Community
New season, new website!
ON EASTER SUNDAY, April 20, UK national champions the Goodwick Brass Band will be performing at the first concert in the 2014 series: ‘Music for a Summer Evening’, at St Tudwal’s Church, Llanstadwell.
The six concerts in the 2013 season, also opened by the Goodwick band, were an enormous success and a super programme has been put together for the coming summer.
Other concerts feature:
May 25 – Gareth Trott (euphonium)
June 29 – Benjamin Newton (viola)
July 20 – Cellini (cello quartet)
August 3 – Paul Chamberlain (accordion)
September 7 – Lee Mottram (clarinet)
All the concerts start at 6pm. Forty-five minutes of great music are followed by refreshments in the grounds of the Vicarage and a chance to chat to the musicians.
Tickets are just £5 and £2 for primary school age children. Parking at the church is very restricted but a shuttle runs from the Brunel Quay car park in Neyland from 5pm until 5.40.
Full details of all the concerts can be found on their brand new website: www.musicatllanstadwell.org.uk or for more information phone Dorothy on 01646 602464 or e-mail on [email protected]
Community
Pembroke Dock care home with no planning permission for 15 years can stay open
A PEMBROKE DOCK care home which has been operating without planning permission for some 15 years has been approved by county planners.
Care home specialist Orbis Ltd sought a retrospective change of use for the former house on Stockwell Road to a residential care home for up to five adults, plus staff; the change of use having started in September 2009.
A supporting statement accompanying the application, by agent C2J Architects & Town Planners, said: “The applicant, Orbis Ltd is a sector-leading provider of specialist services for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism.
“Their integrated model of learning and living, combined with a holistic therapeutic approach, ensures that they can offer unique homes for life with continuous community-based learning for adults.
“The applicant’s primary aim is to provide a safe environment that encourages individuality, self-confidence, self-esteem and lifelong learning. It is a person-centred approach, encouraging adults to learn and develop skills that will enable them to play an active role in their community, supporting them to make their own informed decisions. The applicants work closely with families and carers to support individuals to develop and maintain relationships.”
It went on to say: “Up to five adults would remain at the property as their principal residence. Adults who are in the guardianship of Orbis have been taken into care for a variety of reasons, including fears for their physical wellbeing, learning disabilities or because of emotional or behavioural difficulties.
“The existing dwelling has been in use as a care home and registered with Care Inspectorate Wales for over 15 years, despite not formally having planning permission. It is key to note that given the use (C2) has been in operation for a continuous period in excess of 10 years, in accordance with Section 171B (3) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, the current use is immune from any enforcement action.”
A report by planning officers, recommending approval, noted the retrospective nature, but added: “The scale and design of the property would remain acceptable within its setting and the surrounding area. There would be no impact on the residential amenity of the property or neighbouring properties.”
The application was conditionally approved by planning officers.
Community
Pembrokeshire County Council launches festive info hub
WITH the festive season fast approaching, Pembrokeshire County Council has made it easier than ever to access essential service updates for Christmas and New Year.
The council’s website now features an updated ‘Christmas in Pembrokeshire’ page, providing answers to key holiday queries such as bin collection schedules and free parking availability.
Residents can also find information about leisure centre and library opening times, winter driving tips, bus timetables, salting routes, and a guide to Christmas markets across the county.
The page includes reminders about recycling rules, including what can and cannot be recycled, as well as details on Christmas tree recycling services.
For everything you need to know this festive season, visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/christmas-in-pembrokeshire.
Community
Henry Tufnell MP advocates for Pembroke’s bell restoration project
LAST weekend, Henry Tufnell MP visited St David’s Cathedral, where he had the opportunity to witness the tradition of bell ringing and meet with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project. The meeting underscored the vital importance of preserving Pembroke’s unique heritage while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the restoration team.
St Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Pembroke, is home to a set of historic bells that have been a cherished part of the town’s life for over 260 years. However, due to structural and safety concerns, these bells have been silent, putting a pause on their role in significant civic and cultural events, including Remembrance Sunday and local celebrations.
A significant £150,000 from the £10.5 million UK Government funding pot has been allocated to this restoration project, but delays in finalising the grant have hindered progress. Henry pledged his commitment to ensuring that the project receives the attention it deserves to move forward without further obstacles.
Following his visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Speaking with members of the St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project at St David’s Cathedral highlighted how much this initiative means to the people of Pembroke. Restoring these historic bells is about more than just tradition; it’s about community pride and keeping our heritage alive for future generations. I’m determined to help ensure this project gets the green light it needs and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it happens.”
The St Mary’s Bell Restoration Project has garnered widespread support from local residents and businesses, whose donations have helped secure the match funding required for the Fund. Completing the project would be a significant milestone, securing a vital piece of Pembroke’s history for years to come.
-
News5 days ago
Local MP’s family avoids farm tax bombshell
-
Health6 days ago
New hospital for west Wales faces delays due to funding issues
-
Sport5 days ago
Local Angharad James-Turner leads Cymru in historic Euro ’25 play-off final
-
featured2 days ago
Teenager killed herself after ten months of hell, says heartbroken mum
-
Politics7 days ago
Pembrokeshire council tax could increase by 16 per cent
-
Top News2 days ago
Top international artist brings solo exhibition to North Pembrokeshire gallery
-
Education6 days ago
Young musicians delight at Valero Secondary Schools’ Music festival
-
News5 days ago
Illegal workers fine of £120,000 for Haverfordwest car wash