News

News

Pembridge Brothers Make Dakar Rally History

Two brothers from Pembridge have made motorsport history by becoming the first British siblings ever to complete the Dakar Rally, one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Craig and Carl Searles took part in the gruelling 8,000km (4,970-mile) Dakar Rally, held across the deserts and harsh terrain of Saudi Arabia. Competing on motorcycles, the brothers faced extreme heat, exhaustion, mechanical challenges and some of the most demanding off-road conditions imaginable.

Preparing for the rally was no small feat. Craig and Carl undertook an intensive three-year training programme, both physically and mentally, to be ready for an event widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance for riders and machines alike.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, the brothers reflected on the achievement: To become the first brothers from the UK who have done it and to be side by side is fantastic. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.

Behind the scenes, the rally effort was very much a family affair, with vital backing from a dedicated support team that played a crucial role in getting the riders safely to the finish. Their achievement places Pembridge on the world stage and is a remarkable example of determination, teamwork and resilience. The village can be justifiably proud of Craig and Carl Searles for taking on — and completing — one of the toughest sporting challenges on the planet.

Barry Temple-Purcell

On 19th January 2026 Pembridge was illuminated by the visibility of the Northern Lights. These photographs of this rare event were taken by a selection of residents.

Dates for your Diary

February 2026

For more information on events in Pembridge see www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/events-calendar

Weekly Events in Pembridge

Monday

Pembridge Auction at the Parish Hall. Viewing from 10am bidding starts 3.30pm. see www.pembridgeauction.com,

Love to Sing Children’s Choir at Pembridge Primary School Hall. 5.30pm-6.30pm £4 per session. Term time only. Email: Thisgirllovestosing76@gmail.com

Love to Sing Community Choir at Pembridge Primary School Hall. 7pm to 8.30pm. New members’ welcome.  £5 per session. From 15th September. Email: Thisgirllovestosing76@gmail.com

Tuesday

Learn to Jive at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners welcome. 7.30-8.30pm starts 7th January. £6 per person. https://bookwhen.com/coolmoves

Wednesday

Farah’s Forever Fun Fitness, exercise classes at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners 10am, Intermediate 11am. Free

Thursday

Pride in Pembridge meet Market Square 10am (weather permitting) to help keep Pembridge tidy and colourful. New members welcome. Contact Jan Williams, Secretary on 07485 703096 or email janetfwilliams@icloud.com. For more news about PIPs activities see our Community Groups Page www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/community-groups.

Village Art Clubs at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners and experienced artists welcome, tutored classes. Book at www.villageartclubs.co.uk or call Liz 07938 563716 Starts 18th September.

Tai Chi re-starts 19th February, 3.45-4.45pm at Pembridge Parish Hall, Booking Essential, hello@goldenthreads.com

Friday

Farah’s Forever Fun Fitness, exercise classes at Pembridge Parish Hall. Beginners 10am, Intermediate 11am starts. Free

Sunday

Pembridge Runners meet at the Parish Hall for a gentle 5km run. 8.45-9.00am start. Cyclists and well-behaved dogs welcome.

Church Services

Bearwood Chapel

Evening Service 6.30 pm First, Third and Fifth Sunday of the Month. See our Community Groups page for more information on Bearwood Chapel (https://www.portraitofpembridge.co.uk/community-groups)

Moorcourt Chapel

See www.arrowvalechurches.org.uk

St Mary’s Church, Pembridge

See www.arrowvalechirches.org.uk for all services.

Services 11am 1st, 8th and 15th February

Defibrillators

Apologies for an error in our last edition which stated that a defibrillator was in Bearwood, this should have read Broxwood.

For clarity the four defibrillators in the parish are at:

  • The Parish Hall, Bearwood Lane, Pembridge;

  • East Street Car Park Toilets, Pembridge;

  • Telephone Box Broxwood;

  • The Leen Farm, HR6 9HN.

We Need You

Portrait of Pembridge is  a volunteer run community resource. Please let us have your stories and news, share your expertise on topics ranging from local history, farming, the environment, events and fund raising.

Please email portraitofpembridge@yahoo.co.uk or call Kay 07342 625796 or Barry 07711 406306 for a chat about what’s involved.

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