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Church launches all-Wales rural group

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FrurallifeROM THE PRICE of milk to school closures – the challenges of rural life will be the focus of a new group being launched by the Church in Wales this week. 

The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, will launch the Church’s Provincial Rural Group on Friday (June 6) at the Royal Welsh Showground. The group, made up of clergy rural advisers and lay people from across Wales, will advise on the particular challenges of rural ministry and flag up issues in rural life so that wider action can be taken – whether that’s reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the price of milk to the farmer or petrol at the pump, threatened closure of schools and disappearing bus-services. High on the agenda of many who live in rural Wales is also the issue of poor DAB and even FM radio signals and the absence of access to decent broadband speeds. Bishop John, who will chair the new group, said: “Whilst the farming and other land-based industries that shaped the Welsh landscape no longer dominate the economy and provide work as they once did, 82% of Wales remains rural in character. 60% of the country is classified as ‘deep rural’ – which means a community of no more than 180 households, lacking such things as a shop, Post Office, petrol station, cash-point, or even a bus stop – and is at least 30 minutes’ drive away from a larger settlement. In many villages, the church is the only community facility remaining, and the contribution that the church makes to community life is vital. “This new group will provide a base for the Church to reflect and act on rural matters and help us build a close working relationship with the Rural Department of the Welsh Government and other key organisations, such as farmers unions and local community councils to identify areas of common concern in rural areas. It will also help us raise the profile of rural issues in public life and we hope to work with other Christian denominations and voluntary organisations as we seek to keep rural issues high on various agendas.” The Provincial Rural Group will be made up of the Church in Wales’s six rural life advisers – one from each diocese – and six lay people, again representing each diocese. The launch takes place at the International Pavilion from 12 to 2pm with representatives from rural and political organisations.

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Community

Pembrokeshire mobilises for ‘the big river clean up’

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THIS month, Pembrokeshire takes a significant step towards environmental stewardship with the launch of ‘The Big River Clean Up’, a pivotal initiative led by the West Wales Rivers Trust in collaboration with Spring Clean Cymru.

The campaign is set to host a series of litter-picking events across the county, aimed at revitalising local riversides and waterways.

The initiative is a call to arms for the community, inviting volunteers to partake in a concerted effort to rid the region’s rivers of litter and debris. The scheduled events are a testament to the collective resolve to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of Pembrokeshire’s watercourses.

Volunteers eager to contribute to the environmental cause can join the clean-up efforts at several key locations throughout Pembrokeshire on the following dates and times:

  • On March 19th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the focus will be on the Blackbridge, Castle Pill Waterfront, and Mackerel Quay in Milford Haven, offering a chance to make a substantial difference in the area’s scenic maritime surroundings.
  • The following day, March 20th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, attention shifts to the Pembroke River Ferry Road and Pennar in Pembroke Dock, where volunteers will gather to cleanse the waterside of unwanted litter, safeguarding the habitat for local wildlife.
  • Wrapping up the series, March 26th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, will see clean-up activities at the Western Cleddau Bridge Meadow Lane and Sydney Rees Wy in Haverfordwest, a significant undertaking to enhance the environmental quality of this crucial waterway.

‘The Big River Clean Up’ represents a critical opportunity for residents and environmental enthusiasts to demonstrate their commitment to preserving Pembrokeshire’s natural heritage. The West Wales Rivers Trust, along with Spring Clean Cymru, extends a warm invitation to all interested individuals to participate in these valuable litter-picking sessions.

By joining forces, the community can make a profound impact, ensuring the rivers and waterways of Pembrokeshire remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their enthusiasm and a willingness to make a difference, as each event promises not just to clean up the environment but also to strengthen community bonds through shared purpose and action.

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Community

Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’

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IT’S been the talk of social media this weekend. A YouTube video created by Carmarthen-based Jason Thomas has become the centre of local debate after his walk-around film didn’t portray Milford Haven in a favourable light.

Thomas, who became an online sensation with his series “My Welsh Nan” – which had millions of followers – sought to chronicle the historical and modern facets of Wales’s largest port town.

His video, which was released on 5 March 2024, drew attention to the town’s storied past, but also mentioned the decline of the fishing docks and the closure of the local police station.

However, the portrayal has upset many residents, leading to an outpouring of both criticism of the film and steadfast support for Milford Haven.

Not loved by locals: Jason Thomas’ video

Local community members have taken to social media platforms, notably Facebook, to voice their concerns and highlight the town’s positive aspects. John Hodge’s post on the “Pembrokeshire – I LOVE IT!” page marked the beginning of the backlash.

Hodge criticised Thomas for selectively showcasing areas that cast Milford Haven in a negative light, including the out-of-season paddling pool, while seemingly ignoring the town’s culinary and aesthetic appeal. He argued that the video did not do justice to the strides Milford Haven has made in recent years, nor did it acknowledge the efforts of local businesses and the community to revitalise the town.

Hodge’s sentiment was echoed by Anthony Jobson, who praised Milford Haven as a “thriving little town” in contrast to the perceived stagnation of neighbouring areas like Haverfordwest. Jobson, among others, highlighted the vibrant Marina, the array of local shops, and the burgeoning restaurant scene as testaments to Milford Haven’s resilience and growth.

The response from the community has been overwhelming, with many residents sharing their own experiences and insights into the town’s development. From the Harbourmaster’s esteemed dining to the collective efforts in litter picking and beautification projects, the townspeople are keen to showcase Milford Haven’s transformation and communal spirit.

Jason Thomas with his late-grandmother, star of “My Welsh Nan”

Critics of Thomas’s video, such as Rhian Bray, accused the YouTuber of deliberately focusing on negative aspects to garner attention. This practice, according to Bray and others, misrepresents the town and undermines the hard work of its residents to maintain and enhance its appeal.

The debate has spurred a wider discussion on the role of social media and individual narratives in shaping perceptions of local communities. While some argue that Thomas’s video offers a skewed perspective, others see it as a call to action for further investment and improvement in Milford Haven.

The community’s response to the video is a powerful reminder of the pride residents take in their town. Efforts to highlight the positive developments in Milford Haven, from its thriving Marina to the array of dining and entertainment options, reflect a collective commitment to overcoming challenges and celebrating local achievements.

In response to the criticism his video brought him, Jason Thomas said: “I visited the historic town with the hope of exploring its forts, but unfortunately, the tours were not available at the time.

“Nevertheless, I was captivated by the rich history and the warm hospitality of the locals. If people take the time to watch the video and read the bio on YouTube , they will see that it does not portray the town in a negative light. It’s disheartening to see how some individuals are quick to comment on social media posts without considering both sides of the story.

“I had planned to stay in the town, but due to train cancellations and the hotel’s failure to respond to my booking inquiry, I had to change my plans.

“The town has immense potential, and if there’s anyone to blame, it should be the County council, Town council, and landlords who charge exorbitant rents.

“It is my hope that people will shift their focus from social media comments and instead invest their energy in revitalising the town. I look forward to returning in the spring to explore the fort once again.”

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Community

Pop-Up museum launching in Haverfordwest on March 25

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HAVERFORDWEST TOWN MUSEUM said this week they are excited to announce the opening date for a new pop-up museum and exhibition space, funded by UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Levelling Up agenda.

The pop-up museum opens its doors on March 25 in Riverside Shopping Centre, Haverfordwest, just in time for the Easter break!

The museum temporally closed in 2023 in preparation for construction works at Haverfordwest Castle, to make way for the creation of a new flagship heritage attraction on the site.

While the museum eagerly awaits its new home, curator Simon Hancock and the museum’s volunteers are delighted with the new pop-up museum, located in the old GAME store within the Riverside Shopping Centre on the Eastern bank of the River Cleddau.  The pop up is likely to stay there until 2027 when it will move back into a refurbished home at Haverfordwest Castle as part of the new attraction.

The pop-up museum will be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm and open all year round including bank holidays (except Christmas and New Year).

The museum holds a wealth of hidden gems, revealing fascinating and little-known stories from Haverfordwest’s past. Haverfordwest is a historic market town and Pembrokeshire’s administrative hub, with heritage assets such as the castle and multiple stories that reveal its Norman origins, its mediaeval history and more recently its role as a primary trading port, once rivalling Bristol. A number of notable people either came from or lived in Haverfordwest, for example Gwen John (1876-1939). You can find out more about their stories by visiting and talking to one of the knowledgeable museum volunteers.

When you visit, expect to discover more on Haverfordwest’s interesting archaeology, including the recent exciting archaeological discovery of the Dominican Friary of St Saviours on the former Ocky White’s store site. There is a fascinating  array of objects made in Haverfordwest during Victorian times and a case of locally-found treasures dating from medieval times. 

The exhibition space will change regularly and includes digital and interactive displays as well as more traditional displays on a variety of themes including Haverfordwest Port, Castle and the Llewelyn Churn Works. There will also be a variety of paintings including some by artist David Lindley and a display on famous people of Haverfordwest – covering the wide variety including artists, musicians, explorers and athletes. 

An exciting addition is the new museum shop selling a range of Haverfordwest-themed products including biscuits, chocolates, fudge, tote bags, water bottles and lollipops.

Tim Evans, chair of trustees for Haverfordwest Town Museum told The Herald: “We are very excited about this new chapter in the museum’s life. It’s such a great opportunity for us, moving to a location where we will see a much larger footfall. We’re really hoping to engage and involve a whole new generation in the history of our special town.”

The museum is still on the lookout for new volunteers and wants to welcome a diverse range of people to get involved – you don’t need to have any previous knowledge of the town’s history to become a volunteer. Training will be provided and there is a wide variety of roles available.

If you are interested in finding out more or getting involved in any aspect of the pop-up museum please email the museum’s curator Simon Hancock at [email protected]

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is supporting this project, was set up to provide funding for communities across the UK in order to breathe new life and grow the economy in regions of the country which need additional help. Haverfordwest is currently the focus of a number of projects supported by this funding, aiming to boost the economic regeneration of the town.

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