Community

The long history of The Tiddly

Published

11 years ago

November 27, 2013

Thomas Jenkins opened a pub in ‘Low Freystrop. in 1811 and ran it for a couple of years. It was called the New Inn, and the landlady from 1813 to 1827 was Martha Cozens; the address was sometimes given as ‘Mutton Hall’. Joseph Phillips took over, but nothing more is known about this pub. It appears that when she left the New Inn, Martha Cozens opened the Lamb and Flag nearby and she carried on running this wayside inn until 1841. Coalminer Owen Jenkins was landlord from 1851 to 1861 and James Yea was in charge in 1867. The pub, which was in Lower Freystrop near the junction with the lane to Little Milford. was converted into a grocery shop shortly afterwards. It may have been the building now much modernised and called ‘The Old Manse’.

The closure of the Lamb and Flag left a gap in the market which was filled by the Travellers’ Rest at the foot of the hill; quite possibly the licence was transferred. This pub was up and running by 1869 when it was kept by William Gwilliam, a mariner, and his wife Martha. lowever she died that year, aged 26, and coal miner and publican Absalom James ran the Weary Traveller (sic) in 1871 — presumably an error in the census. George Russell was landlord of the Travellers’ Rest in 1874 and John Russell was in charge.

In 1880. George Morgan held the licence from 1891 to 1917 when the pub was better known as ‘the Tiddley’, which it still is — perhaps a throwback to the days when beer- houses were known as `Kiddleywinks’.

George Morgan was followed by William Cousins and his wife Sarah who were there for 40 years – he was always known as ‘Billy the Tiddley’. Thomas Maxted was landlord in the early 1960s followed by Freddie Holder who later ran the New Anchor in Hook. Former navy man Ron Pitt, who was there in the 1970s, played host to the pub’s most famous visitor when Prince Charles dropped in for a drink one evening with a few naval officers while he was staying at Brawdy. The Pitts were succeeded by Neville and Jane Lewis, and when they left to run the Cottage Inn at Llangwm the `Tiddley’ was taken over by Brian James.

John Fry & Adrian Price both had periods in charge before licensee, Angela Jarvis took over in 2001. The new millennium brought it’s fair share of landlords and ladies, working hard to keep the quaint, country pub alive during a stifling recession and a country being consumed by a commercial market.

On 16 November 2013, The Tiddly will re-open in the hands of husband and wife, Matt & Ang Baker. The ambitious couple plan to bring life back into the pub and the community with delicious home-made food, an array of drinks and live entertainment that will be offered every week. Come and make history at the Tiddly.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

10 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

13 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.