ARCHAELOGY enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat this November as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s popular Archaeology Daymakes a return.

This full-day event offers a rare chance to explore the incredible archaeological discoveries made locally, with expert speakers sharing their groundbreaking work and uncovering the region’s hidden past.

This year’s line-up will include Ken Murphy, who led the Dyfed Archaeological Trust over many years until its recent merger with the other four regional Archaeological Trusts in Wales as Heneb: the Trust for Welsh Archaeology. In what promises to be a fascinating talk, Ken will reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Trust over its near 50-year history.

Dr. Rob Dinnis, a specialist in Palaeolithic archaeology, will also be on hand to share insights from his recent work at Wogan Cavern, Pembroke – revealed by recent excavations to be an early prehistoric site of international significance.

Also speaking is Luke Jenkins, a field archaeologist and prehistorian with Heneb, who will shed more light on Pembrokeshire’s prehistoric past with a spotlight on discoveries made during excavations ahead of the A40 improvements.

A talk from prehistoric and contemporary art specialist, Professor George Nash, will focus on the Trellyffaint Neolithic Burial Chamber, where research has revealed a much wider ritualised landscape dating back to around 3000 BCE.

Adding to the excitement, Professor Mike Parker Pearson, a leading expert on British prehistory, will present the latest findings from the Stones of Stonehenge project, including new insights into the Preseli bluestones and recent excavations at Crosswell.

And finally, Tomos Jones, the National Park Authority’s archaeologist, will give an engaging presentation on a volunteer monument monitoring scheme that has been safeguarding local archaeological sites since 2020.

Tomos said: “Archaeology Day has long been considered one of the highlights of the year, offering a remarkable opportunity for our community to connect with Pembrokeshire’s rich heritage. With an incredible lineup of speakers, this event promises to be a true feast for anyone passionate about uncovering the fascinating stories of our past.”

Archaeology Day 2024 will take place at Pembrokeshire College on Saturday 9 November 2024, between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Tickets are available from https://pembrokeshirecoast.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/238 at a cost of £25 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments. 

Presentations from previous Archaeology Day events can be viewed on the Archaeology Day YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/DiwrnodArchaeolegArchaeologyDay.

THIS Autumn, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Tywi Centre are delivering a series of free training opportunities in and around Haverfordwest for people to learn about heritage building skills. The series of workshops has been funded by UK Government as part of a focus by the Council on the regeneration of the County Town.

This is a unique initiative aimed at equipping Pembrokeshire residents with the skills needed to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage and will run from October to December 2024.

For homeowners, the ‘Repair, Maintenance, and Energy Efficiency in older buildings’ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to maximise the potential of their historic property by learning how to care for it properly.

If your building is listed, there is a course to guide you through the process of applying for Listed Building Consent. For people wanting to learn more practical skills, there’s an opportunity to dive deep into the art of ‘Working with Lime in Buildings,’ using a traditional Pembrokeshire cottage or “Ty un nos”, as a case study to explore common building defects and their solutions. Central to this course is understanding the various types of lime, along with their preparation, application, and aftercare.

The sessions are being run by a talented team of heritage building experts from the Tywi Centre on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Heart of Pembrokeshire Project and supported by UK Government funding. The first session is October 16^th and courses can be booked independently online via https://www.eventbrite.com/o/heart-of-pembrokeshire-90032525753.

The Tywi Centre has been delivering heritage construction training throughout Wales since 2009. Over the last decade the Tywi Centre has built a reputation for delivering high quality, engaging training by experts with extensive knowledge in their field of heritage construction.

Rowan Matthiessen, Client project manager for the Heart of Pembrokeshire project said, “We are thrilled to be offering this initiative which is a unique opportunity for people to learn and refine heritage skills, ensuring that Pembrokeshire’s history and culture are preserved for generations to come. We invite everyone to get involved in this transformative project.”

The Heart of Pembrokeshire project is redeveloping Haverfordwest Castle to become a bustling heritage-based discovery centre attracting a footfall of 40,000 annual visitors. As part of the project, the team are engaging with local residents and organisations to help develop the vision, direction and content of the attraction. A series of pilot workshops and volunteering opportunities will be held throughout 2025 and beyond, so if you are interested in finding out more get in touch with [email protected] or book online via https://www.eventbrite.com/o/heart-of-pembrokeshire-90032525753

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction previously refused by planning officers, which has gained a 3,500-strong petition of support to keep it running, will be decided later this year.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by council educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

It was refused due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.

“It’s important to note that there are no apparent issues with existing amenities. Roads or waterways. The refusal of planning permission seems unjustified and is causing unnecessary distress within our community.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call – supported by local community council Camrose – for permission to be granted, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July to discuss whether a decision could be made by councillors rather than officers.

Despite a recommendation it be decided by officers, members unanimously agreed to remove delegated powers for approval or refusal, meaning the application would be heard at a future planning committee.

The application was due to be heard at the October 8 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application.

A report for members concluded: “The proposal would have a negative environmental impact through additional traffic movements.  In addition, insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate management and reduction of traffic to support sustainable travel or to ensure that the public highway remains free and clear from obstruction.”

It added: “The proposed development generates additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in Phosphate levels in the Afon Cleddau, adversely affecting the Cleddau Rivers SAC.”

At the start of the October meeting, members heard the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address highways and foul water drainage concerns, with the plans expected to return to the December planning committee.