Community

Eco space for the local community

Published

9 years ago

February 17, 2015

IN A QUIET country lane in Cosheston, a few miles from Pembroke Dock, something remarkable is underway. John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross, is

John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross

in the process of transforming his land into an exemplar of sustainable living.

A carbon neutral, self-sufficient small holding which Includes woodland coppicing, orchard, fruit-tree nursery, vegetable garden and wildlife area. The development began, when John moved to Cosheston 7 years ago, with his daughter.

“I’ve always worked in the community and this project is about giving something back. I want to enable people, not just to come and learn about growing vegetables, but also to feel good about the land.”

All ages from school and community groups to senior citizens are invited to visit the site, to learn new skills such as apple tree grafting, fruit and veg growing and composting as well as the benefits of sustainable living. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

“The local school has visited in the past’ John continues, ‘we have received funding from educational charity services which is great but with cuts in funding for education it’s difficult for school groups to come. It’s a shame as there’s lots to offer.”

This includes 3 shave horses bought with help from the educational services charity. Shave horses are workbenches which people can sit on, and using a special tool, carve wood into various shapes. “The fact that we have three means it can be a group event, children or adults, can learn together.”

John lives temporarily in a Gypsy Caravan on the land that he has worked on for 7 years. He admits he still has much work to do, but values the support of the community.

“Planting trees in the woodland area was a real community effort. A neighbour puts his sheep to graze on my land and gives me firewood in return. So there’s a nice exchange.”

He hopes to eventually offer individual allotments for school groups and to teach children about house building through the construction of his eco house. It is perhaps the most impressive part of the project. Built with little outside help and using locally sourced timber and polystyrene in the walls and floor. He intends to make it fully insulated so heating will be largely unnecessary.

“It’s certainly the only eco house of this size and design in Pembrokeshire. When it’s complete I would like to use the space for yoga and dance classes.”

In September 2013, the low impact council held a conference at Green Apple. Over 50 people took part in various activities, enjoyed live music and camping in the beautiful surroundings.

Local reading and writing groups have also used the undercover nursery, which in spring is an abundance of blossoming fruit trees.

“Local writer Ruthie Alton led a review of Germaine Greer’s White Beech here last summer. We plan to a make this a regular thing.”

In the future John would like to see more school/community groups and general public visiting Green Apple. He understands it’s a time of cutbacks and hardships but believes people will always need the land.

“Green Apple was made for sharing. There are always things going on here. In February the Apricot trees will begin to flower, in March grafting on the young trees can begin. Whatever happens in the world we have to look after the land.”

Community

Port of Milford Haven renews partnership with Milford Youth Matters

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Port of Milford Haven has strengthened its commitment to supporting the development of young people via a renewed partnership agreement with Milford Youth Matters. The two organisations have been working in collaboration for over five years to improve skills, aspirations, confidence levels and positive experiences for young people in Milford Haven. The new three-year agreement will enable Milford Youth Matters to deliver Friday night youth provision at a new venue based in Haven’s Head Business Park.

The partnership between the Port and Milford Youth Matters has resulted in hugely successful youth projects including the award-winning Under the Bridge project, WAVE – a water-safety initiative – and Winter Warmers, which provided young people with free meals and a warm space to socialise in a safe environment. All projects are supporting young people to achieve their full potential with many learning new skills, gaining qualifications and taking up volunteering activities. They have also led to a decreased anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new premises at Haven’s Head will allow Milford Youth Matters to expand their current offering and focus more on their academy work, which includes upskilling young people.

Dayle Gibby, Co-Ordinator at Milford Youth Matters said: “Its fantastic that the Port of Milford Haven shares our vision in providing ongoing opportunities for young people in our community. By working together we are able to align our resources to ensure that young people are provided with experiences that will enhance their future potential, whether that be employability, volunteering or to become active members of our town. Our ongoing and enhanced partnership looks to ensure the maximum impact is achieved with long lasting benefits for our future generations.”

Lauren Williams, PR & Communications Officer added: “We’re lucky to have organisations like Milford Youth Matters on our doorstep, offering young people creative outlets and skills opportunities. Our partnership over the past 5 years has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to increase our support over the coming years.”

Community

Castle tearoom serves up new sensory-friendly sessions

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW sensory-friendly sessions at a popular castle tearoom will enable visitors with additional needs to enjoy a welcoming and accommodating environment tailored to their specific requirements.

As part of an initiative to boost engagement with a more diverse audience, Carew Castle, which is run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, will be running a new Quiet Hour and Power Hour at Nest Tearoom on the second Monday of each month.

The Quiet Hour, designed to provide a safe space for anyone who feels anxious or overwhelmed when out in public, will take place between 9am and 10am, before the Castle opens. Bright lighting and noise will be kept to a minimum and visitors will be able to enjoy quieter activities in a relaxing environment.

The Power Hour is scheduled for 4.30pm to 5.30pm and offers an energetic and engaging session, tailored to promote physical movement and social engagement. The aim is to create an opportunity for individuals who thrive in more active settings to connect with others, without concern for excessive noise or social interaction.

Manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes, said: “We are thrilled to introduce these new sensory-friendly sessions at Carew Castle, as part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

“The Quiet Hour and Power Hour sessions aim to cater to the specific needs of our visitors, providing them with an environment where they can truly be themselves. As well as being able to use the café facilities, visitors will be able to explore the Castle garden. For those who wish to explore the Castle, entry is free with a Carers Card. Otherwise, normal entry fees apply.”

The Castle, which was named Pembrokeshire Visitor Attraction of the Year in last year’s Croeso Awards isn’t the only Park Authority-run site to adapt the visitor experience to accommodate more diverse audiences. A Sunday morning Quiet Hour was introduced at Castell Henllys Iron Age Village in 2019 to encourage people who would not otherwise have visited the site to come along and discover more about the lives of their ancient ancestors.

To learn more about the sensory-friendly sessions and to plan your visit, please contact Carew Castle directly on 01646 651782 or visit www.carewcastle.com. Further information about Castell Henllys’ Quiet Hour can be found at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/castell-henllys/about-castell-henllys/accessibility-2/.

Community

Four-day community engagement at Haverfordwest Castle Square

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOMAS Baden Tudor, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council and local councillor for Castle Ward, says he was delighted to participate in the opening of the “Sharing The Square” event. The four-day programme, running from April 24 to 27 at Haverfordwest Castle Square, invites the community to exchange memories and ideas for the future development of this historic area.

The initiative, in collaboration with local artists and Pembrokeshire County Council, aims to collect community input on potential improvements and address existing challenges in the square. The event also seeks to enhance the connectivity with the adjacent Haverfordwest Castle, focusing on pedestrian routes from the square to the castle.

A variety of public activities are scheduled to take place during the event. These include gardening, creative workshops, games, and musical performances, ensuring an engaging experience for all attendees. Among the highlights is an art workshop led by renowned artist Janetka Platun. Her session titled “What is Lost and What is Found?” offers participants of all ages and abilities the chance to develop model-making skills. Each attendee will create a small model housed in an acrylic box, using diverse and intriguing materials.

Local community groups have been invited to reserve a slot for this free workshop, which is available on the afternoons of 24th, 25th, and the morning and afternoon of 27th April. The project aims to provide a platform for residents to reflect on their personal connections to the square and envision its future.

Further details on the ongoing and future activities can be found on the project’s official website at www.sharingthesquare.org, and updates are regularly posted on their Instagram account @sharingthesquare.

The event has already attracted attention with various stakeholders, including Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner, Danielle Thomas-Turner, and Guy Norman from Spacetocreate, contributing to the discussions and activities.

Photos from today’s activities can be viewed at The Edge Youth Centre’s social media, highlighting the community’s enthusiastic participation in shaping the future of Haverfordwest Castle Square.