News

Communities Taking the Lead to get Better Broadband

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2024

Locals in Dale, Pembrokeshire successfully use UK Government’s Project Gigabit voucher scheme to connect the village with high-speed internet

Dale, a small rural community on the coast of Pembrokeshire has long endured poor internet connectivity that has plagued its residents with little to no ability to use the internet for work, communication or entertainment. With the movement of most services and day-to-day tasks to online, having limited internet access was having a detrimental effect on residents who were experiencing firsthand the digital divide.

However, after being told about a UK Government funded project by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Digital Champions, this has now thankfully changed and much of Dale is now connected to gigabit-capable broadband that serves the whole village.

Project Gigabit aims to provide lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband (1,000 Mbps) to homes and businesses across the UK. With £5 billion UK Government investment, it targets areas that currently have poor internet connectivity, enabling them to have access to the same high-speed internet as urban areas.

With the voucher scheme, residents and businesses in eligible areas have been able to apply for financial help to cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Connecting our rural communities is a significant step in the digital infrastructure of Pembrokeshire.

“Along with our partners, this extensive programme of work has transformed full fibre connectivity and will futureproof the network in our county.

“The commitment from this authority will ensure our communities won’t be left without connection.

“There is more to do, but thanks to a proactive approach by the County Council, full fibre will be offered to more and more communities all the time.”

The benefits of being better connected rurally are uncontested with the results already being seen in Dale. From helping local businesses to improving access to digital services, having reliable, fast internet access has been the core of the connectivity solution for the Pembrokeshire village.

Going forward, the UK Government ‘Project Gigabit’ is about making sure everyone in the UK, no matter where they live, has access to fast and reliable internet, bridging the digital divide and providing the opportunity for every harder to reach community to stay connected.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

9 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.