalent jobs including operation, maintenance and security staff.

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the pre-application consultation proposals, and public objectors have raised concerns with protests recently taking place outside the barracks and County Hall, Haverfordwest, and former First Minister Eluned Morgan called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the USA.

Campaign group PARC against DARC, set up in 2024 to oppose scheme, has submitted an official request to ‘call in’ the application for DARC radar to the newly formed Plaid Cymru Welsh government, citing what it describes as “an extremely promising step forward for the campaign with an anti-DARC Plaid Cymru government now elected in the Senedd”.

A ‘call-in’ means the application could be decided at Welsh Government level rather than by county planners.

Campaigners argue that DARC should be called in to Welsh Government on the basis that it is “clearly a nationally significant development that lies well outside of the scope for consideration of Pembrokeshire County Council alone,” urging that it is called in so that a “fair and appropriate consideration of the suitability of a development that is so widely opposed can be placed within the context of the national priorities of Wales going forward”.

Plaid Cymru voted at their national conference in October 2024 to take action to oppose the project.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application before the county council has until May 20.

Pembrokeshire-based Jerome Flynn, who was first famous for his roles in Soldier Soldier, Robson & Jerome and more recently Game Of Thrones has  described the scheme as “the most unspeakably abominable planning application led by the US military, backed by Donald Trump to place 27 radar dishes right on the edge of our beloved coastal national park”.

 

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

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MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

 

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