News
Pembrokeshire’s meow meow epidemic
THE DRUG known as meow meow was blighting west Wales and usage had reached epidemic proportions, a judge said on Friday (Feb 28).
Judge Peter Heywood was speaking at Swansea Crown Court as he sentenced two men caught dealing in the drug, full name methylmethcathinone.
Frank Phillips, prosecuting, told the court how police searched a Vauxhall Astra outside Tenby Leisure Centre at 2.30am on December 28, 2013.
Robert Attwell was driving, Aeron Penniket was the front seat passenger and Heather Chambers was in the back.
Officers found 5.1grams of meow meow in the glove compartment and Penniket admitted the drug belonged to him, claiming that it was plant food.
Mr Phillips said Chambers was arrested later and transported to a police station in the caged area of the same police vehicle that had been used to carry Penniket. She pointed out a bag with traces of white powder in it, which turned out to be meow meow.
During a police interview Attwell admitted driving Penniket to Port Talbot about 15 times to buy drugs.
Penniket, a scaffolder, was “less forthcoming” but eventually admitted joining some of the drug runs.
Attwell, aged 22, of Ridgeway View, St Florence, and Penniket, 26, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, admitted being concerned in the supply of meow meow.
Judge Heywood said he was aware of the effect that meow meow was having on communities in west Wales.
And now so was Penniket, he added, as he had found himself having to lie to his young daughter that he was working away when in fact he was in jail.
Penniket, who is serving a prison sentence for other offending, was jailed for six months.
Attwell was sentenced to six months, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work for the community.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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