Community
£4,000 metal Christmas tree divides opinion in Cardigan
A £4,000 metal Christmas tree in Cardigan has sparked heated debate among residents, with opinions ranging from admiration to outrage over the cost and design.
The tree is described as a “modern festive centrepiece,” intended to enhance the town’s holiday charm. At night, its illuminated frame has been praised as a striking addition to Cardigan’s streetscape. However, critics argue the daytime view reveals a less appealing “builders’ yard aesthetic.”
On social media, opinions are sharply divided. Some residents, like Francesca Loveday, appreciated the tree, saying it had attracted children and added to the festive atmosphere. “The whole town looks lovely at night with the lights and lanterns,” commented Wendy Yates.
However, others criticized the expenditure, especially during tough economic times. “It’s basically scaffolding poles with lights draped over it,” remarked Michelle Hughes, adding that it’s an “absolute eyesore” during the day.
Value for money questioned
Several residents expressed concern about the cost. “£4,000 for this? It’s outrageous!” said one local. Others suggested alternative ways the money could have been spent, such as funding community projects or supporting vulnerable groups.
Councillor Mal Evans defended the decision, stating that the tree aligns with efforts to modernize the town’s decorations and draw more visitors during the festive season. “Shops and businesses have worked hard to bring a fabulous Christmas display to the town,” he said. “This tree is part of that vision.”
In addition to debates over aesthetics and cost, safety concerns have been raised. Resident Anthony Probert warned of potential hazards, describing the tree as a “health and safety nightmare” due to its exposed electric components and climbable frame.
Mixed reviews on festive efforts
Despite the controversy surrounding the tree, many agree that Cardigan’s overall Christmas display is impressive. The decorated shopfronts, lanterns, and lights have been widely praised, even by those who dislike the tree.
Cardigan Town Council said it’s part of cost-cutting measures which will help save the authority £1,000 a year as the structure can be reused.
The local town council has also argued that cutting and transporting a tree every year doesn’t meet its goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The annual Christmas budget is set in January and varies between £5,000 and £10,000 every year. We are currently just over £6,000 for all of the decorations in town this year. “It covers everything from hiring telehandlers to replacing lights as well as purchasing the lights and frame for our new tree installation. We have invested in this product, which can be easily stored and reused, because it will save us the cost of a live tree every year, an estimated annual saving of £1,000.
“There is also a pressure on councils to consider reducing their carbon footprint and to promote biodiversity and we agreed as a council that cutting and transporting a live tree every year did not support our aim to meet these guidelines.”
Community
The gentle giant behind the tattoos
Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong
JOSH Davies is hard to miss.
With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.
But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.
They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.
The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.
A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.
“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”
But it is not only his employers who have noticed.
After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.
One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.
She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”
Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.
“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”
Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.
In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.
The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.
“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.
“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”
Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.
Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.
To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.
To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.
One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”
Photo caption:
Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).
Community
Artist explores memory, community and changing rural life in new Cardigan exhibition
A NEW exhibition exploring memory, belonging and the changing face of rural life is opening in Cardigan.
West Wales artist Sue Dewhurst will present From the Outside Looking In at Oriel Cardi Bach, with the exhibition running from June 27 to July 30.
The collection brings together several new series of work reflecting on the people, places and traditions that shaped Dewhurst’s childhood in the 1970s.
At the heart of the exhibition are the Chapel Girls, a group of paintings focusing on women who might once have filled the chapels that dominated Welsh village life. In Dewhurst’s work, they are now seen finding new forms of belonging through shopping trips, bingo halls, dating apps, bottomless brunches and everyday rituals, while redundant chapels stand silent around them.
The exhibition also includes A Bit of a Do, a series inspired by weddings, family parties and village hall celebrations.
Among the familiar characters are the mysterious woman in her best hat who appears at every gathering, the accountant calculating buffet logistics, the retired nurse dancing barefoot long after everyone else has gone home, and Harry, a grumpy gent with a mysteriously missing fingertip that nobody dares ask about.
Dewhurst’s Ghost Town series will also feature, exploring the changing landscapes of northern mill towns and communities transformed beyond recognition. These works sit alongside expressive coastal paintings inspired by New Quay and the Ceredigion coast.
A further installation of miniature “party paintings” will be presented like treasured relics rescued from a forgotten village hall or working men’s club. Wrapped with handwritten stories and nostalgic memorabilia, the pieces invite visitors to remember people and moments that might otherwise disappear.
Sue said music also plays an important role in the exhibition.
She said: “Music is so evocative for me and can instantly transport me back to a certain point in time.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the lives we don’t usually celebrate – the women who held communities together, the odd characters who turned up at every family occasion, the places that shaped us and the memories that linger long after buildings and traditions have changed.
“This exhibition is really about looking back with affection and humour, while recognising that we are all, in one way or another, trying to find where we belong.”
Originally from Lancashire and now based near Llandysul, Dewhurst has spent more than thirty years working in the arts. She previously ran Oriel Haywire in Llandysul before its closure around eighteen months ago.
From the Outside Looking In opens at Oriel Cardi Bach, Cardigan, on June 27 and runs until July 30.
Visitors are invited to rediscover familiar faces, forgotten stories and the beauty found in ordinary lives.
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Community
Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration
LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK
THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.
The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.
The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”
Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.
The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.
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