Community

Manorbier Dovecote restored

Published

11 years ago

January 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Dovecote: Before and after

THE RESTORATION of Manorbier Dovecote was completed recently in collaboration with several organisations including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The Dovecote, a Grade 1 listed scheduled ancient monument, was built in the 13th century to provide fresh meat and eggs for the inhabitants of the nearby castle and would have been home to approximately 250 birds. The doves and pigeons laid two eggs about six times a year and the young “squabs” were taken when fat, plump and juicy at 4-6 weeks old.

Partial restoration took place in the 19th century but the Medieval building had suffered from many years of neglect. Work to consolidate and preserve the Dovecote was completed in November 2014 by the Manorbier Medieval Landscape Restoration Group with advice from Cadw and the National Park Authority’s Building Conservation Officer. Group Chairman, David Glennerster said: “The work has been made possible by grants from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Cadw, P.A.V.S, Manorbier Community Council, private donations and considerable support from individuals in and around the village as well as the Picton Estate who own the Dovecote.

With the help of the Park Authority’s team we have been able to achieve something tangible to help protect our Heritage.” The Group also worked with the Authority’s interpretation team to install a new information board at the Dovecote together with a Memorial Bench in respect of two founder members of the group who have since passed away.

National Park Authority Building Conservation Officer Rob Scourfield added: “This is a great example of the Authority’s heritage and interpretation teams working with a community group to bring an important part of Manorbier’s history to the attention of the wider public.” The Dovecote restoration works initially provided for the removal of vegetation, selective re-pointing in lime mortar and the consolidation of the roof.

Upon removal of the overgrowth, it was found that the roof was actually tapered in three stages, the uppermost finished in mortared slate. Further funding was provided by the National Park Authority and Cadw to reinstate the slating, which was in poor repair. The work to the circular slate roofed Dovecote (one of the largest in Wales with 270 nesting holes) was carried out in two phases by two local contractors, Adrian Gill & Paterchurch Ltd. The Dovecote – which is fully accessible to the public – is owned by the Picton Estate, which has been fully supportive of the project.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

6 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)