News

Oakwood offers Pembrokeshire schools chance to try new ride

Published

7 years ago

April 5, 2019

WALES’ largest theme park, Oakwood, is giving one lucky primary school class the chance to win a trip to the park and try out its brand-new ride ‘Dizzy Disk’.

The family attraction, located in the heart of Pembrokeshire, has launched a competition inviting primary pupils from Pembrokeshire to bag themselves a thrilling trip for their entire class.

As well as spending a day at the park, the winning class will be get to ride ‘Dizzy Disk’, an exciting new family ride which will see riders face outwards as they glide back and forth while simultaneously spinning in circles. New for Easter 2019, the ride joins Oakwood’s existing collection of 27 rides and experiences.

To enter, Oakwood is asking children in Pembrokeshire between the ages of six and eleven to share why their class deserves to win the treat of a trip to Oakwood.

Phil Verbinnen, Director at Oakwood Theme Park said “We’re excited for the Pembrokeshire community to come and enjoy our park and try out our thrilling new offerings for 2019. Dizzy Disk in particular is a ride that we are sure will be popular with all the family and we can’t wait to unveil it!

“Oakwood has been a special place for many generations of Pembrokeshire children and we’re looking forward to welcoming the lucky winners of this competition to the park”.

Opening its doors over thirty years ago, Oakwood is home to a variety of attractions and themed areas suitable for the whole family to enjoy. The park is home to four large thrill rides, including world-famous Megafobia which has been voted the UK’s number one wooden rollercoaster, as well as several fairground rides and child friendly rollercoasters.

In addition to new ride ‘Dizzy Disk’, guest favourite Bounce will also be reopening in the summer following a full refurbishment, taking the thrill ride total up to five for Oakwood.

Applications for the competition are now open. To apply, please email your name, age, address, school name and up to 100 words on why you think your class should win to: [email protected]

Applications will close on Monday 29th April.

For more information please visit: www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

56 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.