Community
Cardigan chapel reborn as community hub
Historic Tabernacl site bought by townsfolk in bold grassroots move
A HISTORIC Cardigan chapel that closed its doors in 2022 has been brought back to life thanks to a major community effort – with volunteers, fundraising, and a clear vision for the town’s future all coming together under the banner of Hwb Aberteifi.
Locals gathered on Saturday (July 26) to celebrate the reopening of the former Tabernacl Chapel, just 24 hours after the completion of its purchase by the newly formed community benefit society, Hwb-Aberteifi Cyf.

The project, first launched on March 1 this year, aimed to raise £150,000 from supporters across Cardigan and beyond to buy the heritage site and turn it into a vibrant town-centre venue for learning, creativity, and connection.
The goal was hit in a matter of months. Volunteers have already begun clearing the grounds, and public meetings are being planned to decide how the site – which includes a 500-seater chapel and vestry – will be used.

Cultural and creative centre
The vision includes space for community training, events, and a literary archive celebrating the life and works of iconic local bard Dic Jones. Plans are also in motion to bring Fflach Cymunedol Ltd, the community-owned recording label and studio, back to its roots in the chapel’s vestry – over four decades after it was first founded there.
Earlier this year, the studio raised £72,000 through a public share offer to support its return and expansion.

The project is backed by local organisations including PLANED, Cardigan Aberteifi Society (CAS), and 4CG Cymru Cyf. Speaking on behalf of PLANED, Cris Tomos praised the speed and strength of community support.
New chapter begins

At Saturday’s reopening, the chapel doors were symbolically unlocked by Rev. Llinos Mai Gordon – the same minister who led the final service there before its closure.
With legal matters now resolved and ownership secured, work will begin to make the building safe and fit for purpose, including vital roof and service repairs.
A full renovation is expected to cost around £600,000 in total, but project leaders believe the groundwork is now firmly in place for a new chapter in the life of this landmark building.
Public involvement remains at the heart of the initiative, with organisers encouraging locals to attend upcoming meetings and shape the future of what promises to be a flagship community hub for west Wales.
For more information, visit www.hwb-aberteifi.org
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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
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).
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