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News

Pembroke Dock: Lantern parade brings town together

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PEMBROKE DOCK was the place to be on Friday (Dec 1) when the community organised Lanterns in the Park parade kickstarted a weekend of events in the town.

Over 600 people packed into the Memorial Park to enjoy the spectacular parade led by Samba Doc ,who set the pace in front of 200 lantern paraders  snaking around the park’s paths.

The lanterns were made by Sand Palace Arts at community workshops funded by Pembroke Dock Festival Group.

Groups who made lanterns included, Pennar Hall Art Club, Messy Church, Pembroke Dock Scouts and Girl Guides as well as community members at open weekend workshops.

Large lanterns included an owl, fox badger and Sunderland the flying pig of Pennar.  An Air Ambulance lantern with a rotating rotor blade took park.

After the parade the huge crowd was treated to a spectacular 20 minute fire show which included fireworks and pyrotechnics. Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners  show dazzled the crowd with their fire juggling and spinning skills, sending sparks which lit up the park and night sky.

Pyro artist Lee Berridge set his 18 foot structure of an owl in a tree alight which drew a huge gasp from the audience and fireworks donated by West Coast Fireworks lit up the structure which was a fantastic spectacle.

Father Christmas appeared and mingled in the crown greeting excited children and handing out sweets.

Samba doc then led the crowds to the park gates with another performance  and after getting the crowd warmed up the fun continued at the Pater Hall where the Festival Group provided free hot dogs and hot chocolate for over 300 people who were entertained by Fusion Community Choir with Father Christmas again mingling and collecting letters from the little ones.

Summing up the event Liz Cook, Community Activist, said: “Lanterns in the Park showed what the Dock can make possible when it pulls together.

“Three weeks ago the parade was not happening but over 30 people from the local community got the job done free of charge. and by working together with the Festival Group and Town Council a fabulous event took place.  I’ve never seen the Pater Hall  and park so packed out, the atmosphere and community spirit was amazing.

“As an informal group we will be working together in the New Year to organise the Midsummer and Winter festivals for the community. A huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way we all did our town proud.

“We couldn’t have done it with local businesses who also donated goods and time including B&M, Pembroke Dock Hire Centre, Rembrandt’s Jewellers and Parfitt’s Carpets.”

Hundreds of photos from the night can be viewed on the Lanterns in the Park Facebook page. If you would like to help out next year contact Liz Cook on 01646 621811.

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

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THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

  • Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”

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Business

Wales Tourism Alliance challenges Visitor Levy Bill

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THE WALES TOURISM ALLIANCE has submitted its formal response to the Welsh Government’s Visitor Levy Bill. The response, delivered to the Finance and the Legislation, Justice, and Constitution Committees, outlines several key concerns about the proposed legislation.

Key issues raised by the WTA

  1. The Welsh Government’s own Explanatory Memorandum and Economic Impact Assessment suggest the policy’s administrative costs will outweigh the revenue generated.
  2. The Bill extends beyond tourism visits, encompassing stays of less than 31 days for purposes such as work or education.
  3. Local authorities will retain sole control over any net revenue, with no obligation to allocate funds to tourism-related initiatives.
  4. The data underpinning the policy and its assumptions are unreliable and raise significant concerns.
  5. Industry input, including that from Wales’s own tourism forum chairs, has been inadequately considered.
  6. The policy fails to account for the pressures already impacting Welsh tourism over the past five years.

Industry reaction

WTA Chair Rowland Rees-Evans voiced disappointment over the proposal, which the Welsh Government’s own Economic Impact Assessment predicts could lead to net job losses.

“The WTA has engaged with the Welsh Government since the Visitor Levy was proposed, and we are disappointed they are pursuing a policy their own analysis suggests will have a negative impact on employment,” Rees-Evans stated.

“The tourism industry in Wales is still recovering from the devastating effects of Covid-19, grappling with the 182-day rule on holiday lets, and facing ongoing challenges from the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, businesses are contending with a 40% rise in the living wage since 2020 and increased national insurance contributions starting this April.

“To impose another burden on a fragile sector, which employs over 20% of the workforce in some parts of Wales, is not in the best interest of the country.”

Rees-Evans emphasized the broader implications of the levy, stating:
“We must also dispel the notion that this is solely a Tourist Tax. It is a Visitor Levy that will affect everyone in Wales – from children on overnight school trips to patients requiring overnight stays before early NHS admissions.”

Pictured: Rowland Rees-Evans, Chair of the Wales Tourism Alliance

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News

Petition demanding resignation of Neyland councillor sparks public outcry

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A PETITION demanding the immediate resignation of Neyland Town Councillor Mike Harry has taken centre stage ahead of an extraordinary council meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 16. The petition, started by Nicholas Wilson, accuses Cllr Harry of breaching the council’s code of conduct by making derogatory remarks about constituents in an email circulated to all town councillors.

In the email, Cllr Harry referred to some constituents as “degenerates” and “cronies from the Foresters bar,” remarks that have been labelled offensive and unbecoming of a public representative. The petition has gathered momentum in Neyland, with supporters calling for accountability and demanding higher standards from their councillors. “This kind of language and attitude has no place in our town council,” one petitioner commented.

First meeting since october 2024

The extraordinary meeting marks the first official gathering of Neyland Town Council since October 2024, after months of internal conflict and public disputes among councillors. It will take place at 6:00pm in the Viewing Gallery of Neyland Community Hub, a change from the usual venue due to a Labour Party quiz occupying the main meeting rooms. However, the relocation means there will be no audio-visual support for the meeting.

The agenda for the meeting is notably sparse, with a single item for discussion: council finance, specifically the budget and precept for 2025/26. Despite the narrow focus of the agenda, the meeting is expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Cllr Harry and the fallout from his remarks.

Escalating internal tensions

The controversy stems from an email in which Cllr Harry expressed frustration over disputes with colleagues and constituents. In the email, he dismissed critics as an “irrelevant minority” and accused them of spreading “garbage.” He also took aim at a former councillor, claiming they had resigned over a prejudicial interest relating to the construction of the Neyland Community Hub.

These comments have ignited outrage among residents, some of whom are now questioning the culture within the council. The petition has called for Cllr Harry’s removal, arguing that his remarks damage public trust in the council’s ability to serve the community.

Public divisions and Ombudsman’s investigation

Cllr Harry has defended his actions, stating that he is awaiting a decision from the Ombudsman regarding ongoing disputes. He maintains that the allegations against him are unfounded and insists that his comments have been taken out of context.

While his supporters argue that the email reflects frustration amid a difficult period for the council, critics believe the remarks highlight deeper issues within Neyland Town Council. The council has been mired in internal disputes for months, resulting in delays and cancellations of meetings, further fuelling dissatisfaction among residents.

Neyland watches closely

With tensions running high, the upcoming meeting is expected to draw significant public interest. Whether the petition will prompt immediate action or further divide the council remains to be seen. For now, the focus of the meeting is set to be council finances, but the controversy surrounding Cllr Harry is unlikely to be ignored.

The Herald will provide updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.

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