News
Humans buried at Stonehenge may have been from Preseli Hills
NEW research has shown that the humans buried underneath Stonehenge were most likely from the Preseli Hills, the same area as the bluestones used to build the landmark.
The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, are based off new developments in strontium isotopic analysis of cremated bone.
The analysis revealed that at least 10 of the 25 cremated individuals analysed did not spend their lives on the Wessex chalk on which the monument is found.
The analysis offers details on things such as diet, and in combination with isotope studies on plant life, clearly distinguish the Ordovician and Silurian rock lithologies of west Wales from the Cretaceous chalk of Wessex.
So the highest strontium isotope ratios in the remains are shown to be consistent with living in the west of Britain, rendering the idea that those who transported the bluestones from the Preseli Hills to Wiltshire went onto settle there entirely plausible.
While the large sarsens (silicified sandstone) of the second stage of Stonehenge are thought to be sourced from roughly 20 kilometres north of the landmark, the bluestones (rhyolite, spotted dolerite and other lithologies) that are now believed to have been erected at an earlier stage, have long been associated with the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire, over 200 km away, with some now more specifically sourced to Craig Rhos-y-felin and Carn Goedog quarries
John Pouncett of the University of Oxford told the BBC: “The parallels between stones moving across the landscape and people moving with them are tantalising.
“It’s astonishing to think about the sheer numbers of people travelling that distance. One individual buried at Stonehenge could be the exception rather than the rule, but we know that a significant number of people are moving large distances.”
Sadly this new process destroyed other signals that might tell us more about who these people were, but scientists are one step closer to unravelling the mysteries of this iconic landmark.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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