News

Future of Ocean Lab decided

Published

9 years ago

May 20, 2016

Sea Trust’s Cliff Benson announces future plans: A collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council and Conygar Stena Line has been signed off

SEA TRUST have announced that the future of Fishguard and Goodwick’s Ocean Lab has been secured for at least two years as part of a collaborate partnership.

A two-year lease was recently signed between Pembrokeshire County Council and Conygar Stena Line, for whom Sea Trust manages the Ocean Lab.

It was three years ago when the authority decided to close the Ocean Lab as a part of their ongoing cost cuttings.

With the support of Conygar Stena Line, Sea Trust took it upon themselves to take over the management of the Ocean Lab back in April 2013.

Thanks to Conygar’s involvement, the life of the Lab has been extended under the control of Sea Trust, who have also managed to increase the contributions that the Ocean Lab makes to the surrounding community.

On top of this collaboration announcement, Sea Trust have also been assured that when the development of the marina goes ahead, the Ocean Lab will be involved in the refurbishments to be eventually highlighted as one of the significant features of the marina development.

Sea Trust’s Cliff Benson said: “I was lucky enough to meet with Dafydd Jones, Director of Conygar Stena Line, some years ago when he sponsored a groundbreaking live internet link with Sea Trust and a group of pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and some Marine Educators working on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

“I never thought that 12 years later, I would still be asking for and getting Dafydd’s support.

“Had he and Conygar not backed us, the seafront here at Goodwick would have, by now, been derelict. The windows of the Ocean Lab would probably have been broken and boarded up.

“I should point out that Conygar could easily not have helped us but they gave their word that they would and, as the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding!”

Mr Benson continued, stating that he has read of Goodwick residents who think that the regeneration of the marina will be an eyesore, and are suspicious of the changes that are appearing in the plans. He said: “Anyone who buys a house overlooking a commercial port must realise that change is inevitable and will probably add value to property.”

In the three years that Sea Trust have been working with Conygar keeping the Ocean Lab open as a community asset, it has been used by thousands of residents and visitors each year.

Hundreds of local school children have attended the lab to take part in activities that have been arranged for them.

“There can hardly be a parent or grandparent locally whose children have not been crabbing with us or making sand sculptures or used the soft play area,” Mr Benson added.

The lab is also a meeting place where societies, such as the University of the Third Age (U3A) hold events, and a host of small business meetings happen. Social workers also use the lab to meet clients and researchers sit with a cup of coffee using the lab’s free Wi-Fi.

“I happen to think that the marina is really going to open up opportunities for other businesses to grow in the area. In turn, that will mean jobs and visitors.

“I know Dafydd and the Conygar team are working hard and spending a lot of money to try and move the project on. It is a complex project and inevitably there will be tweaks to the plans.

“So far, in the 12 years I have known Dafydd Jones, he has been completely open and we have been kept informed of developments by Conygar as they have happened.

“In all that time, they have been true to their word. My trust in Dafydd and Conygar is not just blind faith, but built on over 12 years of experience!”

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

Published

4 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”