Community

Park Authority Chair takes the Coast Path Challenge

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2021

Councillor Paul Harries is the Chair of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

THIS autumn will see Councillor Paul Harries, Chair of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, take on a gruelling tour of the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The walk had been planned for 2020 to mark the 50^th anniversary of this iconic walking trail, but was postponed as a result of lockdown restrictions. Councillor Harries now hopes to begin the challenge on Thursday 16 September.

The 186-mile National Trail, which stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, was officially opened in 1970, five years after work began to carve out the cliff-edge route. Most of this precarious work was carried out by Bristol Bulldozers, the smallest machine of its kind and well-suited to the task of sculpting steep banks.

Described by Lonely Planet as “one of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain”, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path now attracts over a million visitors each year, generating tens of millions for the local economy. It also forms part of the Wales Coast Path and the International Appalachian Trail.

Although the Trail offers plenty to see, with 43 Iron Age sites visible from the Path and 75 percent of it passing through SSSI sites and Special Areas of Conservation and Protection, completing the entire route is no mean feat. The ascents and descents total 35,000 ft, which is said to equal climbing Everest.

Paul Harries takes on tour of Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Councillor Harries said: “I have walked many of sections in the north, and am very much looking forward to exploring some of the southern sections that are less familiar to me.

“The Coast Path is one of the National Park’s greatest assets, and there can be few better ways of celebrating its 50^th anniversary than walking its entire route.”

Councillor Harries, who’s also the county councillor for Newport, will be starting his Coast Path walk at St Dogmaels at 9am, and will be joined by friends and members of Authority staff along some sections.

The schedule beyond this will be dependent on weather and personal energy levels, but photo updates will be posted on the Authority’s social media channels.

To follow Councillor Harries’ progress along the Coast Path, like the Authority’s Facebook page @PembrokeshireCoast, or follow @PembsCoast on Twitter.

Further information on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail can be found by visiting www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/coast-path.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).