Latest from Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Blue Bird returns to Pendine for centenary of land speed record
Iconic 1925 record celebrated with beach display and museum event THE ICONIC Sunbeam 350hp Blue Bird will return to Pendine Sands on Sunday (July 21) to mark the 100th anniversary of Sir Malcolm Campbell's historic 1925 land speed record. The legendary vehicle, which reached a then-unprecedented speed of 150.766mph (242.628 km/h) on Pendine beach, will be on public display outside the Museum of Land Speed from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Visitors to Pendine will have the chance to photograph the vehicle and witness its dramatic return to the sands where it made motoring history. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Blue Bird will also be taken onto the beach during the day for a commemorative photo opportunity. The event will include the unforgettable sound of its V12 engine—a rare treat for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike. The car, which was christened Blue Bird by its driver Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE, was the first to break the 150mph barrier and remains one of the most iconic machines in British motoring history. Now part of the National Motor Museum's collection in Beaulieu, Blue Bird last visited Pendine in 2015. Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: 'We are delighted to welcome the spectacular Blue Bird back to Pendine. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for motor enthusiasts and visitors alike to see the legendary vehicle up close and celebrate its deep connection to our coastline.' Jon Murden, Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum Trust, added: 'We are excited to honour such a landmark World Land Speed Record anniversary with this and other events throughout the year. This is a moment to reflect on the Blue Bird's significance in motoring history and to share its story with new generations.' A dedicated section on the National Motor Museum's website charts the history of the Sunbeam 350hp Blue Bird at:
Pembrokeshire Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Port Talbot steelworks enters green era – but thousands already out of work
5,000 jobs secured as electric arc furnace construction begins, but unions call transition 'bittersweet' WORK has officially begun on a £500 million green steel project in Port Talbot, marking a new chapter for the UK's largest steelworks — but one that arrives after the loss of thousands of jobs and amid ongoing uncertainty for former workers. On Monday (July 14), Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, and Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran broke ground on the construction of a new electric arc furnace (EAF), which will form the centrepiece of Tata Steel's transition to low-carbon steelmaking. The UK Government says the new facility will secure 5,000 jobs, reduce carbon emissions at the site by up to 90%, and place Welsh industry at the heart of a national push toward net zero. Thousands already made redundant While ministers praised the milestone as a sign of progress, many in the Port Talbot community are still grappling with the human cost of the transition. In January 2024, Tata Steel announced it would shut down both blast furnaces, citing unsustainable losses and the need to modernise. The company confirmed that up to 2,800 jobs would be cut across the UK, with around 2,500 of those losses in Port Talbot. Since then, hundreds of workers have already left, either through voluntary redundancy, early retirement, or compulsory lay-offs, with the first blast furnace already closed by autumn 2024. Although the UK Government pledged £80 million in transition support, including retraining and regeneration funding, unions and some MPs say many workers have been left behind. Union: 'Bittersweet day for Port Talbot' The Community Union, which represents many of the affected steelworkers, described the groundbreaking as 'bittersweet.' Assistant General Secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said: 'This is a consequence of the devastating closure of the blast furnaces, but importantly a future for Port Talbot steelmaking is being secured. 'Today should represent the first step towards rebuilding our steel industry and creating new high-quality jobs. Going forward, we must see further investment to grow the business — both in Port Talbot and at crucial downstream sites.' The union also emphasised that Electric Arc Furnaces require far fewer workers than traditional blast furnaces, and warned that unless the government steps up investment and industrial planning, many skilled workers could be lost from the industry for good. Ministers promise long-term support Speaking at the event, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 'This is our Industrial Strategy in action. We're backing Welsh steelmaking and securing thousands of jobs for the future. This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible.' Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: 'The construction of Tata's new furnace realises the promise we made to the community. Our Steel Strategy will deliver up to £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the UK industry, maintain jobs and drive growth.' Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the day marked 'the beginning of a new era' for the company in the UK. 'At Port Talbot, we are building the foundations of a cleaner, greener future, supporting jobs, driving innovation, and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership,' he said. Council welcomes but acknowledges uncertainty Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, also welcomed the development, which received planning permission from the local authority earlier this year. 'This is the start of a new era for a town shaped by steelmaking,' he said. 'We know change brings uncertainty, but this is a significant and welcome milestone as our communities adjust to the future shape of steelmaking in Port Talbot.' Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster Spokesperson David Chadwick MP said: 'Ensuring the electric arc furnace is completed on time is absolutely essential to safeguard as many skilled jobs as possible. 'However, the people of Port Talbot won't easily forget, or forgive, the Government's failure to step in and protect local jobs, as they did in Scunthorpe. That disparity has rightly been seen as a betrayal of our industrial communities.' What comes next The Electric Arc Furnace is expected to be operational within a few years. Meanwhile, Industry Minister Sarah Jones chaired a meeting of the UK Steel Council in Cardiff on Monday to discuss the wider Steel Strategy — including procurement reform, energy cost relief for producers, and stronger safeguards against steel dumping. As the dust settles on the groundbreaking ceremony, Port Talbot begins the difficult task of balancing hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future with the legacy of industrial decline and the livelihoods already lost.
Pembrokeshire Herald
10-07-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare
Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident. Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace. Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod's history an event had been cancelled in this way. A spokesperson confirmed: 'Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.' Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously. The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions. Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am. 'We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,' the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening. No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation. The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pembrokeshire pub owner accused of Oasis and Coldplay ticket scam
David Alexander Gray allegedly took thousands for fake hospitality packages at Principality Stadium A PEMBROKESHIRE pub figure and tech company director is facing serious allegations after dozens of people claim they were conned out of thousands of pounds for non-existent VIP concert tickets. Speculation Inn, Hundleton, Pembrokeshire David Alexander Gray, who was publicly named in 2023 as the man who bought and restored The Speculation Inn in Hundleton, is accused of falsely selling hospitality packages to gigs at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, including performances by Oasis and Coldplay—despite reportedly having no valid booking with the venue. 'We were scammed out of £4,000' Eve Siggins, a resident of Newport, was one of the first victims to speak out. She told The Herald that she and her husband paid £4,000 to Gray for 16 tickets—14 for Oasis, and 2 for Coldplay. 'We had family and friends travelling from York, Essex and Wiltshire to celebrate the second day of the Oasis tour,' she said. 'We were completely scammed.' 'He told us to meet him at the gate' Jess Bonnici, another complainant, said her family had previously received valid tickets from Gray, so had no reason to doubt him. This time, however, things were different. 'He said he couldn't transfer the tickets because his phone was playing up,' she said. 'We've had tickets off him before and my dad's done a lot of work for him—so this totally caught us off guard.' When they contacted Principality Stadium's hospitality team, they were told their names were not on the guest list. In a message seen by The Herald, staff responded: 'David Gray does not have a booking with us and seems he has scammed up to 40 people.' Ms Bonnici also shared a possible second address where Gray may be staying: a flat at Devon Court, Freshwater East (SA71 5LH). 'Expensive day out in Cardiff' Rhys Anthony also came forward, telling The Herald that a group of seven people paid £350 each—totalling £2,450—to Gray for access to a hospitality box for the Oasis show. 'One of our group is the cousin of David's recently divorced wife,' he said. 'We'd been to his box before for previous gigs, so we had no reason to doubt him. But this time, it never happened. Expensive day out in Cardiff!' Companies, pub links and prior claims David Alexander Gray, born August 1982, is listed as director of TECH DG LTD, registered in November 2023. He has also been linked to two other firms: Explorehub and Graphene Networks—both named in public warnings by complainants. In a 2023 profile by the Western Telegraph, Gray was quoted extensively, describing how he bought The Speculation Inn in December 2022, restored it, and planned its relaunch. The feature referred to him as the pub's owner and restorer, and he appeared in press photos inside the building. Father distances himself from scandal Chris Gray, who is listed as the pub's legal contact, has now told The Herald that the Western Telegraph article was 'wrong' and caused a family rift. 'David left the pub after that,' he wrote in an email. 'He only returned a few months ago, sleeping in a van after leaving his wife. I let him stay at the camp site until he could get himself together. He's now left again and I assume is back sleeping in the van.' Chris Gray also stated that he owns the pub and arranged all the restoration work. However, The Herald can confirm that the original article was written by Sarah Jane Absalom, who now works for this newspaper. She has confirmed that she visited The Speculation Inn in person in 2023 and interviewed David Gray directly, who presented himself as the new owner. He spoke enthusiastically about his plans to open a café, a barbecue smokehouse, and a campsite behind the premises. No correction was ever published by the Western Telegraph, and Mr Gray did not explain why none was sought at the time. No comment from David Gray The Herald attempted to contact Mr Gray directly, his mobile number was switched off. As of Saturday (July 6), Mr Gray has not issued a public statement. Several victims have confirmed that they have reported the matter to police. Gwent Police, who are believed to be leading the investigation due to the first complaints being made in Newport, have been approached for comment. The Principality Stadium is understood to be compiling a list of all affected individuals. Have you been affected? If you have further information or believe you have been impacted by this issue, contact our newsroom in confidence: investigations@
Pembrokeshire Herald
01-07-2025
- General
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh Water urges customers to conserve water after record-breaking dry spring
MAJOR traffic disruption in Pembroke caused by temporary traffic lights installed for road works at Bush Hill (A4139) has sparked widespread public outrage, with residents and local businesses expressing frustration and anger at severe delays. Traffic lights installed by Wales & West Utilities at the junction have reportedly allowed only minimal vehicles through at a time, leading to significant tailbacks and lengthy delays throughout Monday. Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for Pembroke, Adam Smith, said: 'We are working in the Well Hill area of Pembroke, to upgrade the gas network. This work is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport greener gas. 'In agreement with Pembrokeshire County Council and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, four-way traffic lights are in place along Well Hill at its junction with Holyland Road, Main Street and Station Road. 'These lights are manned during peak traffic hours; however, we are now increasing the number of traffic officers to try and improve the flow of traffic. While this should help us minimise disruption, we would still encourage people to leave more time for travel and to take alternative routes if at all possible. 'Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work on Well Hill and remove these lights by 21 July. 'Before our work started, we wrote to homes and businesses in the area letting them know what to expect and held a community drop-in session where people could learn more about the plans. We would like to thank the local community for their patience during these works. We appreciate that working on roads like this is not ideal, and we're sorry for the disruption our work is causing, but it really is essential to keep the gas flowing and to make sure the network is fit for the future.' Jonathan Grimes, County Councillor for Pembroke St Mary South & Monkton, expressed deep concern about the disruption, stating he had spoken directly to Wales & West Utilities and was liaising with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). Residents voiced their frustration online, highlighting journeys normally taking ten minutes were lasting up to an hour and a half. Local business owner Peter Chesmore described the situation as a 'damn disgrace,' saying it took him 45 minutes to make a short journey to work. Chesmore further demanded night-time works to reduce disruption or financial compensation for affected businesses through rate relief. School runs were particularly affected, with Anne Braithwaite noting she was 40 minutes late picking up her grandson from nursery. Commuters like Amanda Jane Mcknight and Margaret Powell shared similar stories of extensive delays, suggesting traffic management should mirror arrangements made during Pembroke Fair, using alternative routes or two-way systems to ease congestion. Concerns were also raised about emergency service accessibility, with locals noting a potential risk if ambulances or fire engines needed rapid passage through the area. Residents including Virginia Billing described feeling 'imprisoned' in Monkton due to continuous traffic disruptions in recent months, further exacerbating frustration and calls for urgent action. Councillor Grimes acknowledged a failure in initial traffic management, revealing traffic signals had not been adequately manned initially by Wales & West Utilities. He confirmed that PCC had intervened to address the issues.
