News
Cragen calling for clean seas during Pembrokeshire visit
THE MYTHICAL Cragen is set to visit the shores of Pembrokeshire with a message to clean the seas.
Visitors to Tenby, Stackpole and Goodwick will have a chance to catch a glimpse of Small World Theatre’s new mythological monster, which will appear along Wales’ epic coastline throughout the summer during the Year of the Sea.
Last Friday (Jul 20) Aberporth witnessed the first sighting of the Cragen off the Ceredigion coast, as hundreds participated in a beach clean, before the 20 metre long sea monster emerged with the message to keep the waters clean.
Cardigan-based Small World Theatre created the giant sea-faring puppet. The theatre company, established in 1996, is excited about touring its latest giant in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Isle of Anglesey and Conwy, encouraging people to explore Visit Wales’ newly launched ‘The Wales Way’.
The Wales Way is a new family of three national routes that will lead visitors into the heart of real Wales. The Coastal Way travels the west coast around Cardigan Bay, a 180-mile road-trip between the sea and mountains. The Cambrian Way crosses the spine of Wales for 185 miles between Llandudno and Cardiff. The North Wales Way leads 75 miles into the island of Anglesey.
There are many accounts of sea monsters during ‘The Age of Exploration’ when European explorers sailed into uncharted waters. Their appearances were often thought to be prophetic, the harbingers of doom and disaster, or portents of great change.
Cragen is inspired by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner’s illustrated book published more than 460 years ago, and held at the Roderic Bowen Research Centre, University Wales Trinity Saint David.
Members of the public are invited to visit Cragen performances between July – December and participate in activities and events alongside the Wales-wide tour, including The Wildlife Trusts ‘Sea Wales 7D’ Augmented Reality Roadshow (where you can learn about some of the incredible marine wildlife that calls Wales home), beach cleans organised by Keep Wales Tidy and National Trust Wales and family activities galore organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and others.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Lord-Elis Thomas said: “The Year of the Sea gives us an excellent opportunity to show our fantastic coastline to the world. From our 50 islands, our 230 beaches with more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in Britain – to our world-first 870mile long Wales Coast Path.
“However, it also gives us a platform to raise awareness of the need to care for our environment – and the impact our activities can have on our seas and coastline. The Welsh Government is committed to reducing the use of single use plastics, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this innovative project by the Small World Theatre. Cragen will help raise awareness of the impact of single use plastics and the backdrop of our amazing coastline will be a reminder of the beauty that needs to be kept for future generations.”
The project received funding via the Tourism Product Innovation Fund (TPIF) and is supported through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government; the Fund aims to encourage new innovative product ideas working in partnership which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.
The Cragen will be at Tenby North Beach on July 27, Stackpole Quay on August 3 and The Parrog in Goodwick on August 17.
Follow Cragen’s travels online cleanseascragen.wales and share your ‘sighting’ on social media using the hashtags #cleanseascragen #findyourepic #cleanseas.
Crime
Four youths linked to night of disorder in Milford Haven
A GROUP of four youths are believed to have been involved in a series of incidents in Milford Haven late on Sunday night, culminating in a reported break-in at the Lord Nelson Hotel.
At approximately 11.50pm, four young males walked into The Pembrokeshire Herald building on Victoria Road directly from the street.
They spoke briefly with editor Tom Sinclair and asked him for £10. When he refused, the group left the premises without further incident.
The youths are then believed to have gone to a nearby flat, where resident Ri Marr said they climbed scaffolding beside her home, banged on her windows and attempted to open her door.
Ms Marr, who lives alone, said she was terrified because she did not initially know who was outside.
She said police attended quickly and took a statement.
It is understood that two members of the group later entered the nearby Lord Nelson Hotel, where a substantial amount of stock was allegedly stolen from the bar.
Hotel manager James Findlay has released CCTV images showing two young males in the rear service area of the premises and appealed for help identifying them.
He said those responsible had an opportunity to return the stolen stock, adding that the hotel would otherwise fully support any police investigation using CCTV, fingerprints or other evidence.
The incidents all took place within a short distance of each other and over a relatively brief period.
The Herald understands that four youths were present during the earlier incidents, although only two are alleged to have entered the Lord Nelson.
Anyone who recognises those shown in the CCTV images, or who has information about the movements of the group, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
The Herald has approached the force for confirmation of the reported incidents and details of any investigation.
News
RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard rescue kayakers blown offshore at Llangrannog
TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.
New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.
An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.
New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.
The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.
All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.
The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.
The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.
Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.
“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.
“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Business
Welsh financial and legal firms set to benefit from landmark Swiss trade deal
WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.
The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.
However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.
UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.
The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.
It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.
Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.
Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.
“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.
“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.
“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”
The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.
Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.
Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.
She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.
“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”
Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.
British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.
The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.
The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.
Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.
British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.
Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.
The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.
Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.
“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.
“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.
He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”
Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.
Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.
While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.
The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.
The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.
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