Community

The mighty ‘Pelican of London’ tall ship sails into Fishguard

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2023

THE PICTURESQUE waters of Fishguard recently welcomed the majestic tall ship, ‘The Pelican of London,’ as it embarked on its summer journey under the auspices of Sail Training Ireland. Arriving from Dublin yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), the three-masted vessel captivated onlookers with its unique design and rich maritime history.

Renowned as the only Mainmast Barquentine in the world, The Pelican of London possesses a distinct rig inspired by the ancient Xebec, a Mediterranean ship famous for its association with Barbary pirates for two centuries. This remarkable rigging allows the Pelican to sail remarkably close to the wind, surpassing the capabilities of any square rigger currently at sea.

Originally built in France in 1948 as a fishing trawler for Arctic expeditions, the Pelican of London later underwent a transformation, being sold to Norway and converted into a coaster named Kadett. However, the vessel’s journey took a turbulent turn in 1993 when it was apprehended for smuggling a substantial cargo of vodka from Finland, resulting in its confiscation and the imprisonment of its owner.

In 1995, Retired Commander Graham Neilson stepped in, purchasing the ship and embarking on an ambitious restoration project. Twelve years later, the Pelican of London emerged from this extensive refurbishment, gleaming with renewed vitality, ready to embark on its maiden voyage under the banner of “Seas your Future” and Ocean College.

Ocean College, an organization facilitating academic and nautical training for students aged 15 and above, frequently utilizes the Pelican as a vessel for their year-long educational expeditions. Departing from Europe each October, the ship sails across the Atlantic, making stops in the Caribbean and various destinations to engage in specialized projects along the way. The experience offered by Ocean College often serves as a gap year opportunity for graduates, though it remains open to all eligible students seeking an extraordinary voyage.

Currently, the helm has been passed to Sail Training Ireland for the summer voyage, as they continue the ship’s mission of imparting valuable skills and fostering a deep appreciation for the maritime world.

The Pelican of London’s visit to Fishguard represents a captivating chapter in its vibrant history. As it majestically sails the waters, residents and visitors alike are treated to a glimpse of its extraordinary heritage and the dedication of organizations like Seas your Future in empowering young individuals through maritime education.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.