News

Fishguard: Library’s extended opening hours to continue

Published

8 years ago

November 10, 2017

FISHGUARD LIBRARY will continue to open six days a week during the 2018-19 financial year, thanks to a decision by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council to fund opening hours on Fridays for a further year.

In April this year, the Town Council agreed to cover the costs of running the library on Fridays for an initial period of 12 months – ensuring the provision of full opening hours at the Library and the Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery.

Now, they have agreed to extend that period for another 12 months.

Councillor Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for the Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said he was very grateful to the Town Council for their continued support of this important facility both for local people and visitors from further afield.

Since April, almost 6,000 people have visited the facility, over 1,050 books have been borrowed, and more than 300 hours of library computer usage has been recorded – solely on Fridays.

“It’s clearly been a great success,” he said.

“The feedback from the local community has been excellent, with people using the library on Fridays for a whole host of reasons including job-hunting, research and events such as ‘Feel Good Fridays’.

“We are also very pleased that it’s allowed the Last Invasion Tapestry Gallery to stay open full time. There have been nearly 1,800 visits on Fridays since April including visitors from six cruise ships.”

He added: “All Council services have been under financial pressures for some time, and because of these pressures, Fishguard Library’s opening hours had been reduced to five days a week before the Town Council stepped in to assist. We are therefore very appreciative of their support. It’s really made a huge difference.”

The Mayor of Fishguard, Councillor Janet Wyer said: “Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council are very happy to comply with the wishes of our community and fund the Friday opening of the facilities for a further 12 months.

“Fishguard Library is not just about books – it is a real community hub which and thanks to the hard work, passion and dedication of the staff, offers something for everyone.

“We have received nothing but positive comments over the past year regarding the Town Council funding the opening of the facilities on a Friday, and many requests that it continues.

“But we never give up hope that in the future, Pembrokeshire County Council will be in a position to consider opening the facilities on a Sunday as well – so that the very special Last Invasion Tapestry is available every day for the visitors who travel from all over the world to visit it.”

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

22 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.