News

First Minister visits Eisteddfod birthplace

Published

9 years ago

July 9, 2015

First Minister Carwyn Jones: Enjoying the day’s performances

CARDIGAN CASTLE, birthplace of the Eisteddfod – Wales’ iconic cultural festival – once again saw its mighty walls filled with the sounds of traditional music and literature, as the Castle played host to a celebratory concert l on Thursday (Jun 25) .

The first concert to be staged on the lawns of the recently opened Castle, Beirdd a Chantorion brought together west Wales’ finest poets and musicians, marking the completion of the 900 year-old site’s new dedicated Eisteddfod exhibition.

Earlier in the day, the Castle’s funders were joined by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, for their first tour of the site since the £12m restoration project ended in April.

The Castle’s restoration was made possible thanks to a £6.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and £4.3m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through Welsh Government.

Further funding was received through a Communities Asset Transfer grant of nearly £800,000, with support from Cadw – the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Big Lottery Fund, The UK Association of Preservation Trusts, The Architectural Heritage Fund, Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council and The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

Cris Tomos, Castle Director, said: “2015 is truly a year of celebration for Cardigan Castle, and Beirdd a Chantorion was the perfect way to mark the completion of the world’s first dedicated Eisteddfod exhibition and commemorate the rebirth of this amazing sit e.”

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones said: “Cardigan Castle is one of Wales’s most iconic castles due to its history, setting and importance to the local community and more widely to Wales. I am delighted that the Welsh Government, through Cadw, has provided support and funding to the Cadwgan Trust on its rewarding journey in restoring and conserving the castle. It is also pleasing that EU funds of over £4 million have helped towards the development of a sustainable heritage attraction and multi-functional cultural, community and learning resource which will attract visitors, create jobs and bring wider economic benefit to the town and surrounding area. I wish Cardigan Castle and all those associated with it every success for the future.”

Ted Sangster, Interim Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, said: “We’re thrilled to finally see this historic Welsh building opening its doors to the public once again, marking a new chapter in its colourful history.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we have supported this project as part of our ongoing investment in heritage based tourism for the benefit of local people and Wales’ economy. This project really demonstrates the value of investing in heritage and provides an opportunity for us all to find out more about our Welsh heritage, creates new opportunities for people to volunteer and learn new skills and at the same time, brings investment into the local economy. We are thrilled to see years of hard work come to fruition.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust (PRT), added: “We are delighted that Cardigan Castle is finally opening its doors to the public following a successful restoration that has been more than 15 years in the mak ing.

“This has been one of Wales’ most important heritage regeneration projects and we feel very privileged that we played a part in helping it to bring it to fruition.

“PRT has worked with Ceredigion County Council and the Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust on the project since 2004. We contributed very significant support which has helped deliver their vision of the Castle becoming a major visitor destination that could transform the town’s economy.

“The Castle opened in April, and we are thrilled that this ambition is well on its way to becoming a reality.”

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

11 mins ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

17 mins ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

1 hour ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.