News
Large turnout makes Pembroke River Rally a resounding success
THE ANNUAL Pembroke River Rally, a cherished tradition organised by the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society (WWMHS) in partnership with the Pembroke Dock Town Council, Pembroke Town Council, and Pembrokeshire County Council, was greeted with fine weather and an impressive turnout, making this year’s event one of the most successful in its history.
Boats began assembling at Crow Pool from 2pm, where participants were welcomed by the sight of the WWMHS lead boat. This year, the rally was graced with the presence of the Mayors of Pembroke Town and Pembroke Dock, who joined the lead boat for the journey up the scenic Pembroke River. With the sun shining and a gentle breeze on the water, the lead boat departed Crow Pool at 2:30pm, followed by an impressive convoy of boats, all eager to partake in this annual spectacle.
The procession made its way up the river, arriving at the iconic Castle Pond around 3pm, where a large crowd had gathered to witness the event. The atmosphere was electric, with the anticipation of the mayoral addresses adding to the excitement. Upon their arrival, the mayors addressed the gathered crowds, expressing their gratitude for the strong community support and the rally’s growing success year after year.
The rally’s success was further highlighted by the sheer number of boats participating.
The car park adjacent to Castle Pond was abuzz with activity as various stands offering food, drink, and gifts catered to the spectators and participants alike. The lively atmosphere was enjoyed by all, with many expressing their delight at the beautiful weather and the splendid organization of the event.
The day’s events were not only about celebration but also about maintaining a crucial right of navigation up the Pembroke River, an important aspect of the local maritime heritage that the rally proudly upholds.
As the afternoon wore on, boats began to depart Castle Pond around 6:30 pm, marking the end of a day filled with community spirit, maritime tradition, and good cheer. Special thanks were extended to The Cove for providing the safety boat, ensuring that the event ran smoothly and safely.
This year’s Pembroke River Rally has set a new standard, not just in terms of participation but also in showcasing the vibrant maritime culture of Pembroke. The rally continues to be a highlight of the local calendar, bringing together the community in celebration of their shared heritage and love for the river.
This year’s Pembroke River Rally will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful and enjoyable to date, setting a high bar for the years to come.
Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
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