Community

Pembrokeshire libraries and leisure centre consultations

Published

5 months ago

December 1, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SENIOR Pembrokeshire councillors have backed a call for the public to be consulted changes to library or leisure centre opening hours in the county.

A Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Rhys Jordan before the December 1 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet said: “Pembrokeshire County Council resolves that any proposed changes to the opening hours of leisure centres and libraries must be subject to a minimum six-week consultation period with staff and service users before implementation.”

A supporting statement from Cllr Jordan added: “These services exist for the people who use them. They are not simply buildings or timetables; they are part of the fabric of local life, supporting health, wellbeing, learning, and connection. As such, the people who rely on them should have a genuine opportunity to shape and mould any changes that affect how, when, or even whether they can continue to use them.

“A clear example of why this is necessary came in August, when users of Tenby Leisure Centre arrived on August 1 to find posters announcing that, from September 1, weekend opening hours would change from 7.30am–3pm to 8.30am–5pm. There was no prior consultation, no explanation, and no consideration of how this would impact users.”

He added: “It’s not about creating delay or bureaucracy; it’s about respect, transparency, and sound decision-making. When we listen first, we make better, fairer, and more sustainable choices.

“Leisure centres and libraries are public services, owned by and for the public. Their strength lies in the communities that use them. By embedding consultation, we ensure that those communities remain at the heart of every decision, helping to shape and sustain services that truly work for them.”

A report for members, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett recommended support for any consultation requirements for any opening hour changes was backed, with an amendment to allow officers to determine the most appropriate duration and approach for such consultation on a case-by-case basis.

Members heard Cllr Jordan was happy with the case-by-case amendment, approving the recommendation.

Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Community, Well-being and Future Generations, saying: “Engagement with the public is really important; talking to our communities is the most important thing we can do here.”

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.

Community

New foal born at Dyfed Shire Farm as rare breed season begins

Published

16 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suffolk Punch mare gives birth to strong colt foal ahead of May bank holiday farm opening

DYFED SHIRE FARM has welcomed its first foal of 2026, with a Suffolk Punch mare giving birth to a strong colt.

The new arrival was announced on Saturday by the Pembrokeshire farm, which said the foal is from mare Dixie and is doing well.

In a social media post, the farm said: “Mother nature working 100% as we would want.”

The birth will be seen as a boost for the farm and for supporters of traditional horse breeds, with the Suffolk Punch regarded as one of Britain’s rarest native working horse breeds.

Dyfed Shire Farm has not yet chosen a name for the colt and has invited the public to send in suggestions.

The farm is preparing to open to visitors over the early May bank holiday weekend, with opening times announced for Friday, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and again on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Visitors are expected to be able to see Dixie and her foal during the open days.

The Pembrokeshire attraction also used the announcement to promote stays at its campsite as interest grows around the latest addition.

Images shared online show the foal standing close to its mother in a field, as well as resting in the spring sunshine.

Photo caption: New arrival: Dyfed Shire Farm has announced the birth of its first foal of 2026, a Suffolk Punch colt born to mare Dixie (Pics: Dyfed Shire Farm).