Community

Church wins heritage lottery fund support

Published

11 years ago

January 23, 2014

ST JEROME’S Church in Llangwm has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to undertake the medieval church’s renovation and to create an exhibition that tells the story of the immigration of a people who fled the collapse of sea defences in Flanders and came to Pembrokeshire to make their homes at the start of the 12th century.

Development funding of £17,700 has been awarded to help the church and the Heritage Llangwm team develop their plans to enable them to apply for a full grant to carry out the work, at a later date.

St Jerome’s Church was built by Flemish craftsmen around 1200; then in 1830 and 1879 the church underwent modernisation work that lost much of the building’s original medieval character.

But enough remained to inspire Llangwm’s Local History Society to investigate more about the church’s early history. This project when completed will see a church building well suited for the 21st century with a toilet and kitchen facility as well as environmentally friendly heating.

In addition, members of the Llangwm community will conduct extensive research into the village’s Flemish and medieval past. The aim is to create a state of art exhibition in the church telling the story of the Flemish settlement.

The exhibition will be able to be concealed from view during worship. This project will also create an opportunity for the whole village community, young and old to take part.

“This is a marvellous opportunity,” said Pamela Hunt, Chair of the Heritage Llangwm Team. “We have a church in desperate need of renovation, so while we are achieving that, why not create an exhibition that pays tribute to the very people who built it in the first place? We know so little about them at the moment, but that doesn’t stop us finding out. If you imagine the Fleming story as a 500-piece jigsaw that’s lost all but 50 of its original pieces.

“When this project is complete, we hope to have found another 300, enough to enable us to create a clearer picture of the lifestyle and culture of the people who made this part of Wales their home? And it doesn’t end there either. We have been running a successful series of concerts in the church since 2007. We plan to enhance the existing facilities to make for improved concert and of course worship experience.”

The Rev Jane Goupillon, Rector of Llangwm, concurs. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to preserve this wonderful medieval building.

Worship has continued here unabated for over 800 years. This grant will enable us to continue to do so for many years to come and most importantly opening our doors to more visitors whether they come for worship, our concerts or the exhibition. All will be welcome here.”

Jennifer Stewart, Head of the HLF in Wales, said “Places of worship are a powerful, visual connection with our past and always tell a powerful, local story. The future plans for this building means that it can be enjoyed more widely throughout the community. There is certainly an interesting story to be told at St Jerome’s and I am delighted that we have been able to award a grant to help develop the plans for this exciting project, further.”

The entire project is expected to be completed by April 2016, just in time to mark the 700th anniversary to the day of the marriage of Lady Johanna and Sir David De la Roche, the biggest ‘society’ wedding that St. Jerome’s Church has ever witnessed.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”