Community

Town Hall Messy Church wins first ever ‘soup challenge’

Published

9 years ago

December 6, 2015

A PROJECT that aims to ‘bring the Christian message to the heart of the community’ in Pembroke was the clear winner in a fun and innovative new micro-grant aiding initiative.

Town Hall Messy Church received funding from Pembroke Soup, which is the brainchild of local resident Joan Marsh.

“Pembroke Soup” exists to make dreams come true,” Joan explained. “Last Saturday was the first of what we hope will be a regular bi-monthly event when up to four projects have four minutes to talk about how their project benefits the community, and how funding might help.

“Entrance is £4.00, and this covers a lovely bowl of donated soup and bread. Everyone is given the opportunity to silently vote for the project which they think should receive the entrance money (minus necessary costs). The project gaining the most votes takes away these funds!

“Sharing gives the project publicity” she continued. “But it can often lead to direct help and sometimes fresh ideas or enthusiasm. Projects have found new volunteers; new ways of solving problems and sometimes practical resources. But also they have the opportunity of getting some immediate funding”

Jackie Sansom described the work done by Messy Church. She explained that this exciting initiative had started in October and is held at Pembroke Town Hall after school on the first Wednesday of the month.

Messy Church, she said is for children and their parents or carers and is intended to be a time of fun, laughter, and food, as the team seek to bring the Christian message into the heart of the community.

Messy Church were delighted to receive the funding of £70 and told the gathered audience that rather than keeping the monies for themselves they would he using it to give every family at Messy Church a book as a present for Christmas.

soup2 The other initiatives featured included St Oswald’s Community Garden. This is a peaceful burgage plot within the ancient town walls. Pembroke Housing has provided this for the benefit of the community to be established and cared for by volunteers. Currently open on Saturday mornings it is situated behind the Community Hall at 21C Foundry house. Having succeeded in establishing a small orchard and building a number of raised beds this year growing a range of vegetables and fruit, volunteers are now turning their attention to creating a pond, building an outdoor Pizza oven and a “shed” for young people, and leveling paths.

There will also be a need for more volunteers willing to propagate seedlings in the spring. Anyone wanting more information should contact Alison at Foundry House on 01646 680090.

Mrs Mavis Williams-Roberts talked about her love of traditional Welsh dancing which she wants to share with others.

Joan Marsh was delighted with the success of the first Pembroke Soup evening: “ It is to see Pembroke Soup established as a fun way of bringing people together in their love of Pembroke and helping one another to make Pembroke’s dreams come true,” she added.

Community

Shire horses to visit Canolfan Bethlehem for heritage talk

Published

10 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

***Important project:*** *Cris re-opening the doors of the chapel once purchased by local investors.*

Community

Tenby Coaster returns for summer season

Published

10 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

Community

Public invited to explore Pembroke Port at Open Day and Stakeholder Meeting

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to go behind the scenes at Pembroke Port as part of a special Open Day and Annual Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Port of Milford Haven.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 June, at Catalina House, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6JD), offering a unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of one of Wales’ busiest ports.

Running from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, the Open Day will include guided bus tours around the site, giving visitors a rare, close-up look at port operations and activities across the facility. Port staff, local business representatives, and partners from across the supply chain will also be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions.

From 6:00pm to 7:30pm, the Port’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting will be held, where attendees will hear updates from the Chair and Chief Executive, meet members of the Board and senior management, and take part in a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to [email protected].

Throughout the day, visitors can explore the wide-ranging roles of the Port of Milford Haven – from commercial marine services and energy sector support to community initiatives and leisure activities. A number of external organisations will also be present, including emergency services, marine experts, and conservation groups highlighting Pembrokeshire’s diverse wildlife.