Community
Train enthusiasts let off steam
P E M B R O K E S H I R E MODEL ENGINEERS played host to no less than nine visiting engines on Saturday (Sep 20) when members of The Swansea Model Engineering Club came to visit them at their half mile long track behind The Meads Sports Centre in Priory Road Milford Haven. The visitors each brought their 5 inch gauge models along with them with an exception to Bill, who brought his 3 and a half inch gauge LNER 0-8-0 Q6. As he passed the photographer he said: “Look no hands!” A Co-Co GWR Class 52 diesel-hydraulic was also on the scene thanks to Ken.It was by far the longest engine on the track at almost 6 feet in length. The Co-co classification simply means that each bogie holds 6 wheels. Ken’s engine is powered by batteries although the full sized engines are diesel hydraulic. This taken aside, if out to the test it is a very capable engine and can easily and consistently pull a load that exceeds half a ton. The members had a drive of different engines whilst swapping around. Also at the event was Bobbie, who is a PME member and anyone that went to the exhibition in Milford Haven last September would have seen Bobbie’s engine on the PME display. For this visit Nick brought his 0-6-0 ‘Simplex’. Martin Evans was the original designer for the ‘Simplex’. It is an extremely popular design for model engineers as a basis of variations such as lengthening and adding extra axles. Completed in LMS colours, Nick’s engine was almost unmodified and performed all day without fault, much to Nick’s pleasure! Lunch was in the form of fish and chips which was organised for the visitors and members. Some of the drivers were enjoying themelves so much that they ate on the go! Also to bring a ‘Simplex’ was James. He spent all day driving around the track with the engine performing faultlessly. His driving skills and care and attention with the maintenance of his engine is a credit to James. His engine is in a spotless condition! Able to pull loads of over a ton is the 6100 Class GWR 2-6-2 tank engine which was brought along by the ever casually dresses, Ivor. The engine performed without a fault and Ivor informed that it weighs just over 170kg. This is no toy, all engines are working engines in their own right! Taking a different approach on driving was John on his 2-6-0 Mogul, he was laying rather than sitting and his driving trolley has been made specifically for this. The overcast weather did not become a problem and the fun carried on all afternoon. Soon the day came to an end, fires were dropped and engines packed away. The end of the day saw everyone gather in the clubhouse to catch up with old friends and finish off the refreshments provided by the wives of the members.
Community
Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby
SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.
Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.
The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.
Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.
Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.
As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.
For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.
With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.
Community
Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan
ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.
At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.
The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”
With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.
Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.
Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.
Community
Train disruption expected due to essential works at Clarbeston Road
PASSENGERS are being asked to check before they travel between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour next week when Network Rail will be carrying out essential work on the platforms at Clarbeston Road station.
Buses will replace trains at all stops between Carmarthen and Milford Haven/Fishguard Harbour on the West Wales lines from Saturday to Tuesday 27-30 April inclusive.
Network Rail engineers will be working at Clarbeston Road station, preparing the platforms to be able to accommodate new Class 197 trains.
The work will include lowering the platforms by removing the coping stones on the platform edge, altering walls, installing new coping stones, and finally laying new tarmac surfacing.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “These essential works will prepare Clarbeston Road station to accommodate the new Class 197 trains our colleagues at TfW are introducing.
“We’re grateful to passengers and local residents living near Clarbeston Road station for their patience and understanding while we carry out this important work.”
The line between Carmarthen and Milford Haven will also be shut all day on Sunday 12 May and Sunday 19 May, when buses will again replace trains, as Network Rail engineers carry out essential track renewals on a 100-metre stretch of track near Haverfordwest station.
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