News

New Chair and Deputy Chair for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority

Published

3 years ago

July 3, 2023

A NEW Chair and Deputy Chair have been elected to lead Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority over the next two municipal years.

At the Fire Authority’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 12th, 2023, Councillor Gwynfor Thomas of Powys was elected Chair and Councillor John Davies of Pembrokeshire was elected Deputy Chair.

Councillor Gwynfor Thomas joined the Fire Authority in June 2020 and takes over from Councillor Elwyn Williams of Carmarthenshire. Cllr Thomas has 13 years’ experience as a Powys Councillor, has previously served as Chair of Powys County Council and is currently Chair of the Powys Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee. As well as his background as a business owner in the hospitality and agriculture industries, Councillor Thomas is a Trustee of the DPJ Foundation and Deytheur Educational Foundation. He is also School Governor at Ysgol Llanfyllin and Ysgol Llansantffraid and former President and Chair of Montgomery RFC.

Commenting on his appointment as Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Thomas said:

“I am thrilled to have been appointed Chair of the Fire Authority. I look forward to the task of providing good governance to an emergency service that so deserves it, which will in turn provide the communities it serves with a service and the protection that can be trusted and relied upon.”

Councillor Davies has served as a Pembrokeshire County Councillor representing Cilgerran since 1999, working as Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council from 2004-2012. Councillor Davies has been Chair of the Board of Directors of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society since 2012 and was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies of the UK in 2015. From 2010-2018, Councillor Davies completed two terms as a member of the S4C Authority and is a former High Sheriff of Dyfed, he still spends much of his spare time as Chairman of the High Sheriff of Dyfed Trust Fund.

On his appointment as Fire Authority Deputy Chair, Councillor Davies said:

“It is a privilege and an honour to serve as Deputy Chair of such a highly regarded and trusted emergency service. I will endeavour, along with the Chair, to support the values and objectives that deliver at the hour of need.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service serves Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Swansea, Powys and Neath Port Talbot. The Service covers some 4,500 square miles – almost two-thirds of the landmass of Wales – and provides public safety information, prevention and protection programmes as well as emergency response to a population of over 900,000 people. The Service runs 58 fire stations and employs over 1,350 members of staff.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

10 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle