News
Burnham supported for Labour leadership
ANDY BURNHAM has won the support of the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Labour Party in the upcoming leadership election.
The party met at the Bloomfield Centre in Narberth on Friday (Jul 17) night to discuss who should lead the UK party following Ed Milliband’s resignation after the General Election.
Members from Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock discussed the four candidates: Andy Burnham; Yvette Cooper; Jeremy Corbyn, and Liz Kendall. After a robust discussion about the principles and values of each candidate, and their ability to lead Labour forward ahead of the Assembly elections next year, and the 2020 election.
Andy Burnham won on the first ballot, and Caroline Flint was nominated for Deputy Leader. Speaking on hearing the news of his nomination, Andy Burnham said: “Winning in Wales is key to ensuring we have a Labour government in 2020, so I am delighted to have the backing of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire CLP. I am building a movement that spans across every region and nation of our country and I’m determined to ensure Labour confronts the reasons why we lost on May 7 and gives people hope again. Under my leadership I will give people across the whole of Wales a real Labour vision that is worth voting for.”
Last month, Andy Burnham held a meeting with Labour members and supporters in Whitland drawing a huge audience keen to hear his views on how the Party can re-engage with voters in former Labour voting communities.
Andy Burnham also received the support of Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Labour Assembly Candidate, Marc Tierney.
Mr Tierney said: “I was pleased to welcome Andy to Whitland a few weeks ago. He engaged with local members and listened carefully to the views that matter to communities like ours. It also shows that winning back seats like Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire is a priority for candidates like Andy – he is reaching out beyond safe Labour areas. It is becoming really clear that the Tory UK government isn’t working for west Wales. Cutting Tax Credits for our poorest in work families, putting fox hunting before protecting public services and delays in issuing work visas for new doctors to keep our NHS safe are all damaging to the quality of life of local people.”
A similar nomination meeting involving members of the Preseli Pembrokeshire Constituency Labour Party will be held in Haverfordwest on Friday night.
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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