News
First orbital satellite launch from the UK set for take-off
THE UK is about to play host to an unprecedented space mission, which could turn the country into a home of new rocket launches.
It will be the first ever rocket launch from UK soil, as well as the first time that satellites have been launched from Europe.
As long as there are no last-minute technical hitches and the weather in the far south-west of Britain behaves, a converted Boeing 747 will take off from Spaceport Cornwall, fly out across the Atlantic and launch a rocket that will propel nine satellites into space.
Virgin Orbit’s Start Me Up mission on Monday night will be the first launch of satellites from British soil and is being heralded as the start of a new space era for the UK.
Speaking on a more down-to-earth form of transport – a Devon double-decker bus but with a great view across to the 747 – Ian Annett, the deputy chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “We’re all greens at the moment but of course there’s a number of gremlins that can trip you up at the last moment.
“We’re watching the weather closely but one of the advantages of horizontal launch is that you can quickly get above the weather. It’s looking all right for later.”
Tickets to watch the plane take off were snapped up by members of the public within hours of being released.
Given that the mission is named after a Rolling Stones song, it seemed appropriate that the event had the trappings of a music festival.
There were food stalls and a merchandise stand selling beanies, T-shirts, even a Cornish Spaceport-branded bellyboard (£75). Spectators could take selfies in front of a replica of the LauncherOne rocket that will whiz the satellites into orbit.
There was a big screen that will track the mission and – the staple of any modern festival – a VIP section with leather armchairs. Plus a marquee with a silent disco, which promised to be a useful way of staying warm.
The spectators should see the plane, flown by Sqn Ldr Matthew Stannard, an RAF test pilot, take off from the spaceport runway and fly over the Atlantic towards Ireland.
About an hour after take-off, the rocket will be detached at 10,700 metres (35,000ft). It will fall for a few seconds before it ignites and shoots southwards, gathering speed and altitude as it passes Portugal and the Canary Islands.
At about 1.30am on Tuesday, Virgin Orbit’s mission controllers – and the crowd – should know whether the rocket has successfully delivered the satellites in orbit.
Among those with satellites onboard are the UK’s Ministry of Defence, the sultanate of Oman, the US National Reconnaissance Office and British startups including the Welsh company Space Forge, which is developing reusable satellites.
If all goes well, it will be a triumph for north Cornwall, which has faced scepticism over the years that such a mission could be launched from an area more associated with surfing than space adventures.
Melissa Thorpe, the head of Spaceport Cornwall, which is based in a corner of the commercial airport, said: “I hope people will feel some inspiration, some aspiration, and feel proud of how we are representing Cornwall going to the stars. There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there. It’s exciting, different, it’s also a bit of an underdog story.”
UPDATE: Expected take-off time moved forward
SPACE launches are often subject to delay – but tonight, it looks like things are moving forward.
Cosmic Girl, the aircraft carrying the LauncherOne rocket, will start moving down the runway at around 9.30pm, with the wheels going up about 15 minutes later.
The original launch window had the craft taking off at 10.16pm at the earliest, so this move things forward by half an hour.
LauncherOne is due to blast off from the plane between an hour and 90 minutes after take-off.
Community
Lydstep Haven swimming warning lifted after sewerage repairs
BATHERS have been told they can return to the water at Lydstep Haven after warnings linked to a pollution incident were lifted.
Pembrokeshire County Council had advised people not to swim at the beach after an “abnormal situation” was declared earlier this month over concerns about bathing water quality.
Natural Resources Wales has now confirmed that the status has been lifted following repair works to a private sewerage system.
Water samples taken in the days after the repairs indicated that the bathing water was no longer being affected.
Signage warning people not to swim will now be removed by the council.
An NRW spokesperson said: “The ‘abnormal situation’ status at Lydstep Haven beach in Pembrokeshire has been lifted by Natural Resources Wales.
“The lifting of this status means that Pembrokeshire County Council is no longer advising people not to swim at Lydstep Haven.
“The private operator has carried out repair works to their sewerage system and results from several water samples taken indicate the bathing water is no longer being impacted.
“NRW is continuing its investigation into any possible regulatory breaches.”
Community
Safe Haven Homeless breakfast raises more than £170 in Whitland
A FUNDRAISING breakfast held at The Station House pub in Whitland has raised more than £170 for Safe Haven Homeless CIC.
The event saw supporters gather at the pub, where landlord Mike provided a dedicated area for the organisation to display leaflets and posters, sell mugs, and explain more about its plans.
Collection tins were placed on each table and organisers said several generous donations were made during the morning.
Safe Haven Homeless CIC is being set up to provide a safe location, together with a wider support package, for homeless people who are desperate to get their lives back on track.
Organisers said the money raised would go towards the group’s work and help demonstrate to grant funders that the organisation is able to raise support locally.
A spokesperson said: “We intend to fund our initial start-up costs from grant funding, and by holding events like this we show grant funders that we are capable of raising funds ourselves.”
Safe Haven Homeless is also in the process of having a website built, which is expected to include a donations portal. The front page is currently live at www.safe-haven-homeless.org.uk, with OROGO Advertising working on the full site.
Photos:
Dave, founder and general manager, with his wife Lynne; director Steve Cox; supporters at the breakfast; the display area; and The Station House, Whitland.






Business
Cardigan bakery named among best in UK
A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.
Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.
The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.
“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.
“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”
The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.
Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.
Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.
For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.
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