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New Chapter For Narberth Library

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narberthTHE FRIENDS OF NARBERTH LIBRARY and Narberth Town Council have worked together to safeguard the future of their local library.

After working closely with Pembrokeshire Council’s Cultural Services department, the library facility in Narberth became a Community Managed library on Saturday (Jul 23).

Faced with the prospect of losing Narberth’s historic, vibrant and much loved library to cut-backs, the Friends of Narberth Library was formed.

Now the group – which has enlisted the help of about 20 volunteers – will undertake a wide range of duties in order to run the library in partnership with the County Council and Narberth Town Council.

The new, three-way partnership means that the facility can continue to provide a popular and well used library service to the people of Narberth.

The Town Council has agreed to take on the lease of the building and its running costs, while the Friends group will be helping to run the library with community volunteers.

The County Council will continue to supply stock, IT and some paid staffing.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the project that secures the future of Narberth’s library” said Pembrokeshire County Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure.

“Libraries are so important to local communities and partnerships such as this, where scarce resources are pooled towards a common aim, are vital to help us to retain valued services in times of austerity.”

Councillor Sue Rees, speaking on behalf of Narberth Town Council, said: “Looking forward, for a long term solution, we decided that it would be better to invest in the building, rather than pay the County Council the extra staffing costs to keep the library open.

“Having saved the swimming pool by taking it over for the community, we knew that the idea would work and could result in a win-win situation for everyone concerned.  It just meant getting everyone to work together, to agree who could provide what.

“We now have a library that no one can close unless the people of the town no longer want it. It will require ongoing support from the community and all concerned. We even have the ability to extend the service if there is a need.

“I am sure that everyone will support this valuable community library long into the future.”

Marc Tierney, Chair of Friends of Narberth Library said: “I’m really proud that we have a strong team of volunteers, many of whom have been part of the fight to save the library.  We know that the community values the library and the service it provides.

“So for us, the idea that Narberth library could close simply wasn’t an option. I’m pleased that the Town Council has been so supportive in helping us to keep the doors open.

“After a year of meetings, discussion and training, we have worked with the County Council to develop a community managed service with our fully trained volunteers ready to help on a Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning. So do pop in and say hello, and support Narberth library.”

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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