Community
Call to stay safe and respect the countryside
With more people using countryside paths and walks for exercise
during coronavirus restrictions, a call has gone out for walkers to stay
safe and respect landowners’ privacy and business.
The joint message comes from Pembrokeshire County Council and
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Pembrokeshire has some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales
and is fantastic to explore on foot.
And with exercise close to home part of the permitted reasons to
leave lockdown, paths and walks are increasingly busy.
Walkers are advised to only access footpaths from their doorstep and
be aware that when using Countryside Rights of Way that you are
crossing private land.
At this time of year the countryside is a busy place, lambing is in full
swing and field preparation for new crops is underway.
Those using the paths are asked to follow and observe any advisory
signs or temporary diversions you may come across.
Please note that routes are normally unrestricted, but under the
present situation there may be some routes that aren’t available, such
as closures to part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Please be particularly vigilant and respectful when using paths that
are in the curtilage of private residences or pass through Farm Yards
and adhere with “social distancing” at all times.
Please follow this advice:
Wherever possible restrict use to footpaths accessible within
your neighbourhood – if possible do not drive to the
countryside to walk.
Follow any diversion signs provided by landowner.
• Remember social distancing. Keep 2m distance from anyone
and use wide areas to pass each other safely.
• Plan your walk – try to avoid busy times of day when many
other people may be walking, and if possible, don`t use the
same route every day.
• Respect landowners as they may be self-isolating or have
vulnerable people living with them.
• Ensure dogs are kept on a short lead, but beware of livestock
as they may chase your dog.
• Do not let your dog come in contact with other people.
• Clean up after your dog – do not leave dog fouling bags
behind.
• Ensure gates are not left open allowing livestock to escape.
• Keep to the line of the path, do not allow your dog to run free.
• Respect the property and business you are passing through.
• Keep away from livestock
• As part of good personal hygiene always wash your hands
after visiting the countryside.
It is also worth remembering that when walking or running on roads
where there is no pavement, you should face on-coming traffic and
wear highly visible clothing.
Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of the Park Authority said: “This
guidance will protect the public and any livestock they may encounter
while out walking. It will also prevent additional calls upon emergency
services, who are already working at capacity, from having to respond
to issues such as trespass, lost dogs, sheep worrying and livestock
escaping from fields.
“We are encouraged by the response of the vast majority of the public
in following Government advice to stay at home and only access the
outdoors from their doorsteps. It is important for those people who do
have walking opportunities on their doorsteps to take note of the
advice provided when out walking.”
Full details of the Coast Path closures can be found on the Authority’s
website at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.
Community
Pembrokeshire mobilises for ‘the big river clean up’
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.
Community
Residents hit back after YouTube video shows Milford ‘in decline’
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.
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.
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.”
Community
Pop-Up museum launching in Haverfordwest on March 25
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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