Community

New campaign is put in the Frame

Published

13 years ago

September 13, 2013

A PEMBROKESHIRE business is fronting a new campaign to showcase the contribution of social enterprises to the economy.
Community re-use organisation Pembrokeshire Frame is being featured in ‘Go Full Circle’, a national campaign to raise the profile of social enterprises – a business or service with primarily social or community objectives.
The company provides work practice, training and employment opportunities to people with, or recovering from, mental ill health and or a learning disability and those who are socially disadvantaged.
Originally established as ‘Furniture Recycled and Managed Effectively’, it was set up to maximise employment opportunities for people who are severely disadvantaged in the labour market.
The company provides opportunities for people to undertake work, develop new skills and change the direction of their lives. It employs 34 people and has helped more than 3000 people in the county since it was established in 1994.
The ‘Go Full Circle’ campaign, which has been launched by the Wales Co-operative Centre, aims to demonstrate to consumers the services offered in their local communities by social enterprises and encourage a broader understanding of the benefits of using the goods and services of a social enterprise.
It’s aiming to challenge common myths around social enterprise as a business model and educate people on the importance of a thriving social economy.
It will culminate in Wales’ first ‘Social Saturday’ event on September 21, when people will be encouraged to support their local social enterprises, for example through shopping with a consumer-facing social firm.
Jenny Sims, CEO Pembrokeshire Frame said: “Pembrokeshire Frame was established long before social firms had been thought of as a concept, to provide work opportunities for a group of people with, and recovering from, mental health illness.
“For many of these people it’s been a lifeline; helping them back into employment when they saw no hope of returning to work because of the stigma.
“Being able to operate a commercially sound business while staying true to our ethical values is something that’s really important to us. There’s a huge lack of understanding amongst the general public about social enterprise, with people often thinking that they’re not as viable as those based on more traditional models but we’re evidence that this isn’t true.
“There’s a body of work to do to tackle these misconceptions and demonstrate to people the benefits of using social enterprises like our own in Pembrokeshire, The social return on investment of the goods and services of businesses like ours goes far deeper into the community than you might think.”
Derek Walker, Chief Executive of Wales Co-operative Centre, said: “Raising awareness of the existence and contribution of social enterprises in Wales will be key to increasing their number, sustainability and growth in the future.
“The aim of Go Full Circle is to promote the existence of social enterprises in Wales, highlighting their widespread offerings and encouraging consumers across Wales to recognise the benefits of using one.
“Part of these efforts must focus on tackling common misconceptions about social enterprise – such as that social enterprises rely on grants or donations to exist – and Go Full Circle is aiming to do just that.
“The campaign’s also aiming to empower the enterprises themselves to shout about their good work to demonstrate how they’re helping the community in which they are operating.”

Community

Coastal path section hit by weekend landslide has now reopened

Published

3 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SECTION of a south Pembrokeshire seaside coastal path, closed once again after a landslide at the weekend, has now reopened.

After a landslide on July 12, Dyfed-Powys Police reported delays on the footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge, advising people to use alternative routes where possible or allow extra time for their journey.

The section of the south Pembrokeshire beach-side coastal path has been closed several times since late 2023 after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’.

The footpath was last closed in January 2025, following a number of landslips in the space of one week.

The path, known as the Tramway, which connects Wiseman’s Bridge to Coppet Hall in Saundersfoot is a popular and accessible stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

Following Sunday’s rock fall, Pembrokeshire County Council has said: “The footpath between Coppet Hall and Wiseman’s Bridge has re-opened following a rock fall at the weekend.

“The rock fall has been assessed as localised and from a low level. The path has therefore re-opened and work to remove the fallen material will be carried out in due course.”

The path was previously closed after it experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ in late 2023 and early 2024, with substantial investment made by the council to reopen the route.

In January 2025 a further fall happened towards the western end of the Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall cycleway, between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels, affecting access between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall beach.

Costs of the works for the multiple incidents had, back in March 2025, amounted to nearly £700,000.

During 2024’s works, local councillor Chris Williams hit out at “selfish” path users putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing while the repair works were being undertaken.

Community

Tenby lifeboats launched to two separate kayak incidents

Published

16 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RNLI crews were called to Pendine and Amroth within minutes of each other on a busy Sunday afternoon

BOTH of Tenby’s lifeboats were launched on Sunday afternoon following separate reports involving kayakers along the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coastline.

The all-weather lifeboat was requested shortly before 4.30pm on July 12 after RNLI lifeguards at Pendine raised concerns about a kayaker who had left the beach earlier in the afternoon but had not returned.

The kayak could no longer be seen from the shore, prompting Tenby’s volunteer crew to launch and make their way towards the area.

As the lifeboat arrived, the Coastguard received a call from the kayaker confirming they were safe and well at Morfa Bychan beach and did not require assistance.

The crew was stood down from the search but was immediately redirected to assist Tenby’s inshore lifeboat with a second incident off Amroth.

The inshore lifeboat had been launched after a member of the public dialled 999 and reported seeing a kayaker who appeared to be waving between Amroth and Monkstone.

A local fishing vessel, which had heard the Coastguard broadcast asking nearby boats to look out for the kayak, located the man before the lifeboats arrived.

The inshore lifeboat was soon alongside, where the kayaker confirmed he had been fishing and was not in difficulty.

Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were then stood down and returned safely to Tenby.

Community

Discover Wales’ past this summer with Cadw’s family events

Published

22 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to a summer packed with adventure, as Cadw unveils its exciting programme of family-friendly events set within the nation’s most iconic castles, abbeys and ancient landmarks.

Taking place throughout the school holidays, the events programme invites visitors to step into the past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands-on activities designed to bring Welsh history to life for all ages.

Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “Summer is the perfect time for families to step outside and explore Wales’ incredible heritage, and our events programme makes those visits even more memorable.

“Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of medieval characters, discovering ancient traditions or simply spending time together in remarkable settings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with free child entry for adult members, it’s a fantastic way to make lasting memories over the school holidays.”

With over 70 Cadw events scheduled across Wales in July and August, highlights from this summer’s programme in West Wales include:

Historic Echoes (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Step into the early 15th century at Laugharne Castle to discover how castles were attacked and defended, handle replica weapons and armour, and learn about medieval medicine through a series of expert demonstrations.

Hysterical History (Kidwelly Castle)

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, 11:00-16:00

Take part in an interactive experience at Kidwelly Castle, where visitors can explore the skills, training and traditions of medieval knighthood through engaging, hands-on activities with Sir Roland De Preaux.

Children’s Activity Day (Strata Florida Abbey)

Thursday 13 August, 10:00-12:00. Online pre-booking is essential.

Spend the day at Strata Florida Abbey, where young historians can explore the medieval abbey’s past through hands-on archaeology experiences and learn about the lives of the Cistercian monks and the surrounding landscape.

Historia Normannis (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, 11:00-16:00

Witness the spectacle of knights’ tournaments at Laugharne Castle to watch combat displays and see justice delivered at the Shire Court. Alongside the action, enjoy humorous performances that bring key moments in history to life in an entertaining and accessible way.

Living History Weekend (Laugharne Castle)

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, 11:00-16:00

Experience medieval village life at Laugharne Castle with a weekend of living history. Visitors can see dramatic demonstrations of Civil War armour and weaponry, with live cannon and musket firing.

In addition to these events, Cadw is offering a series of guided tours throughout the summer to give visitors a chance to delve deeper into the details of each location. In West Wales this includes: Castell Oxwich, and Castell Cilgerran. Pre-booking via the Cadw website for these events is required.

For those looking to make the most of their visits this summer and beyond, a Cadw membership offers free entry to all events and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, making it a great value option for families. As a bonus, members receive a Cadw handbook, free audio guides at selected sites and two Heritage in Wales Magazines each year.

Find out more and book tickets at https://cadw.gov.wales