Community

Landmark tower secures lottery fund grant

Published

11 years ago

March 14, 2014

ST DAVIDS CHURCH, Prendergast, is to receive a grant of £84,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Tower and Roof repair project.

The church, a Grade II listed building with mediaeval tower and fine Victorian interior, is a living focus for spiritual care – and a popular setting for weddings and baptisms. Its impressive tower is floodlit each winter courtesy of Haverfordwest Town Council.

This HLF grant will enable urgent repairs to the church tower, particularly to the stone staircase and wooden belfry floor, currently closed to visitors for safety reasons. In recent years, water leaks at tower and roof have damaged roof timbers, plaster and historic wall monuments inside the church. One memorial at risk is that of Dame Mary Phillips, wife of “the good Sir John” who gave Haverfordwest its Old Bridge.

Other memorials in the church are to Admiral John Lort Stokes, who sailed with Charles Darwin; social reformer Rev Francis Foster who shaped modern Prendergast; and Major Francis Williams, brother-in-law of General Sir Thomas Picton.

The planned repairs are designed to solve both the water and the safety problems. The 30-week contract, to start this month, will include extensive repointing of the tower in conservation quality lime mortar, structural repairs to the stone stairway, and renovation of rainwater goods and other features. Timber with wet rot and woodworm will be treated or replaced as necessary.

Although the work will cause some disruption, the repairs should soon allow the local community full use of this lovely church again. The HLF grant will help preserve the oldest surviving part of Prendergast’s built heritage, with its spiritual resources and its memorials to the fallen of World War I and II.

The Rector, Rev Canon Geoffrey Gwyther, said of the HLF funding, “It is wonderful news and very welcome. We are equally grateful for the support of the National Churches Trust, Welsh Churches Act Fund, Representative Body of the Church in Wales, and local organisations such as the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the Red Dragons Guitar Group. In particular, I would like to thank the Prendergast congregation, whose tireless fundraising events including Easter bingo and the Strawberry Teas have enabled access to this major HLF grant.”

Explaining the importance of the award Head of HLF in Wales, Jennifer Stewart commented: “Wales’ many churches are an important part of our shared heritage and are strongly associated with the local identity of the towns and villages they serve. We are thrilled that this grant will help secure the future of St David’s Church to be enjoyed by present and future generations not just as a place of worship, but as a focus for community activity.”

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.”