Community
Gardens win Lotto support
PICTON CASTLE AND GARDENS in Haverfordwest received the news this week that it has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for their Walled Garden Project which aims to carry out essential restoration and repairs to the unusual, rare and historically significant group of buildings within the castle grounds.
£645,400 has been earmarked for the project and Development funding of £100,000 has also been awarded to help the Picton Castle Trust to progress their plans to apply for the full grant at a later date.
The Walled Garden Project aims to save and restore these structures within their 40 acres of gardens and bring them back into sustainable use whilst retaining their character and setting.
The outcome will be an accessible and secure part of our heritage which will provide activity, training and education space within the gardens with the addition of new interpretation and display areas and improved volunteer and visitor facilities and will provide enhanced opportunities for volunteer, visitor and educational engagement.
Picton Castle is a Grade 1 Listed Building, with the Walled Garden and structures within listed as Grade 2. The Gardens are also registered within Cadw/COMOS Register of Parks & Gardens as 2* and are a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden.
Commenting on the award, Chairman David Ellis said: “We’re thrilled to hear that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. The castle and its gardens are a focal point for the local community and we also attract visitors from throughout the UK and worldwide, with an annual footfall of over 26,000.
“Well known historically for its’ woodland gardens of rhododendrons and azaleas, the recent development of the Walled Garden and Peach House Wood continues to add new interest for visitors. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving them for generations to come. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the lovely people who not only buy lottery tickets which have enabled this Grant, but also to our loyal supporters who visit us so regularly.”
Accompanying Mr Ellis to inspect the proposed site and to hear about the scope of the project, from Head Gardener Rod Milne this week, Simon Hart MP enthused : “I am absolutely delighted that the Picton Castle Trust has been successful in its bid for lottery support and that this important walled garden is to be preserved and secured for future generations. Picton already has a wonderful castle and stunning gardens and this project will add even more interest to a fascinating place. “If you’ve not been to Picton then I can highly recommend it, it’s one of the hidden jewels in Pembrokeshire’s crown.”
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF in Wales, said : “HLF is pleased to offer this initial support for the Walled Garden Project in the form of a grant of £100,800 that will help the Trust develop their plans for the garden in more detail. In doing so we believe the project at Picton Castle is an excellent investment of National Lottery players’ money and has great potential to not only carry out important restoration work, but to create valuable opportunities to engage visitors and volunteers in the heritage of this site.”
Community
RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions
RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.
Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.
Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Engaging young minds
The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.
Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”
Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”
Building a sustainable future
Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”
RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation
RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.
As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Community
New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station
TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.
Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.
The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.
Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”
The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.
A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”
They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Community
Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).
The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.
Shaping the future together
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”
The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.
A data-driven approach
The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.
Get involved
Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.
For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].
About MAWWFRS
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.
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