Community

Port’s support for library already ‘many hundreds of thousands of pounds’

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has confirmed that it is providing “significant financial support” to Milford Haven Library, with its total contribution over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement until 2038 amounting to “many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

The statement follows public frustration over secrecy surrounding the rent paid by PCC, with officials previously refusing to disclose the figure. Pembrokeshire County Council has now confirmed that the rent stands at £1,921 per month, or £23,052 per year, which accounts for 17.6% of the library’s total running costs.

At a Milford Haven Town Council meeting last week, PCC’s Head of Cultural Services, Mike Cavanagh, stated that he had been asked by the Port not to disclose the rental figure, leading to accusations of a lack of transparency over public spending on a statutory service.

Port responds to criticism

***Port boss Tom Sawyer says Milford Library provides ‘vital services’***

In response to the controversy, Tom Sawyer, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, told The Herald: “We have always recognised the significant social value generated by the Library in Milford Haven. It is a true community hub providing vital services and opportunities for people of all ages.”

Sawyer confirmed that the Port had committed to financial support long before PCC’s recent cost-cutting review, stating: “Prior to this public consultation, we had already committed to provide significant financial support to the Library service which, over the lifetime of Pembrokeshire County Council’s lease agreement up to 2038, amounts to many hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

While the Port remains engaged in discussions with PCC and Milford Haven Town Council, Sawyer stressed the broader role of the Port in community funding.

“Each year we set aside around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations, either through direct funding or partnership working, that are delivering three core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway; a sustainable and resilient environment; and a vibrant and prosperous community. We are proud that due to the Port of Milford Haven’s financial sustainability we will provide almost half a million pounds of community benefit during 2025.”

Despite this, some councillors remain concerned about the decision to charge PCC rent for a statutory service, particularly given the Port’s obligations as a Trust Port to benefit the local community.

Council defends library consultation process

**Inside Milford Haven Library (Image PCC)**

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Library Service, along with other Council services, has been asked to put forward proposals to reduce costs and/or increase income.”

PCC explained that its 2024 Library Needs Assessment had shown that while respondents opposed outright library closures, there was support for reducing premises costs and increasing volunteer involvement.

“Over the last 16 years, Milford Haven residents have enjoyed high-quality library provision in the town at Cedar Court, during which time the Port of Milford Haven has been extremely supportive, and we are grateful for their ongoing support.”

The spokesperson further revealed that the Port has been providing a “markedly discounted” rental rate for the library, stating:

“Recognising the important community role the library plays, the Port of Milford Haven has discounted the rental amount to £1,921 per month, which is significantly lower than its demonstrable commercial value. The rent is currently 17.6% of total running costs.”

Library could still be moved

Despite confirming the discounted rent, PCC has reiterated that it is considering relocating the library to a smaller or cheaper site to ensure its long-term viability. This includes a proposal to move the library to the Meads Leisure Centre, as well as the possibility of transitioning to a Community Managed Partnership.

“The County Council hopes to be able to sustain this high-quality service during these financially challenging times and solutions are currently being sought through the consultation process and ongoing discussions with interested parties.”

PCC has urged Milford Haven Library users and local residents to participate in the consultation, which is open until Monday, February 17.

The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/proposed-changes-to-the-library-service.

Councillors discuss library future at town council meeting

***Milford Haven Town Hall***: ***Sold off but could library be moved there?***

The Milford Haven Town Council discussed the future of the library at their full council meeting on Monday, February 10. During the meeting, councillors debated the potential relocation of the library and the request for the town council to contribute £13,000 towards its running costs.

***Cllr Lee Bridges has been to visit Port to discuss library this week***

Councillor Lee Bridges suggested an alternative location, proposing that the library could be moved to the old Town Hall, which is owned by accountant Bruce Evens. He argued that a more central location could provide a better long-term solution.

Meanwhile, Councillor Colin Sharp raised concerns that the Port, as a Trust Port with a duty to benefit the community, should have done more to support the library’s future.

“Have you spoken to the landlord? It’s going to look like very bad press for that company, which is allegedly a community organisation, if the library can no longer operate.”

However, Councillor Nicola Harteveld defended the Port’s position. She said: “The Port are a business and can’t be expected to give the library to the town for free, as they already do a lot for the town.”

The council has not yet made a decision on providing funding, but a final vote on whether Milford Haven Town Council will contribute £13,000 to the library is scheduled for their next meeting on February 24.

What happens next?

Milford Haven Town Council will vote on February 24 on whether to contribute £13,000 to help fund the library for another year.
The public consultation closes on February 17, after which PCC will review feedback before making a final decision.

The future of Milford Haven Library remains uncertain, with councillors, residents, and campaigners continuing to push for clarity and a long-term solution.

This is a developing story. The Herald will provide further updates as discussions continue.

Community

Artist explores memory, community and changing rural life in new Cardigan exhibition

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

24 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

1 day 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.