Community

Future of Milford Haven library discussed at well attended public meeting

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2025

A WELL-ATTENDED public meeting at Milford Haven Library on Monday night (Feb 3) saw residents voice their concerns over proposed changes to the county’s library service. Pembrokeshire County Council’s representative Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural, Leisure, Tourism and Registration Services, faced numerous questions from members of the public and town councillors in attendance.

The meeting followed the release of proposals aimed at reducing the council’s budget deficit, which currently stands at £27.4 million for the 2025-26 financial year. Among the options being considered is a 20% reduction in the library service budget, which could result in significant changes to Milford Haven Library, Pembroke Library, and Pembroke Dock Library.

Inside Milford Haven library (Pic: PCC)

MILFORD’S UNIQUE POSITION

Milford Haven Library is the only library in Pembrokeshire housed in a leased building after the council sold off its previous premises on Hamilton Terrace. The annual lease is understood to cost around £50,000, paid to the Port of Milford Haven – although we do not currently know the exact figure. But it is understood this is already a re-negotiated lower amount.

We asked the Council for the costings on Tuesday but are still waiting a reply.

Now, in an effort to cut costs, the council is exploring the possibility of relocating the library to a smaller, cheaper venue or establishing a Community Managed Partnership to take over its operations.

Residents at the meeting raised concerns about the potential loss of library services and questioned why the council was paying such a significant lease amount when alternative options could have been explored earlier.

Questions were also raised as to why the Port of Milford Haven were charging at

COUNTY-WIDE LIBRARY CUTS ON THE TABLE

The library service underwent a public consultation last summer through a Library Needs Assessment (LNA), with respondents overwhelmingly rejecting suggestions such as closing libraries, replacing staff with 24/7 technology, or cutting the Book Fund. However, there was some support for working with volunteers, co-locating services, and reducing opening hours.

Under the council’s proposals:

Milford Haven Library could be relocated or transitioned into a Community Managed Partnership.
Pembroke Library could see its opening hours reduced by eight hours per week.
Pembroke Dock Library could have its hours cut by seven hours per week.

The council has modelled savings at four levels: 10%, 20%, 30%, and 60%, with the latter two categorised as having the most severe impact on services. The 20% reduction, currently under consultation, falls in the ‘red’ category, indicating significant but not critical disruption.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION UNDERWAY

With the council’s budget set to be finalised on February 20, 2025, officials have begun seeking public input on the proposals. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by completing online surveys for each of the affected libraries. Paper copies are also available at the libraries, with submissions open until 5:00pm on February 17, 2025.

The council has stated that final decisions will be made by Cabinet, taking into account both the consultation results and findings from the Library Needs Assessment.

WHAT NEXT?

Cllr Lee Bridges, who was the meeting, said that Milford Haven Town Council has invited Mike Cavanagh to attend a future meeting to discuss plans regarding the library.

Cllr Bridges added: “It is an extreme shame that PCC disposed of the original library building on Hamilton Terrace, as it was well located in the centre of town and avoided the need to pay rent.”

He added: “After speaking to library staff at the meeting I have become aware that the library is also an important community hub to help a variety of ages, especially the elderly, with functions that the town hall, also now sold off, had previously provided them.

“It would be a great shame for a vital resource like this be removed.”

The future of Milford Haven Library remains uncertain, with locals urging the council to reconsider its approach. Monday’s meeting made it clear that many residents see the library as a vital community asset and are reluctant to accept cuts or changes without further justification.

More discussions are expected in the coming weeks as the council prepares to make its final decision.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

3 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

5 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)