HUNDREDS of residents and visitors filled the streets of Fishguard and Goodwick on the evening of Friday (Sept 20), to partake in a vibrant autumn lantern parade. The event marked the launch of the twin towns’ new Art Afoot sculpture trails, with participants showcasing beautifully crafted lanterns, including a whimsical family of owls, a striking seahorse, and a shoal of jellyfish, all aglow as they illuminated the night.

The parade commenced from the stunning new fish sculpture, situated outside the Ocean Lab on Goodwick Parrog. This sculpture is one of many planned for the upcoming art trail, which aims to boost footfall and interest in the area.

For those keen on technology, the event also featured augmented reality artworks, accessible via QR codes on mobile devices, merging traditional art with modern innovation.

Organised by Small World Theatre, the lantern parade signalled the beginning of the On Land’s Edge / At Ymyl y Tir festival, a weekend filled with cultural festivities. Following an uplifting performance by Goodwick Brass Band and a warm welcome from Fishguard and Goodwick Mayor, Cllr Billy Shaw, the parade wound its way up the hill towards Fishguard, attracting even more lantern bearers and spectators along the route.

At Fishguard Square, the atmosphere was electric with performances from dancers of Joon Dance and mesmerising fire jugglers, culminating in a lively finale led by drummer Joe Caswell and friends.

The lanterns were the result of creative workshops held over the summer, involving local schools, youth groups, and community members, showcasing the artistic spirit of the area.

Ann Shrosbree, Director of Small World Theatre, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We owe a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this year’s event, including Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, our volunteers, and many local organisations. You’re all stars!”

The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed trails were commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council with funding from the UK Government in December 2023. This year has been dedicated to public consultation, planning, and creating the artworks, with installations expected to be completed by November.

“We’ll return with more updates on guided walks and the sculpture trails this autumn,” Ann added.

THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.

The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).

Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.

The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect.  The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.

Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional.  We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”

Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]

If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.

PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.

Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”

The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.

“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.

The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.

Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.

“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”

Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].

The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.