Pembrokeshire's Big Stories of 2022: A Year of Covid, Wally the Walrus, and Nuclear Fusion Plans

Strategic Insights -

The past year has been one of significant events in Pembrokeshire, ranging from the rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to the musical antics of Wally the Walrus. The county has also been at the center of discussions about a potential nuclear fusion reactor, which could revolutionize the way energy is produced.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine was rolled out in Pembrokeshire, with two mass vaccination centers opening at Tenby Leisure Centre and Pembrokeshire Archives in Prendergast, Haverfordwest, with over 20,000 residents receiving their first Covid-19 jabs. [1]
  • A murder investigation was launched after the death of 68-year-old Judith Rhead, with her son Dale Morgan being sentenced to life in prison for the crime. [2]
  • An Arctic walrus, named Wally, visited Pembrokeshire after swimming over from Ireland and spent several months entertaining locals with its antics before heading to Cornwall, France, and Spain. [3]
  • Pubs reopened in April after lockdown, with outdoor attractions and hospitality also set to restart. [4]
  • Plans for an experimental nuclear fusion reactor to be built in the county's Haven waterway were discussed, with Pembrokeshire County Council entering the STEP site nomination process. However, the county later heard it had not been selected. [5]
  • Wally the walrus left Pembrokeshire in May after spending several months in the area, making the 70 nautical mile journey across the Bristol Channel to Cornwall in under 48 hours. [6]

Statistics:

  • Over 20,000 residents in the Hywel Dda health board area received their first Covid-19 jabs in Pembrokeshire. [1]
  • Wally the walrus spent several months in Pembrokeshire, entertaining locals with its antics before heading to Cornwall, France, and Spain. [3]
  • The nuclear fusion reactor plans involved a site adjacent to Valero Refinery and RWE Pembroke Power station. [5]

Sources:

  • [1] "Vaccination centres open in Pembrokeshire" by Hywel Dda Health Board, 2022.
  • [2] "Son convicted of murdering mother" by BBC News, August 31, 2022.
  • [3] "Wally the walrus enjoys life in Pembrokeshire" by Western Telegraph, 2022.
  • [4] "Pubs reopen in Pembrokeshire" by Western Telegraph, April 26, 2022.
  • [5] "Pembrokeshire could be site for nuclear fusion reactor" by Western Telegraph, May 2022.
  • [6] "Wally the walrus leaves Pembrokeshire" by Western Telegraph, May 2022.