Community
Take your place at the Welsh Dragonboat Championships
THIS COMING May 29, Llys y Fran Country Park will once again be transformed as the Welsh Dragonboat Championships will hit Pembrokeshire for the third time. Organised by Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, the primary event purpose is to fundraise for the local and Welsh Charities this year they are looking to support Life Opportunities for Young people as our theme.
The Dragonboat event involves teams of 17 participants per team, including a ceremonial drummer at the helm. There will be a number of races throughout the day, until the winners are crowned Dragonboat Champions 2016. The event race, however, isn’t the only entertainment planned on the day. As this takes place on Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend, the organisers were keen to create an inclusive, family-orientated experience with something for everyone. There will be a number of family entertainment areas – including bouncy castles and free children’s rides sponsored by local businesses. There will also be free camping for two nights at Llys-y-fran. A host of catering and beverage facilities offering hot and cold foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and much more besides will also compliment the site.
Mary Adams of Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club commented: ‘This is now one of Pembrokeshire’s premier events and we are delighted with the success of the event raising more than £20,000 for charities in Pembrokeshire and Wales.
“Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club are pleased that this event is now firmly established in Pembrokeshire’s annual events calendar and raising money for worthwhile causes.
“Our primary objective is to make it a ‘Bank Holiday Bonanza’ event. It is for this reason that we wanted to ensure that this was a fully inclusive day out- a showcase event with people having a fun day out, all with the common goal of fundraising for our beloved charities.
“We welcome families and all walks of life to come out and support the event, and to continue to drive Pembrokeshire as Wales’ leading county when it comes to fundraising for Welsh beneficiaries. It promises to be a fun-filled family day out for fantastic causes. Let’s just hope the sun shines on Llys y Fran that day!”
The event is being hosted at Llys y Fran Country Park in Pembrokeshire – the magnificent 350-acre park site at the heart of the county, which boasts a 212-acre reservoir on which the race itself will take place. The park – popular with ramblers, cyclists, water sports and fishing enthusiasts – itself boasts a family-friendly restaurant, gift shop and a vast outdoor adventure centre.
Entries for the event are now open and with several teams already signed up, it is already promising to be another tremendous occasion.
To find out more about the Welsh Dragonboat Championship and information on how to enter the various competitions associated with the event (including a weekend family break and fishing vouchers) find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/welshdragonboatchampionship
Alternately, contact event organiser Steve Lewis by email [email protected] or telephone 07932798910.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
-
News4 days ago
Police and air ambulances at ‘serious incident’ at West Wales school
-
Business2 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire pensioner accused of 17 sexual offences against children
-
Crime3 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
Community5 days ago
County Hall to offer space for community banking
-
Crime6 days ago
Brian Davis: Wanted on suspicion of commercial burglary
-
Sport6 days ago
Swifts eyes on double.
-
Community2 days ago
Suspected explosive device found on west Wales beach