News

Dobby’s grave desecration at Fresh West Beach sparks controversy

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2023

FRESH WEST has recently been at the centre of a peculiar and unexpected dispute. The iconic “grave” of Dobby the house-elf, a fictional character from the beloved Harry Potter series, has been subjected to an act of “sockrilege,” leaving the picturesque shoreline strewn with socks and litter. The incident has ignited discussions among locals and visitors alike, highlighting the complex relationship between popular culture, nature, and local tourism.

The incident came to light when Richard Thomas, a beachgoer, took to social media to share his dismay over the desecration of Dobby’s makeshift grave. In a Facebook post, Thomas humorously noted that “OMG, Dobby’s grave at Fresh West has been desecrated! All his socks have gone…” The light-hearted comment quickly attracted attention, sparking a heated debate about the appropriateness of the tribute and the impact of such displays on the environment.

Dobby’s Grave: How it used to look (File)

Wendy Baynham-Morse, a local resident and avid supporter of responsible tourism, suggested the installation of a statue as a more controlled and sustainable means of honouring the fictional character. She argued that such a move could bolster tourism while maintaining the cleanliness of the beach. However, Ceri Hind interjected, revealing that the current “grave” was not even Dobby’s true resting place, which lies deeper within the dunes at the other end of the beach.

The conversation took an unexpected turn as Emma Thomas shared a link to a news article detailing the disappearance of a previous statue of Dobby from the beach. The statue, crafted by a local company, had been removed less than 48 hours after its installation, raising concerns about vandalism and theft.

The responsibility for the statue’s removal was the subject of speculation, with Kymberley Topaz attributing it to the council. Emma Thomas clarified that it was ultimately the national parks authorities who were behind the removal, emphasising the challenges of maintaining public art installations in natural and vulnerable environments.

The discussion touched on broader issues, such as the environmental impact of increased tourism and the delicate balance between preserving nature and accommodating visitors. Laura Chapman Ryder highlighted the challenges faced by locals, expressing concerns about overcrowding and limited parking at Fresh West. Despite these concerns, Wendy Baynham-Morse reiterated the value of tourism for the local economy.

The removal of the socks and litter from the beach was met with mixed reactions. Some applauded the clean-up efforts, including Gaynor Evans, who welcomed the restoration of the beach’s natural beauty. Others, such as Bernard Foster, questioned the fervour over a fictional character’s “grave,” while Nicholas Breeze Wood delved into the cultural significance of such spontaneous tributes, drawing parallels to sacred land shrines found in different parts of the world.

As the discourse rages on, it is clear that the tale of Dobby’s “grave” at Fresh West Beach serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between culture, environment, and community identity. Whether viewed as an endearing tribute or an eyesore, the incident has ignited a passionate conversation that transcends the realm of fiction and underscores the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship in this picturesque corner of Pembrokeshire.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.