Becky Hotchin

The luxury cruise ship Silver Spirit is scheduled to call at Fishguard Harbour for the second time of the season, carrying 636 guests and about 415 crew members. Passengers will receive a Welsh-themed welcome from Fishguard Friendly Faces, local officials and performers, with a port market and visitor information available. Excursions will include Pembrokeshire attractions such as St Davids Cathedral, Carew Castle and Tenby, while other visitors can explore Fishguard’s museums, tapestry, markets, shops, cafés and pubs. The ship is visiting as part of an 11-night British Isles cruise and will depart for Falmouth, with eight further cruise calls expected before the season ends on September 30.

Former Narberth Primary School headteacher and farmer Edna Davies of Redlands Farm has won the Idris Davies Memorial Award at the Pembrokeshire County Show. The award recognizes more than 50 years of service to the Young Farmers’ Club movement, including over four decades mentoring members of Llysyfran YFC and leadership roles at county and national levels. Davies has also contributed to agriculture, education and her local community despite undergoing cancer treatment. Award committee chairman Jeff Evans praised her lasting impact on young people, farming and Pembrokeshire.

The two-day Pembrokeshire County Show is taking place at the Pembrokeshire County Showground on August 19 and 20, bringing together farmers, exhibitors, producers, businesses and visitors from across west Wales. The event features livestock competitions, equestrian events and showjumping, alongside local food and drink, trade stalls, shopping, horticulture, crafts, photography, vehicles and other competitions.

Block & Larder, a new general store in Slate House on St Julian’s Street, Tenby, has opened through a collaboration between Trevayne Farm, The Little Pantry Tenby and Butcher on the Block. The shop sells local food, meat, flowers, clothing, knitwear, homeware, gardening goods and other products from Welsh makers and producers. Co-founder Anna Reed said the venture aims to provide a community-focused place where people can shop and socialise offline. The opening is described as phase one, with plans for a separate butcher’s entrance and the eventual expansion into additional rooms. The store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the butcher is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

B&M will close its Carmarthen town-centre store in Hall Street and relocate to the former B&Q premises on Glanyrafon Road. The new out-of-town store will offer more than 26,957 square feet of sales space, a 10,098-square-foot garden centre and an expanded range of goods. The existing branch will close on August 15, with the larger replacement store scheduled to open on August 22.

Ty Crefft, an independent arts-and-crafts gift shop on Narberth High Street, will close permanently on August 29 after more than seven years in business. Owners and mother-and-daughter partners Ann and Vicky Gleeson said health issues, other commitments and reduced staffing support had made it increasingly difficult to continue, while also citing a desire to spend more time together as a family. The shop showcases handmade goods from more than 80 Welsh crafters. The owners hope another operator will take over the business; otherwise, the premises will be available to rent from October 1. The shop will remain open as usual until its closure.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s e-bike-sharing scheme will end in September 2026 after operator ZEUS, following a takeover, decided to withdraw from all UK locations and focus on Europe. The scheme began as a 2024 trial in four towns, later expanding to seven locations after reported popularity and demand. Despite vandalism, repair and misuse problems, the council said the scheme was largely successful, but all bikes are now being removed ahead of its closure.

The Bug Farm in St Davids is urging local retailers to stop selling disposable barbecues during a period of elevated wildfire risk. Owner Sarah Beynon says fires can be started deliberately or accidentally and is asking businesses and consumers to prioritize public safety and the environment. Several local retailers have already withdrawn the products, while major chains have also temporarily stopped sales and the UK government is considering a seasonal or temporary statutory ban. The campaign is supported by local conservation and emergency-awareness groups, and The Bug Farm says its wetland habitat helped prevent a 2022 wildfire from reaching nearby homes and a school.

A family in Panteg, near Goodwick in Pembrokeshire, has experienced minimal or intermittent water pressure for at least four weeks during extended heatwaves. Aida Horne said the family has been forced to shower at a gym, run the washing machine late at night and buy bottled water, while local farmers are also struggling to supply livestock. Welsh Water attributed the disruption to unprecedented demand, apologized for the low pressure and intermittent supply, and said crews were repairing a burst main and working to improve the network.

Davies Butchers & Deli on Tenby High Street is being offered for lease after the family decided to close following months of financial and personal strain. The fully equipped shop includes refrigerated counters, walk-in fridges, freezers and other butchery equipment, with seven years remaining on the lease and a break clause after two years. The family hopes another local butcher will take over and preserve the business, which also provides deli foods, event catering and £6.50 home-cooked Meals on Wheels.

El Salsa is returning to its former premises at Pwllhai in Cardigan for a 10-day summer pop-up coinciding with the National Eisteddfod. Owner Laura Elsaesser and her team will serve Mexican street food, drinks and other favourites until August 8, reopening the kitchen from 4pm to 9pm and the bar from 4pm until closing. The restaurant originally opened in 2018, closed in 2022 and later left the site after five years, while Elsaesser continued producing El Salsa sauces and condiments.

Quicksilver Jewellery has opened a second shop on Narberth High Street in Pembrokeshire, taking over the former Noble’s Newsagents premises. Founded in Laugharne 38 years ago by self-taught craftsman Alby Barratt, the family business is now led by his daughter Rosie Thorne, who took over after he suffered a stroke five years ago. The Narberth shop offers handcrafted jewellery made with recycled silver, traditional silversmithing methods and a service allowing couples to create their own wedding jewellery. The Laugharne shop will remain open with reduced hours while the new location becomes established.

Friends of Treginnis held its annual fete at Lower Treginnis Farm near St Davids to raise money for Farms for City Children. The event celebrated 50 years of the charity, founded by Michael and Clare Morpurgo, and 35 years of Friends of Treginnis fundraising. Visitors enjoyed music, food, stalls, games and farm activities, while funds raised will support the farm’s work giving children from urban areas hands-on experience of rural life.

Ford Pawb, a pay-what-you-can community kitchen, has opened in Fishguard Town Hall and will operate every Monday from morning until evening. Organized by the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative, it offers hot drinks, light lunches, cakes and a two-course evening meal using surplus food donated by community and commercial sources. The project aims to reduce food waste, provide affordable nutritious meals and create opportunities for social connection and support. Advice organizations including Mind Cymru, Citizens Advice and the VC Gallery will attend regularly, while the initiative is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and Abergwaun Bistro.

Abergwaun Bistro has reopened on Fishguard Square after being taken over and extensively renovated by Rhianna Chilton, founder of the award-winning Red Onion Café. The restaurant will serve dinner from Thursday to Sunday, while its five hotel rooms are expected to open in August. Its menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced within 30 miles of Fishguard, including produce from the Red Onion’s gardens, and the business has created eight local jobs.

The former Shalom House hospice property in St Davids has been placed on the market following concerns raised by founder Margaret Burnett about delays in its sale and the future of funds tied to the charity. Burnett argued the property, gifted by Elizabeth de Guise and supported by local fundraising, should be sold with proceeds directed to a similar palliative care charity such as the Paul Sartori Foundation. Shortly after she contacted the board of trustees, the five‑bedroom bungalow was listed for auction by West Wales Properties with a guide price of £450,000. The Western Telegraph is seeking comment from both the Shalom House charity and the Hywel Dda Health Board.

A wellbeing event hosted by the VC Gallery brought veterans, community members and local organisations together in Mount Woods for activities including art, photography and heritage walks, highlighted by performances from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir. Participants praised the positive mental health benefits of nature, while organisers noted ongoing environmental improvements supported by West Wales Freemasons. Volunteers have transformed the woodland into an accessible community space focused on wellbeing and biodiversity.

Wales’ largest aqua park opens at Llys-y-frân Reservoir on July 18, 2026, offering 45‑minute sessions featuring slides, climbing challenges and other water attractions. The site includes bike hire, an adventure playground, walking and cycling trails, a café and a four‑star graded campsite. Sessions must be booked in advance due to expected demand, with safety briefings and buoyancy aids required. The park will operate throughout the school summer holidays following safety checks by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.

Pembrokeshire is expected to remain warm and sunny through the coming week, with temperatures peaking around 28–29°C and only a minimal chance of rain until July 24. Inland areas such as Haverfordwest may experience the highest temperatures, while coastal towns stay slightly cooler. Forecasters warn of high UV levels and advise residents to follow heat‑safety measures including hydration, sun protection, and keeping homes cool.

A 30-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on the A487 at Blaenplwyf and was airlifted to hospital, where he remains. The collision involved a blue Suzuki motorcycle and occurred around 7am on July 11, leading to a nine-hour road closure between Llanrhystud and Llanfarian. Dyfed-Powys Police said the rider’s family is receiving support and issued an appeal for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist their investigation.

Pembrokeshire was ranked the top county in Wales for outdoor dining according to the Alfresco Index, which assessed UK local authorities on factors including weather, outdoor space, setting, dining options and affordability. The county scored highly due to its coastal scenery, large number of food venues and generous garden sizes. While Pembrokeshire and Swansea performed best in Wales, overall Welsh rankings were lowered by cooler, wetter summers compared to southern England. Dorset led the UK list due to better weather conditions. A representative from White Stores highlighted how climate, space and dining options influence alfresco experiences, noting that with the right setup, many areas can support enjoyable outdoor dining.

Pembrokeshire is experiencing sustained hot weather with temperatures reaching up to 29°C in several towns, including Haverfordwest and Pembroke. The Met Office forecasts continuous sunshine through Tuesday, with some cloud and light rain chances mid‑week before returning to warm, sunny conditions later in the week. Residents and visitors are encouraged to prepare for hot conditions and stay hydrated.

A long‑standing Tŷ Hafan charity shop in Cardigan has reopened in a larger High Street location, marked by a ribbon‑cutting from long‑term supporters Diane and Emily Lloyd. The expanded store aims to generate more funds for the children’s hospice through increased retail space and community engagement. Staff and volunteers expressed gratitude for decades of local support, noting significant volunteer hours and donations. The shop will soon operate seven days a week and includes a new rear drop‑off area for contributions.

A decade of growth and innovation at The Bug Farm in St Davids is marked with special events, highlighting its visitor success, environmental work, research initiatives and expansion into insect-based food production. Grub Kitchen and Bug Farm Foods are recognised for awards and pioneering products, while author M. G. Leonard joins the celebrations with a reading to mark the shared anniversary of Beetle Boy and the attraction.

Temperatures in Pembrokeshire are expected to peak inland, with Haverfordwest reaching 28°C mid‑afternoon while coastal towns such as Tenby, St Davids and Fishguard remain cooler due to sea breezes. Conditions are forecast to remain sunny throughout the county, with a warm evening ahead and ideal weather for outdoor activities.

A collision caused the closure of the A487 in both directions between Lon Rhydygwn and the Llanddeiniol turn-off, resulting in heavy traffic around Llanrhystud. Dyfed-Powys Police advised motorists to avoid the area, and the AA reported higher-than-normal congestion. Emergency services have been contacted for further updates.

Police are seeking public help to locate a 53‑year‑old man from Sussex with links to Aberystwyth and Machynlleth who was last seen riding a BMW F900GS motorcycle toward Llanbadarn Fawr. Officers provided his description, clothing details, and vehicle registration, urging the public not to approach him but to report any sightings immediately quoting reference DP‑20260708‑265.

Car Chase Heroes will host a three‑day driving experience at Haverfordwest Airfield, offering adults and juniors the chance to drive a wide range of supercars, classics, movie replicas and specialty vehicles. The event runs July 10–12 with prices starting at £29. Company representative Nick Hughes highlights strong local interest and describes the attraction as a fun, accessible way to drive dream cars. Online feedback is generally positive, though participants are advised to review terms and expect possible waits. A discount code is available for Western Telegraph readers.

An online campaign has drawn more than 3,500 signatures opposing Pembrokeshire County Council’s approval of a One Planet Development at Walnut Grove, where Dave and Mayu Phillips plan to produce honey, walnuts and a small number of guinea pigs for personal consumption. Animal‑welfare campaigner Adam Shaw has launched a petition urging the council and Welsh Government to prohibit guinea pig farming in Wales, arguing that the animals are widely regarded as companion pets. Supporters from across the UK have expressed objections, highlighting emotional bonds people form with guinea pigs and questioning their use as a food source.

Sea fog forms when warm, moist air moves over cooler sea water, reducing visibility and creating misty coastal conditions. Pembrokeshire is particularly prone in spring and summer due to cooler sea temperatures, local topography and onshore breezes. Fog can shift rapidly, clearing inland areas sooner while lingering along the immediate coastline. Weather factors such as wind direction, humidity, sunshine and sea temperature determine how long fog persists. Coastal users are advised to be cautious as fog can appear quickly and obscure landmarks. Observing local forecasts, webcams and temperature differences helps determine where fog is present and whether nearby areas may be clearer.

The Golden Lion pub in Newport was named Wales' Most Loved Local Pub at the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Wales Awards, following public nominations and voting. Known for its traditional atmosphere, strong food reputation, and boutique hotel-style accommodation, the pub has received multiple past accolades. Its popularity with locals and visitors continues to grow, supported by seasonal menus, comfortable rooms, and a coastal location.

A scheduled visit by the cruise ship MS Amadea to Fishguard was cancelled, with tracking data showing the vessel heading instead to Dublin and the Isle of Man. The ship, well known in Germany as the setting for the TV series Das Traumschiff, had been expected to bring several hundred passengers to the port, where local volunteer groups and tourism ambassadors typically greet visitors. Fishguard Bay Welcome confirmed the cancellation, while the broader cruise season continues with other expected ship calls.

A three-day Car Chase Heroes driving event will take place at Haverfordwest Airfield, offering adults and juniors the opportunity to drive high-performance supercars, classics, muscle cars and movie replicas. The company promotes the event as a fun experience for car fans and families, with vehicles including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche and others. Prices start at £29, and the event runs from July 10 to 12. Online reviews are generally positive, and Western Telegraph readers can access a discount code for bookings.

Crwst Cardigan earned the Artisan Food & Drink Producer award in the 2026 Wales Muddy Stilettos Awards, recognizing its rise from a small micro bakery to a multi-location business known for its brunch dishes, baked goods, and specialty coffee. Founded by Osian Jones and Catrin Parry Jones, the bakery has gained national and international attention, including recognition from major UK publications and global rankings. Crwst continues to expand while maintaining its focus on high-quality, additive-free baking and modern Welsh food culture.

Broad Haven South in Pembrokeshire was named Wales’ best beach in the Times and Sunday Times’ annual guide, praised for its soft sands, clear waters and natural features. The assessment followed extensive coastal surveys using criteria such as cleanliness, facilities, accessibility and lifeguard cover. The guide also expanded to include beaches from new regions and added community engagement as a factor. Several other Welsh beaches were also recognised.