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.”

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

15 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

24 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.