News
Narberth: Swimming pool set to re-open
AFTER a closure of nearly two months, SwimNarberth are very happy to announce that the community swimming pool will re-open on January 8.
Not all the work will have been completed until the end of February, when SwimNarberth hope to have a Grand Official Opening, but everyone will be amazed at what has been achieved.
The Narberth Swimming Pool Staff will now have an opportunity to start re-arranging the fixtures and fittings over the Christmas and new year holiday whilst the builders’ A & V Builders Ltd are away.
The decorators have finished the new blue colour scheme which, set against the brilliant white walls and new low energy light fittings give the public areas a vibrant and clean look. Carpets have been removed and new slip-resistant blue safety flooring has been laid in all changing rooms and public areas.
Sue Rees, Chair of the SwimNarberth Trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new internal layout and extensions, designed by the Architect Ken Morgan, which have allowed us to make a world of difference to the facilities we can now offer to our customers. “
“Everyone has been so patient and understanding but I am sure they will be delighted with the improvements. We also look forward to being able to welcome lots of new people to come and enjoy visiting SwimNarberth in future. This project has given our community pool a new lease of life which will take us forward for many years to come.”
Manager Steve Howitt added: “The pool will be re-opening on Monday the 8th January 2017 and all classes will be back to normal. The only class that will not be running is the Thursday night Aquafit, as we don’t have an instructor for that session at the moment but hope to start soon.
“Thanks to everyone for all their support, we look forward to seeing everyone back and hope we will all enjoy Very Happy Swimming in 2018.”
SwimNarberth secured this grant towards significant improvements to the facility and work started on site in July 2017. This grant was received through the Welsh Government Rural Communities-Rural Development Programme 2015-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “Our Rural Development Programme is designed to deliver social and economic benefits to rural communities and I am pleased that we have been able to assist with this project. The refurbishment of SwimNarberth is excellent news for the local community and evidence of our commitment to promote social inclusion and improve economic development in rural areas.”
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.
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News7 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News7 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours