Community

Full steam ahead with local beers

Published

11 years ago

December 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Something different: A steam engine rally stopped many people in their tracks!

A NORTH Pembrokeshire pub is flying the flag for locally produced beers. The Bridge End in Llanychaer, known to its locals as the Bont, has recently re-opened with new landlords Mark and Lesley. They have wasted no time in turning the popular pub into a showcase for some of the great beers from the microbreweries that have sprung up in recent years, putting North Pembrokeshire firmly on the beer map of Wales.

Indeed, the Bont has just become the most recent Pembrokeshire pub to win the accolade of an entry in the Good Beer Guide published by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). To achieve recognition in the ‘Bible of British Beers’ means serving ‘real’ ales in top condition, and ideally in a friendly, welcoming pub atmosphere.

The Bont succeeds in ticking all these boxes. As you arrive in the picturesque village of Llanychaer, you can simply follow your nose, as the wonderful smell of a log fire drifts down the road. And for visitors from further afield, directions can be found in the Good Beer Guide, whether in book form, online or as a phone app. Local pubs serving local beers may seem the most natural thing in the world but, surprisingly, very few pubs in the area do actually take the initiative and choose to offer something other than the usual familiar names from big national breweries.

So members of CAMRA’s Pembrokeshire branch were impressed to find that the hand pumps in the cosy bar permanently offer at least two different beers from Bluestone Brewery, near Newport and another two from Gwaun Valley Brewery. Both breweries are a mere 3 to 5 miles from the Bont, so it makes good environmental sense as well as supporting the local economy.

Other notable additions to the beer brewing scene in North Pembrokeshire include the award-winning Seren brewery at Rosebush, and Caffle Brewery, based in the Old School, Llawhaden, which scooped a Silver medal at Pembrokeshire Tourism’s awards this year. Close links between pubs and our local breweries are good for everyone.

And as if to prove the point, it will soon be possible to enjoy a pint (or two) of ‘Bont Ale’, brewed and specially labelled by Len and Sarah Davies at Gwaun Valley Brewery – the perfect accompaniment to an excellent home-cooked lunch or evening meal from Lesleys’ kitchen.

In the words of Mark and Lesley: “This is a lovely old pub with a history stretching back 150 years or more, and still has the huge water-wheel that used to power the smithy that once operated in the same building. The whole of the Gwaun Valley has a long tradition of farmhouse brewing, so it only seems right that we should be serving beers brewed virtually on the doorstep.” During the Fishguard & Goodwick Autumn Festival, on the weekend of October 31 – November 1, Mark and Lesley showed that they have another passion, apart from great beer.

They helped to organise the memorable steam engine rally, which saw magnificent vintage machines on display around the twin towns, they certainly stopped plenty of people in their tracks. As regular contestants in the annual Cawl Crawl, and indeed winners of 1st prize for ‘Best Cawl’ last year, they were busy in the kitchen to be ready to receive the many cawl tasters who arrived in memorable fashion aboard one of the Foden steam lorries. Let us hope that many other Pembrokehsire pubs will follow the example set by the Bont and choose to ‘go local’!

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

4 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

5 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).