ASSEMBLY ELECTION: Pembrokeshire is singing the blues

It was a night to remember - for me at least, maybe not so for the Lib Dems - taking my first photos at an election count.
Pembrokeshire really is true blue with both the Carmarthen West & South Pembrokeshire and Preseli Pembrokeshire Welsh Assembly seats retained by Tory AMs Angela Burns and Paul Davies, and both seats being held by the Conservatives at Westminster.
The South Pembs seat was delcared before 5am with the Preseli constituency following swiftly behind. Thankfully there were no recounts, otherwise we may still be there now.
The light was tricky and I had to work hard to avoid making everyone look like they'd lived in a tanning shop for a month. In spite of having to put make-up on at midnight, set off out into the rain and take pictures while trying to be as alert as possible when I'm normally fast asleep, I have to say I had great fun.
For more news and pictures from the 2011 election results see next week's Western Telegraph or go online at westerntelegraph.co.uk.
Here are a few of my shots of Angela and Paul and of the count in progress. And now, even though it's 11am, it's 'good night' from me.

Barley Saturday

Yesterday I trotted along to the Barley Saturday stallion parade in Cardigan.
The annual event is thought to date back to 1871 and is held on the last weekend of April. It was a traditional celebration among the farming community to mark the end of the crop sowing season. It also acted as a hiring fair of farm staff and gave stallion owners the opportunity to display their magnificent animals, advertising them for stud.
There's nothing quite like the spectacle of the flowing manes and flaring nostrils of Welsh cob stallions trotting through the streets, being cheered on by the crowds.
Last year it rained, but this year was hot with the parade held in the direct sunlight of the afternoon - both giving their own photographic challenges!
Thanks to the weather, the pavements were packed with families and I'm glad I bagged my spot early. When two little old ladies stood next to me, I thought I'd have the perfect position to be able to take photos -standing a good two feet taller than them. However, I hadn't counted on their youthful exuberance and ability to lean over the barriers and jump around with excitement! In spite of that I did manage to get quite a few shots - I filled my memory card as the vintage parade was passing so decided to head off before the throngs blocked the roads in the mass exodus.
Here's a selection of shots to tell the story of the day...


Before the parade a show is held on Penrallt-ddu Field. Usually it's the Welsh cobs which attract the biggest crowd to the ringside.

Section D judge Aled Rees, of Ammanford, had some tough decisions to make.

After the show and presentations, the Supreme Champion leads the parade through the high street.

There were ponies and horses of all shapes, colours and sizes for the crowds to cheer.

Some with manes flowing...

...And some with manes plaited.

One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon went to the champion donkey.

As well as the in-hand classes there are also driving classes.

Some of the stallions looked like they were floating on air.

It really is a day for all the family, from the young...

To the not quite so young...

The vintage and classic cars parade saw horsepower of a different kind.



And before we knew it, it was time to make the journey home.

Meet Twiggy...

So the sun has been shining - shining a lot.
And I 've been out with my camera - snapping a lot. Hence the break since my last post.
I'm going to have some catching up to do whenever the weather breaks.
Today I went Walking with Hawks to take some photos for an upcoming magazine feature. Here's a sneak peek at some of the pics of Twiggy the Harris Hawk.

Signals march in medal parade

It feels like it's been a long week this week. Maybe it's due to last weekend's hour change and I just haven't caught up!
The one highlight was when I managed to get out of the office to take some pictures of the 226 Squadron 14th Signal regiment parade through Haverfordwest.
Brigadier Tim Watts presented soldiers with their campaign medals following their six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Despite a morning of wind and rain, crowds of Pembrokeshire residents and school children turned out to welcome them home.
Here are a few of my photos. You can also see a picture special in this week's Western Telegraph.

Save our Services - Coastguard rally

Pembrokeshire residents have been speaking out against the Government since it announced it was planning to make cuts to Coastguard services across the UK. Among those at risk of losing their jobs are the watch officers at Milford Haven.
Campaigners argue that local knowledge saves lives and they held a rally at Milford Haven on March 19th. A large crowd gathered to hear the views of the speakers which included MPs past and present and Welsh Assembly members.
For more on this story visit http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/ and http://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/.

The key note speech was delivered by AM Jane Davidson.

Petition organiser Mair Williams received a rousing welcome when she took to the stage.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Plaid Assembly candidate Rhys Sinnett was among the speakers.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart gave his message to campaigners.

And former South Pembs MP Nick Ainger also took to the stage.

Making the long drive from North Wales was Albert Owen, MP for Ynys Mon.

Conservative AM for South Pembrokeshire, Angela Burns, spoke of her support for the Coastguard service.

At the end of the rally Steve Traynar, Chaplain to Seamen led a prayer and the singing of Eternal Father Strong to Save.

Then it was time for press interviews. Among those caught on camera was campaigner Dennis O'Connor.

Spring is sprung

So, this is the first post of Pembrokeshire In Focus and to start us off I thought I'd share a few photographs taken in this gorgeous March weather.
There's nothing quite like a walk in the spring sunshine...

The first flowers of the year...

COMING NEXT: Pictures from the Save the Coastguard rally, newborn lambs and football and rugby action.