News
Coast inspired author becomes Writer in Residence
ORIEL Y PARC Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids will host the author of the critically acclaimed children’s book Elen’s Island, as Writer in Residence until July 30.
During her residency, Eloise Williams, who lives in Saundersfoot, will research and begin writing a young adult’s novel set in St Davids, as well as running a series of workshops for school groups.
Eloise said:
“I am so thrilled to be able to take up this post and work with the people of St Davids, and visitors to the area, to create a book set in such beautiful surroundings. All my books are set along the coastline of Wales and Oriel y Parc celebrates the nature and beauty of West Wales so triumphantly it will be the perfect place to write a young adults’ novel.
“Whilst my books celebrate Wales in all its glorious beauty they often have a dark side and also tales of real people dealing with real issues. If anyone would be interested in coming to chat to me about any stories they know about St Davids, I’d be delighted to hear them.”
The school workshops will tie in with the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations – marking a century since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller, who visited the Pembrokeshire Coast many times on holiday as a child.
Eloise’s book Elen’s Island is Highly Commended in the Wales Books Council’s Tir na n’Og Awards this year and was placed at number six in the UK-wide BookTrust best books of 2015 advent calendar. It also has links to the National Park’s world-class landscape and wonderful wildlife, with the island in the book inspired by the islands of Caldey and Skomer.
The workshops inspired by the books of Roald Dahl are supported by Literature Wales and Welsh Government as part of the Roald Dahl 100 Wales celebrations, with additional funding from the Friends of Oriel y Parc.
Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre is owned and run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and is the home of Amgueddfa Cymru–National Museum Wales in Pembrokeshire
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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