News

Cut-down Remembrance Sunday services in wake of coronavirus pandemic

Published

5 years ago

November 8, 2020

LIKE so many other activities this year, national and local events to mark Remembrance Sunday have been drastically affected, but even if large-scale events have been cut back, each of us can mark the occasion in our own way.

And there is much to remember this year.

It was the 80th anniversaries of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain, and 75 years since World War Two ended. It is also 60 years since the Malayan Emergency ended, and within my lifetime, now an incredible 30 years since HM Armed Forces were deployed to the Gulf following the invasion of Kuwait, and 25 years since the first phase of UK operations in support of peacekeeping missions in the former Yugoslavia ended.

A small service was held at the cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven. A small delegation of representatives from the town and county council, and other community organisations were there to represent the larger numbers usually attending.

The wreath laying was done as usual, with Stephen Crabb MP leading the ceremony.

However, without the marching band, cadets and usual pageantry the atmosphere was considerably more sombre.

Other cut-down services were held all over Pembrokeshire, with everyone doing the best they could considering the circumstances of the last day of the ‘fire-break’ lockdown.

Paul Davies: Things are very different this year

Paul Davies AM, Welsh leader of the Conservatives said: “Many people here in Wales will have their own memories, either of relatives who went away to take part, or perhaps even of their own experiences in these and other conflicts, and while our collective Remembrance parades and services will not take place as before, it offers us the chance for quiet, individual reflection.

“Other ways in which we can show our respect include watching the RBL’s Festival of Remembrance this evening, watching the service from The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, or the National Service of Remembrance for Wales broadcast, and observing The Silence at 11am that day.

“However, you intend to mark the day in this a year when we have all made sacrifices, we must not forget that many of our Armed Forces personnel have made even greater sacrifices for our country. Many have died, many have suffered grievous physical wounds, and many suffer invisible emotional and psychological scars.

“We will remember them.”

Adam Price MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru also reflected on this important day: “The pandemic has reminded all too many of us of the fragility of life. This year’s Remembrance Sunday will be a particularly poignant one.

“As we came together on our doorsteps at the start of the pandemic to thank those who fought to keep us safe from harm from the virus, many of us will join together on Remembrance Sunday to remember and show support for those who have fought in conflict.

“Standing at our doorsteps of our homes is a fitting way to show respect and stay safe in 2020, and perhaps the challenging circumstances will make it all the more poignant. In solidarity, we will pay tribute to veterans of war, those currently serving in the armed forces, and to remember all victims of conflict.

“This year’s commemorations should provide an opportunity for sombre reflection for all who suffered and died in wars throughout our history, as we strive towards a future of peace and prosperity.”

In his daily coronavirus update, the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson said: “Sadly, Remembrance Sunday is so different from previous years

“There will be no church services or parades although the regulations state that a person has a reasonable excuse to leave where they are living to attend a Remembrance event although such gatherings cannot exceed 30 individuals.

“Of course we can all take part in the commemorations by observing the two minutes silence in our own homes at 11 o’clock.”

Health

Paper petition launched in Withybush hospital campaign

Published

42 seconds ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS across Pembrokeshire can now back the campaign to protect services at Withybush Hospital by signing a paper petition available in council offices across the county.

The initiative has been introduced to ensure those who are digitally excluded – including older residents and people without reliable internet access – are still able to have their say.

The petition, originally launched online by local resident Ajay Owens, has already attracted more than 11,000 signatures. Campaigners say the introduction of paper copies will help ensure the final total reflects the views of the whole community.

***Samuel Kurtz MS and Paul Davies MS***

SUPPORT GATHERS PACE

Local Senedd Members Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz, who are supporting the campaign, said it was vital that every voice is heard.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MS, PAUL DAVIES said: “We have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting services at Withybush Hospital, including gathering evidence from staff, patients and residents, and raising concerns with health leaders. It is vital that people continue to share their experiences of why local services matter.”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS added: “The community has come together before to oppose cuts to Withybush, and once again the community are showing they will not accept the closure of services at Withybush lying down. We will stand beside them every step of the way until this decision is overturned.”

Both Members have formally requested that the petition be debated in the Senedd before its dissolution, in a bid to ensure Pembrokeshire residents’ concerns are considered at the highest level.

RURAL CARE CONCERNS

Campaigners argue that maintaining services at Withybush Hospital is critical for patient safety, timely emergency care, and supporting rural communities, where travel times to alternative hospitals can be significantly longer.

Residents wishing to sign the petition can do so at their local town or community council office during normal opening hours.

Ajay Owens said: “I am incredibly heartened by the support from our local town halls and businesses. This petition is about giving every resident in Pembrokeshire a voice, and having these physical locations available ensures that everyone, regardless of their access to the internet, can stand up for what matters to our community and share their concerns.”

WHERE TO SIGN

Paper copies of the petition are currently available at locations including Fishguard and Goodwick Town Hall, Haverfordwest Town Council at the Old Wool Market, Milford Haven Cemetery Lodge, Narberth Community Library, Newport Town Council, Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke Dock Town Council, and across Saundersfoot via local distribution.

Opening times vary depending on location.

Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

Published

9 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

Crime

Armed police attend knife-related incident in Fishguard street

Published

14 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police were deployed to a residential street in Fishguard this evening following reports of a teenage boy with a knife.

The incident happened in the Dan y Bryn area on Sunday evening (Mar 23).

Armed police negotiated with the suspect, persuading him to hand over the weapon. He was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and taken away in an ambulance.

The situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.

There is currently no official statement from police, and the Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further information.