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Gardens win Lotto support

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Simon Hart: Visits the gardens

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.”

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Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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