Community

Pembrokeshire ranks among top Welsh treasure hotspots

Published

4 months ago

August 27, 2025

71 discoveries recorded in county since 1990s

PEMBROKESHIRE has been named one of Wales’ leading treasure-hunting hotspots, with 71 discoveries recorded under the Treasure Act in the past 34 years.

The figures, analysed by Fast Skips from official Treasure Act reports, show that Pembrokeshire ranks fourth in the whole of Wales for recorded finds – just behind Powys with 72, Monmouthshire with 93, and the Vale of Glamorgan, which topped the list with 135.

Wrexham was fifth with 41 discoveries.

Treasure on the rise

Across Wales, reported treasure cases have risen by 28% in recent years, with 1,377 cases recorded in 2022 compared to 1,072 in 2021.

Most finds were Post-Medieval in origin, followed by Early Medieval and Bronze Age objects.

Nationally, 94% of all treasure finds were made using metal detectors, while archaeological digs accounted for just under 4%.

Local interest

Pembrokeshire’s rich landscape, with its history of prehistoric settlements, medieval trading routes, and later farming communities, has long attracted metal detectorists. Local enthusiasts regularly unearth coins, jewellery and other artefacts, many of which are logged with the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Trevor Moxon, from Fast Skips, said the appeal of treasure hunting lies in “not knowing what’s just beneath your feet.”

“One minute you’re walking through a quiet field, the next you’re holding something that hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years,” he added.

Tips for budding treasure hunters

Experts advise those starting out to:

Research old maps and records to find promising locations.
Always seek permission from landowners before detecting.
Invest in a reliable mid-range metal detector and learn how to use it properly.
Join a local detecting club for advice and access to group digs.
Understand the law, including the Treasure Act 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Treasure hunting, Mr Moxon said, “isn’t just about what you find, it’s about the stories, the history, and the unexpected joy of uncovering the past.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

4 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)