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Smart Towns Initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick makes progress

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AN ONLINE meeting was held on Monday evening (Dec 2) to discuss the next steps in the Smart Towns initiative for Fishguard and Goodwick. The initiative aims to introduce cutting-edge technology to enhance business intelligence, tourism management, and environmental monitoring across the twin towns.

The meeting, hosted by Greenwood of Owen Davies Consulting, included representatives from North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism (NPTT), the Town Council, and Pembrokeshire County Council. Despite a lower-than-expected turnout, discussions highlighted the transformative potential of smart technology in the area.

Greenwood expressed confidence in the initiative, stating: “We already have much of the necessary infrastructure in place. This project will provide valuable insights into the twin town environment, driving prosperity and vitality for residents for years to come.”

Benefits of smart technology

The Smart Towns initiative promises to deliver a host of advantages, including:

  • Boosting Tourism: Real-time information and improved connectivity to enhance visitor experiences.
  • Supporting Businesses: Tools to analyse customer trends and optimise operations.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Sensors to track air and water quality, as well as ecosystems.
  • Improved Transport: Insights into car park availability, bus schedules, and waiting times.

Mark Rummery of Ivybridge Guesthouse emphasized the initiative’s wide-ranging applications, noting: “The analytics offered by this system are impressive. From monitoring car park usage to tracking public transport trends, this technology can address a variety of local needs.”

Challenges and opportunities

Attendees identified several challenges, including securing local buy-in and funding. Fishguard currently lacks dedicated personnel to oversee the project, a gap that could be addressed by hiring IT staff or creating a role within the Town Council.

Pembrokeshire County Council representatives stressed the need to focus on tangible benefits, such as revitalizing the town centre, to secure financial support. Rummery suggested that potential revenue streams from data analytics could make the project self-financing.

Next steps

The initiative remains in its exploratory phase. Stakeholders are encouraged to get involved to maximize the project’s potential. A formal presentation of the meeting’s discussions will be shared with decision-makers in the coming weeks.

“This initiative should be a cornerstone of our strategic plan for 2025/26,” Rummery added. “It’s vital that we engage all sectors of our community—high street traders, educators, transport operators, and more—to bring this vision to life.”

For further information or to view the presentation slides, contact Jeremy Martineau, Hon Secretary of North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism, via visitfishguard.co.uk.

 

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

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TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

 

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Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

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Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

 

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Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

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STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4

 

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