Community

Bid to extend Bethlehem Baptist Chapel near Haverfordwest

Published

7 months ago

May 20, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to extend a chapel and hall near Haverfordwest to provide much-needed space for activities has been submitted to Pembrokeshire planners.

Reverend Jenny Gough, through agent Sureline Design Services Ltd, seeks permission for an extension to Bethlehem Chapel and its attached hall, in the village of Bethlehem, near Haverfordwest.

A supporting statement says: “Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, located on the outskirts of Haverfordwest has 45 adults in membership of the church at the present time ranging from 19 years to those in their mid 90’s. In addition, on a Sunday we have a further 46 adults in regular attendance and 11 regular under 16-year-olds.

“The growth of the church fellowship in the past ten years has necessitated the provision of a portacabin in church grounds which is a temporary measure, intended to be removed once the proposed extension to the church hall is completed.

“Whilst the church is currently providing various community activities we are limited in the number of people who can attend and often find that we are restricted in the services we would like to provide due to the space available.

“Allied to this, the need to meet public standards for disabilities, parking, health, and safety and the need for an extension becomes ever more pressing. The project aim is to provide a first-class facility that will enhance the community, be a welcome lift to the area, and enable existing and new activities to be undertaken in a pleasant, warm, accessible and welcoming environment.

“There is adequate land situated to allow the extension without impinging or compromising on the chapel’s burial grounds and the funding for the project will be obtained through grant applications, through appeals and fundraising activities.

“Over the last four to five years it has become increasingly clear that the current building facility could not meet the needs of its users, nor hope to satisfy the ever-increasing regulatory demands placed on facilities that are open to the general public.”

The chapel hosts many activities including adult and toddler/baby group, ladies craft group (which includes a Safe Space provision), community lunch group, bereavement peer support group, dementia support group, primary school children’s holiday clubs, secondary school youth clubs, young adult groups, Christian teaching groups and social events.

“Since many of these activities are well attended we are often lacking space in the building. For some larger gatherings we are forced to use halls in the communities around us, which increases our workload for holding the events in having to transport necessary equipment.

“The main result is that we are not holding events to our full potential, if more space was available at Bethlehem Chapel, we would be able to hold more events to benefit the wider community with what we are already providing.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

47 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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.