Community

Petition to save fire-damaged Manorbier school launched

Published

11 months ago

August 27, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PETITION calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to keep open a village school, severely damaged in a fire back in 2022, which is now under threat of closure, has attracted nearly 400 signatures in just over a week.

At the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which included statutory consultation with the St David’s Diocese on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School and Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, establishing the latter as a 3-11 Community School.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

A ‘school from school’ has been set up in Jameston Village Hall.

After the May meeting backing of the early stages of a consultation, a report on the diocese’s response to Manorbier was brought to the July meeting, with a recommendation to undertake general consultation on the two schools.

At the July meeting, a response from the St Davids Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) said: “It is vital that PCC, council members and the public are aware the DBF have always required that the school be reinstated and that this has been put to PCC on a number of occasions, in writing and in meetings.

“From the date of the fire up until May 2025, the DBF has always been led to believe that the school would be reinstated by PCC.”

It stated it was against the proposal to discontinue Manorbier, asking: “Would a consultation on the closure of Manorbier VC School have been proposed had it not been ravaged by fire?”

The recommendations to enter into general public consultations on the two schools were passed at that meeting.

Since then, an e-petition, on the county council’s own website, has been set up by Rebecca Williams, which has gained nearly 400 signatures to date.

The petition, which says closure of the school “will have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of our children, their families and the wider community” states: “The school has been open since 1873. (152years!).

“We would have been celebrating our 150-year anniversary there in January 2023, had it not been for the fire that damaged the building. A fire, we hasten to add, caused through no fault of our own. A fire, which could, if you allow it to, change the future of our children; our staff; our parents; our governors; our community; our church; our heritage and our history. We fully support the Diocesan’s view that the school should be rebuilt.

“We, the undersigned, beseech Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider its decision to close Manorbier Church in Wales School and instead honour its promise to rebuild the school; prioritise the needs of the community by rebuilding the school; allowing the dedicated staff and families the opportunity to open its doors to everyone once again.”

It added: “We urge you to rebuild our school, as promised; to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community; listen to our concerns, and work with us to find a solution that supports the needs of our children and families.”

The petition, started on August 18, runs to November 26 of this year and is accessible on the council’s website.

Community

Coastal path section hit by weekend landslide has now reopened

Published

4 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SECTION of a south Pembrokeshire seaside coastal path, closed once again after a landslide at the weekend, has now reopened.

After a landslide on July 12, Dyfed-Powys Police reported delays on the footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge, advising people to use alternative routes where possible or allow extra time for their journey.

The section of the south Pembrokeshire beach-side coastal path has been closed several times since late 2023 after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’.

The footpath was last closed in January 2025, following a number of landslips in the space of one week.

The path, known as the Tramway, which connects Wiseman’s Bridge to Coppet Hall in Saundersfoot is a popular and accessible stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

Following Sunday’s rock fall, Pembrokeshire County Council has said: “The footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge has re-opened following a rock fall at the weekend.

“The rock fall has been assessed as localised and from a low level. The path has therefore re-opened and work to remove the fallen material will be carried out in due course.”

The path was previously closed after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ in late 2023 and early 2024, with substantial investment made by the council to reopen the route.

In January 2025 a further fall happened towards the western end of the Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall cycleway, between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels, affecting access between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall beach.

Costs of the works for the multiple incidents had, back in March 2025, amounted to nearly £700,000.

During 2024’s works, local councillor Chris Williams hit out at “selfish” path users putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing while the repair works were being undertaken.

Community

Tenby lifeboats launched to two separate kayak incidents

Published

16 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RNLI crews were called to Pendine and Amroth within minutes of each other on a busy Sunday afternoon

BOTH of Tenby’s lifeboats were launched on Sunday afternoon following separate reports involving kayakers along the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coastline.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested shortly before 4.30pm on July 12 after RNLI lifeguards at Pendine raised concerns about a kayaker who had left the beach earlier in the afternoon but had not returned.

The kayak could no longer be seen from the shore, prompting Tenby’s volunteer crew to launch and make their way towards the area.

As the lifeboat arrived, the Coastguard received a call from the kayaker confirming they were safe and well at Morfa Bychan beach and did not require assistance.

The crew was stood down from the search but was immediately redirected to assist Tenby’s inshore lifeboat with a second incident off Amroth.

The inshore lifeboat had been launched after a member of the public dialled 999 and reported seeing a kayaker who appeared to be waving between Amroth and Monkstone.

A local fishing vessel, which had heard the Coastguard broadcast asking nearby boats to look out for the kayak, located the man before the lifeboats arrived.

The inshore lifeboat was soon alongside, where the kayaker confirmed he had been fishing and was not in difficulty.

Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were then stood down and returned safely to Tenby.

Community

Discover Wales’ past this summer with Cadw’s family events

Published

23 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to a summer packed with adventure, as Cadw unveils its exciting programme of family-friendly events set within the nation’s most iconic castles, abbeys and ancient landmarks.

Taking place throughout the school holidays, the events programme invites visitors to step into the past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for all ages.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

With over 70 Cadw events scheduled across Wales in July and August, highlights from this summer’s programme in West Wales include:

Historic Echoes (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Step into the early 15th century at Laugharne Castle to discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through a series of expert demonstrations.

Hysterical History (Kidwelly Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Take part in an interactive experience at Kidwelly Castle, where visitors can explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through engaging, hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

Children’s Activity Day (Strata Florida Abbey)

Thursday 13 August, 10:00-12:00. Online pre-booking is essential.

Spend the day at Strata Florida Abbey, where young historians can explore the medieval abbey’s past through hands-on archaeology experiences and learn about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the surrounding landscape.

Historia Normannis (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 11:00-16:00

Witness the spectacle of knights’ tournaments at Laugharne Castle to watch combat displays and see justice delivered at the Shire Court. Alongside the action, enjoy humorous performances that bring key moments in history to life in an entertaining and accessible way.

Living History Weekend (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, 11:00-16:00

Experience medieval village life at Laugharne Castle with a weekend of living history. Visitors can see dramatic demonstrations of Civil War armour and weaponry, with live cannon and musket firing.

In addition to these events, Cadw is offering a series of guided tours throughout the summer to give visitors a chance to delve deeper into the details of each location. In West Wales this includes: Castell Oxwich, and Castell Cilgerran. Pre-booking via the Cadw website for these events is required.

For those looking to make the most of their visits this summer and beyond, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, making it a great value option for families. As a bonus, members receive a Cadw handbook, free audio guides at selected sites and two Heritage in Wales Magazines each year.

Find out more and book tickets at https://cadw.gov.wales