News
Next week’s Pembrokeshire County Show promises to have something for everyone
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW, Wales’ largest county agricultural show, promises it will have something for everyone during the two day event on 14 and 15 August.
Visitors to the show, which takes place on Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, can marvel at the variety of livestock classes, including the long-awaited return of the poultry competition, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts competition entries, be enthralled by the dog agility and shop until they drop.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS) are pulling out all the stops as it celebrates its 240th anniversary. The two-day show will be an amazing event with the Country Market shopping area boasting 60 stalls selling unique, local, artisan products. The Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell, will showcase wonderful Welsh produce, producers and innovators, as well as cookery demonstrations. The Scarlets will hold rugby skills sessions, and there will be Little Legs Football for younger visitors. John Fletcher and his imperious Shire Horse team and carriage exhibition. We are also delighted to announce the Land Train will return this year for visitors to easily hop on and off to take them around the showground.
Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President said, “We are very excited about the prospect of seeing our wonderful members, competitors, trade stands, sponsors and community coming together once again for the show. Whether you’re a Pembrokeshire local or visiting we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic day out. This year’s show is jam-packed with great attractions and events. There really is something for everyone. Thousands of visitors are expected to see some of the best livestock, taste fabulous local food and drink, experience country life and enjoy a wealth of entertainment.”
Both days there will be live entertainment from the Pure West Radio stage. Together with broadcasting live from the show both days there will be live music, choirs, special guests, competitions, workouts, arts, dance and performances.
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s successful Food Story volunteers will be on hand with a fantastic display and demonstrations for children to visit and take part in to learn where their food comes from. Alongside the Food Story Zone we are delighted to welcome the return of the Panic Circus Big Top, with loads of FREE fun and games for all the family. There will also be the Andrew Holmes’ Funfair.
The Countryside Park sees the return of some favourite friends. Travelling from Staffordshire will be the cheeky characters from Ferret World, with new stories on the history and ancient use of ferrets. The British Bird of Prey Centre will be back with Aquarius the White tailed Eagle. Come and meet the lost inhabitant of Wales and learn about the eagle with a two metre wingspan, weighing nearly 5kg, and why we need to have these birds back in Welsh skies. There will be talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales in the arena on both days and a chance to meet the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation will have their ever-popular gundog display team, led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees. You can also test your skill at the air gun target range. Top coaches will be available to guide anyone who is up for the challenge.
As the second day of the show lands on A Level results day there will be lots of organisations on hand to discuss future career prospects including Dyfed Powys Police, Mid & West Wales Fire Safety, the Welsh Ambulance Trust, the Army, Royal Navy, Border Force, Pembrokeshire College and the Hywel Dda University Health Board. All will be on hand to give advice, support those in need, or discuss training and volunteering opportunities.
Getting around at an agricultural show can sometimes be difficult, however at the Pembrokeshire County Showground there is a good network of tarmac making conditions underfoot easier for visitors with limited mobility. Parking is available for Blue Badge holders and there will be full disabled facilities courtesy of Pembrokeshire College. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire from Advanced Mobility Solutions. Please visit the website for bookings: www.pembsshow.org
To get to the Showground: for SatNav, use the following address: County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 4BW. The show is signposted from the main A40 trunk roads. Please look for the ‘P’ signs for public parking.
Dogs are very welcome at the show provided they bring their responsible owners with them! Dog drinking bowls are available around the showground. Dogs must be kept on leads.
Early bird reduced priced tickets are available on the website: www.pembsshow.org and for up-to-date details of this year’s event follow Pembrokeshire County Show on facebook, X (formerly twitter) or Instagram.
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. Despite these measures, the terminal remains overwhelmed by the volume of traffic.
From our position at the terminal, we have captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion. The atmosphere is one of both frustration and resilience as passengers await their departures.
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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