News

Bags of success for traditional business

Published

11 years ago

February 27, 2014

GAYNOR DAVIES-HOWELL is one of the few businesses in Pembrokeshire that still revert to traditional methods of craftsmanship over machine production.

She has produced hand-made bespoke leather bags and briefcases for over a decade and her entrepreneurial drive has seen the business thrive in the current economic climate.

“All of the bags are made with care and precision using the traditional tools from start to finish,” she told the Herald.

Set in a small 19th century chapel , in Clunderwen, Gaynor’s leatherwork is embracing the sudden surge in custom made fashion accessories and has expanded its range of leather products, from mobile phone sleeves to trendy men’s satchels.

Gaynor explains the importance of versatility is from understanding contemporary fashion as a vital component to success. The bags aesthetical appeal is not the only thing that her fashion conscious customers admire.

“We use the best leather material we can get our hands on, and this ensures that our products are strong, durable and above all will give the customer longevity from what they purchase”.

Gaynor also believes that a bag made from this material will complement any outfit and also will bring a touch of class and elegance to whoever wears them.

The company has been trading since 2007 and the appeal of bespoke and hand crafted leather bags have attracted customers from London to Australia and Malaysia. Gaynor hopes the business will continue to grow in the next few years and that her products become a must-have high street fashion accessory for the fashion conscious individual.

Gaynor’s leatherwork makes one-off commissions creating anything from tiny credit card holders, wallets, handbags and even briefcases. They also offer a consultancy and manufacture service for start-up brands as well as running traditional leatherwork courses. These are a great way for people to get directly involved in the craftsmanship of traditional leather from cutting the template to sewing and stitching and right through to the final stages of embossing and strap making. The courses are both fun and informative and details of available dates can be found at www.leathercoursesbritain.com.

Fashion and textile apprentice Enya Judge has become an excellent leatherworker and gives Gaynor valuable advice on current trends. “Enya is a fantastic asset to the company, she keeps me up to date on the current fashion trends and she is a fast learner. She is also key for the success of the business as her ideas and in-put keep the company fresh and appealing to a younger customer base.”

So if you want to get your partner the perfect gift or indulge yourself with fashionable, sublime quality and handcrafted leather accessories, then visit http://www.gdhleatherwork.co.uk/ today and become the envy of your friends, family and peers.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.