Community
Superfast Cymru makes a splash for RNLI

Making a splash: All for a good cause
BT MEMBERS of the Superfast Cymru team will be donning their swimsuits and braving the elements later this year when they join the hundreds that take part in the annual Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. Made up from a mixture of managers, engineers and marketers, the Superfast Cymru team will be raising money for the much loved local RNLI in Tenby. Alan Farmer from Openreach, BT’s local network business, and one of the BT team working on Superfast Cymru, said: “As people in Pembrokeshire will know we’ve been working hard in Pembrokeshire bringing fast fibre broadband to communities throughout the area.”
“We’ve had such a warm welcome from everybody we wanted to show our appreciation by supporting a charity that plays such a vital role in the community. “Taking a dip in the icy Saundersfoot sea will certainly be a change to our day jobs of being up a telegraph pole or having our heads in roadside cabinets but it’s for a very worthy cause and we hope to collect as much money as possible.” Money raised by BT members of the Superfast Cymru team will be used to help the RNLI to train and equip Tenby’s lifesavers. Tenby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Phil Rees, said:“As a charity which relies on voluntary contributions and legacies for income, we are so grateful that the BT team has chosen to raise funds for Tenby RNLI by taking part in The Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. “Our volunteer crews put to sea whatever the weather, so it’s heartwarming to see people braving the winter chill to do their bit to raise much-needed funds for our lifesaving charity.
Funds raised will help ensure our crews can continue saving lives at sea.” In addition to Alan Farmer the BT team will include Ynyr Roberts, Lee Marston, Owain Twitchett, Ashlee Thomas, Rhys Thomas, Alan Farmer, Wes Sheldon, Leighton Quick, James Stephens and colleagues from Carillion Telent. Delivering high speed fibre broadband across Wales, Superfast Cymru is a partnership between BT and Welsh Government, with additional funding from UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). £205m of funding has been provided by Welsh Government, the UK Government and the ERDF, with BT contributing a further £220m to deliver fibre across Wales via its commercial roll out and the Superfast Cymru programme.
Fibre broadband will help transform the broadband landscape across Wales and enable local businesses in Pembrokeshire to compete on a global level. Highspeed broadband makes it possible for businesses to be located anywhere and improve opportunities for business creativity and entrepreneurship. At home, fibre broadband enables a family to simultaneously download a movie, watch a TV replay service, surf the internet and play games online all at the same time. A whole album can be downloaded in less than 30 seconds and a feature length HD movie in less than 10 minutes, whilst high-resolution photos can be uploaded to Facebook in seconds.
Superfast broadband will be available in both Tenby and Saundersfoot in the New Year, while residents and businesses served off the Pembroke, Neyland, Milford Haven, Neyland, Jonstone and Haverfordwest exchanges can already access fast fibre. Households and businesses who want superfast speeds need to contact an internet service provider (ISP) so sign up to receive fast fibre – the upgrade is not automatic. There are several ISPs offering fibre broadband in Wales so customers can shop around and choose the package that is best for them. If they choose not to upgrade to fibre broadband, they will be able to continue using their existing broadband service.
Community
New venue for the highly anticipated Pembrokeshire Classic Car Show

PEMBROKESHIRE classic car enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that this year’s highly anticipated Classic Car Show will be held at a new and exciting location. The Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, known for organizing this popular event, has decided to move the show to Carew Airfield. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023.
The decision to relocate the event came about due to certain challenges with public parking at the previously favored Scolton Manor venue. By shifting the show to Carew Airfield, organizers hope to alleviate any parking difficulties and provide a more convenient experience for attendees.
Classic car enthusiasts from all over Wales and beyond can expect a spectacular display of various classic vehicles at the show. From vintage and classic cars, including some American models, to modern-day marvels, there will be something to captivate every car lover. In addition to cars, the event will showcase motorcycles, tractors, military vehicles, and commercial vehicles.
The Classic Car Show isn’t just about vehicles; it offers a complete day of fun for the whole family. Attendees can explore attractions such as the West Wales Model Boats, children’s rides, a car boot sale, and an auto jumble. Moreover, a variety of craft and trade stalls will be present, offering an opportunity for some shopping. The show will also feature charity stalls, including Paul Sartori and The Wales Air Ambulance, allowing visitors to contribute to worthy causes. To add to the excitement, both the Police and the 223rd Transportation Army Squadron will be in attendance, showcasing their impressive vehicle displays.
To further enhance the experience, the Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club will be running a raffle during the event. Hunger and thirst will not be an issue, as a selection of food outlets will be available, offering hot and cold food and drinks, ice cream, Welsh cakes, and even a public bar. St. John’s Ambulance will also be present to provide necessary medical support.
In addition to all the fantastic attractions at the show, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the nearby wartime museum, which will be open for exploration on the day.
The Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club is thriving, boasting over one hundred and eighty members. The success of the show in previous years has enabled the club to donate substantial sums to local charities. This year, the selected beneficiaries are Paul Sartori, Wales Air Ambulance, and Pembrokeshire Care Share & Give.
The organizers extend their gratitude to the club members, Gravells Kia of Narberth for their support, the participants, stallholders, car booters, landowners, FRF Toyota for providing trophies, and, of course, the public for attending. It is their collective efforts that make this event possible year after year.
The Classic Car Show will welcome the public from 10:30 am onwards on Saturday, June 3rd, and will conclude at 4 pm. So, mark your calendars and head over to Carew Airfield on the A477 for a truly unforgettable “Classic” day out.
Community
North Pembrokeshire community exceeds fundraising target to purchase local pub

CRYMYCH, the tight-knit community in North Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a significant milestone in their journey to acquire the beloved local pub. The villagers have successfully raised an impressive £191,000 within a remarkable eight-week period since launching their community share offer on April 1st. This achievement far surpasses their initial target of £175,000, which was set as the necessary amount to proceed with their mission to revive the Crymych Arms, which has remained closed for the past 18 months.
The local football club, established just three years ago, has taken the lead in this initiative by registering as a mutual society cooperative. By doing so, they have been able to issue shares and rally support in their efforts to purchase the pub and transform it into a vibrant community hub, doubling as the new club house. This unique concept combines the functions of a pub, a club, and a hub, giving birth to the ingenious notion of a “Pubclubhub.”
The football committee members eagerly anticipate the outcomes of grant funding bids, which will provide the final piece of the financial puzzle needed to acquire and reopen the community pubclubhub by this August. To date, several hundred people have invested in £100 shares, with many purchasing them as thoughtful gifts for supporters of the idea of community-owned pubs. Additionally, numerous football enthusiasts are buying shares to lend their support to local grassroots sports. By owning a share, individuals not only become part owners of a pub but also stakeholders in the football club, as the funds raised through share purchases will be utilized to acquire the historic pub in North Pembrokeshire.

The closed pub is listed at a full asking price of £275,000, and the football club committee continues to welcome new members who are interested in acquiring the £100 shares. Those intrigued by this venture and the prospect of becoming co-owners of a pub and football club can visit www.cpdcrymych.cymru for the share offer prospectus and to learn more about the community investment, which offers a promising 3% gross interest per year.
Furthermore, the next public meeting, open to anyone seeking more information about this exciting community venture, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14th, at 7 pm. The meeting will take place at Crymych market hall, providing an opportunity for interested individuals to engage with the project’s leaders, ask questions, and further familiarize themselves with the vision and goals of this community-driven initiative.
Crymych’s remarkable achievement in surpassing their fundraising target exemplifies the power of community spirit and highlights the determination of its residents to preserve and revitalize their cherished local pub. The collective effort to transform the Crymych Arms into a thriving pubclubhub not only ensures a vibrant social gathering place but also strengthens community bonds and supports grassroots sports.
Community
New Carmarthenshire custody suite and policing base opens its door for first time

DYFED-POWYS POLICE will open its new Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing base in Dafen, Llanelli today (May 26).
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis will open the building in the company of local community representatives in Llanelli who will be given an opportunity to walk around the new modern, sustainable development, which has taken over 18 months to construct.
Planning permission was granted to the Dyfed-Powys Office of Police and Crime Commissioner by Carmarthenshire County Council back in April 2021 for the £18.6 million development, which Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn describes as a significant investment that has delivered a fit for purpose, modern facility for Dyfed-Powys Police.
As well as housing a new custody suite with 18 cells, some specialist departments and facilities will be based at the new policing hub as well as local response officers. PCC Dafydd Llywelyn confirmed that the Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to work out of their base at Llanelli town centre.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It is a privilege for me to be here today opening this brand-new facility and to finally see what was originally considered to be an ambitious vision, now becoming a reality.
“This has been a significant investment for us which has provided us with a modern, sustainable fit for purpose policing hub and custody suite that will meet the needs and expectations of modern policing.
“During the planning application process between 2020 and 2021, we engaged widely with the local community, and It is a pleasure to invite community representatives here today to mark this occasion.
“I’ve worked extremely hard with partners for several years to ensure that we get to this position and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us during its development”.
The construction has been given a BREEAM excellence rating, for its sustainable credentials which include a photovoltaic solar power installation to minimise the carbon footprint of the building; a rainwater harvesting facility for toilets and non-potable water, and electric car charging facilities.
PCC Llywelyn added: “We are going to have to make difficult decisions over the coming years about the future of some of our estates within Dyfed-Powys Police.
“The current Llanelli Police Station has served the town and surrounding area well for decades but does not reflect the high standard and working environment required by a police force in the 21st Century.
“This new policing base is part of our commitment to work with key partners to deliver long-term sustainable improvements to our estates and ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police retains a visible and accessible presence in the heart of the communities it serves.
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Dr. Richard Lewis said:“We are delighted to have this state of the art policing hub and custody suite opening in Llanelli. The building was designed and built for the future with the wellbeing of our staff and the community in mind.
“It is an energy efficient and sustainable construction, and will become a base for a number of Policing functions across Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, complementing the Neighbourhood Policing Team that will remain at the town centre.
“I am grateful to PCC Mr Dafydd Llywelyn and the project team as a whole for delivering the facility, which will serve local communities for years to come.”
Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Dyfed-Powys Police’s operational lead on the new build said: “Our new Policing Base in Dafen will allow a number of specialist departments and facilities to be co-located under one roof at Llanelli which will ensure less travelling to various sites which will lend itself to a more efficient and effective operating model.
“The custody suite is also a state of the art facility which will significantly raise the standard of care being provided to detainees at the suite which includes a dedicated vulnerability wing which will ensure the safeguarding of the most vulnerable detainees that are housed at the facility.”
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