Community

Eco space for the local community

Published

10 years ago

February 17, 2015

IN A QUIET country lane in Cosheston, a few miles from Pembroke Dock, something remarkable is underway. John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross, is

John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross

in the process of transforming his land into an exemplar of sustainable living.

A carbon neutral, self-sufficient small holding which Includes woodland coppicing, orchard, fruit-tree nursery, vegetable garden and wildlife area. The development began, when John moved to Cosheston 7 years ago, with his daughter.

“I’ve always worked in the community and this project is about giving something back. I want to enable people, not just to come and learn about growing vegetables, but also to feel good about the land.”

All ages from school and community groups to senior citizens are invited to visit the site, to learn new skills such as apple tree grafting, fruit and veg growing and composting as well as the benefits of sustainable living. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

“The local school has visited in the past’ John continues, ‘we have received funding from educational charity services which is great but with cuts in funding for education it’s difficult for school groups to come. It’s a shame as there’s lots to offer.”

This includes 3 shave horses bought with help from the educational services charity. Shave horses are workbenches which people can sit on, and using a special tool, carve wood into various shapes. “The fact that we have three means it can be a group event, children or adults, can learn together.”

John lives temporarily in a Gypsy Caravan on the land that he has worked on for 7 years. He admits he still has much work to do, but values the support of the community.

“Planting trees in the woodland area was a real community effort. A neighbour puts his sheep to graze on my land and gives me firewood in return. So there’s a nice exchange.”

He hopes to eventually offer individual allotments for school groups and to teach children about house building through the construction of his eco house. It is perhaps the most impressive part of the project. Built with little outside help and using locally sourced timber and polystyrene in the walls and floor. He intends to make it fully insulated so heating will be largely unnecessary.

“It’s certainly the only eco house of this size and design in Pembrokeshire. When it’s complete I would like to use the space for yoga and dance classes.”

In September 2013, the low impact council held a conference at Green Apple. Over 50 people took part in various activities, enjoyed live music and camping in the beautiful surroundings.

Local reading and writing groups have also used the undercover nursery, which in spring is an abundance of blossoming fruit trees.

“Local writer Ruthie Alton led a review of Germaine Greer’s White Beech here last summer. We plan to a make this a regular thing.”

In the future John would like to see more school/community groups and general public visiting Green Apple. He understands it’s a time of cutbacks and hardships but believes people will always need the land.

“Green Apple was made for sharing. There are always things going on here. In February the Apricot trees will begin to flower, in March grafting on the young trees can begin. Whatever happens in the world we have to look after the land.”

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.

Community

Young Musician Competition: Winners shine in prestigious event

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.

Talented winners: Alaw Elisa (Harp) and Max Morris (Vocalist) proudly represent Ysgol Bro Preseli. (Pic: Narberth & Whitland Rotary)

Community

Church in Wales grant sparks revival in youth ministryFor immediate release

Published

4 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

AN INNOVATIVE church project, funded by the Church in Wales, has sparked extraordinary growth in youth ministry, engaging more than 160 children across three coastal parishes. Just a year ago, only two children were involved.

The Faith Alive project from Bro Dwylan Ministry Area in the Diocese of Bangor combines regular family-friendly worship with hands-on activities for children and young people. A monthly Kids Club meets at the local community centre, offering Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and a delicious picnic lunch provided by volunteers.

Alongside regular activities, the project runs seasonal events to involve people who may be new to church. Activities include summer rock-pooling sessions exploring God’s creation, led by Revd Andy Broadbent, who is also a marine biologist, Halloween celebrations focusing on Christian traditions, and interactive Christmas activities including nativity displays and craft workshops.

Funding has also enabled the creation of a welcoming family space at St Mary and Christ Church in Llanfairfechan, complete with comfortable seating, a Lego table, children’s toys, library, and art area.

The impact has been significant. Where previously only two children attended, the Ministry Area now regularly engages with over 160 children through its events, with additional hundreds reached through joint community initiatives. Several new families have become regular worship attendees.

Revd Andy says, “We wanted to create options for those new or familiar with church to join in as much or as little as they want while helping them to develop their faith. Thanks to Church in Wales funding families can now attend services that include easy-to-understand theology, and family-friendly worship with modern music and technology.

“It has given the congregation a real boost seeing that change is possible and that decline need not be the future. Our success story shows how targeted funding for innovative local ministry can revitalise rural churches and create more opportunities for young people to come to faith.”

Archbishop of Wales Andrew John says, “The success of Faith Alive shows what’s possible when we reimagine how we serve our communities. Bro Dwylan’s creative approach to ministry shows that churches can thrive through innovation and genuine engagement with families. This is exactly what Church in Wales funding aims to achieve – locally-grown initiatives that can inspire similar growth across Wales.”

Bishop of Bardsey David Morris says, “It has been wonderful to hear how the Faith Alive initiative, pioneered by the clergy and people of Bro Dwylan, has touched the lives of so many young people in local communities. We are hopeful the project will continue to grow in strength and impact, nurturing and deepening faith in the next generation.”

The Church in Wales’s Tier One funding stream provides grants of up to £10,000 for innovative local projects that can be replicated nationally, supporting the wider church’s mission to engage with modern communities.