News
Narberth: Celebrated in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024
THE CHARMING market town of Narberth has been recognised as one of Wales’ finest places to live, according to The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for 2024.
This prestigious accolade places Narberth alongside Abergavenny, Monmouthshire—the winner of the best place to live in Wales—and five other Welsh locations celebrated for their quality of life.
Narberth is distinguished for its vibrant high street, a hub of artisan creativity and community spirit. Unlike many towns facing the decline of local retail, Narberth thrives with an eclectic mix of delis, restaurants, and galleries.
This cultural vibrancy is matched by its practicality, offering essential services and a strong sense of community, making it a standout in The Sunday Times annual supplement.
The Sunday Times’ rigorous assessment process highlighted several factors contributing to Narberth’s appeal, including access to green spaces, the health of the high street, broadband speeds, and cultural offerings.
The town’s success in balancing an upmarket feel with practical living solutions underscores its inclusion in the guide.
Helen Davies, editor of The Times and The Sunday Times Home section, emphasised the guide’s focus on locations that offer a comprehensive quality of life.
Narberth exemplifies this, with its combination of a thriving arts scene, strong community initiatives, and proximity to the magnificent Pembrokeshire coast.
The accolade is part of a broader exploration of 72 locations across the UK, identified for their exceptional living conditions.
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide, sponsored by Halifax, provides invaluable insights into average house prices, community spirit, and environmental considerations, serving as a key resource for those considering relocation.
Narberth’s feature in this esteemed guide is a testament to the town’s unique charm and the concerted efforts of its residents to maintain a lively, supportive, and culturally rich community.
It stands as a beacon for what makes Pembrokeshire not just a place to visit, but a place to call home.
This recognition from The Sunday Times underscores the enduring appeal of Narberth and its status as a jewel in the crown of Pembrokeshire, celebrating the town’s successful blend of historical charm, modern living, and community cohesion.
As the guide reaches its readers, both locally and nationally, Narberth is poised to welcome those looking to find a home in one of Wales’ most beloved towns.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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.
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