Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

PLANS for a housing scheme of 12 homes near a Pembrokeshire village school, which includes an affordable housing contribution of £30,000 and a new school footpath, have been submitted.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest-based Carew Castle Estates, through agent Harries Planning Design Management seeks permission for a housing development of 12 three-bed homes on land south of Sageston County Primary School, Sageston.

The application site comprises of the old school paddock in the centre of Sageston.

A supporting statement says: “This application seeks full approval for 12 detached residential units, with an adoptable access road off the highway. The proposed dwelling mix will comprise four house types, all with three bedrooms, with house type A providing slightly smaller units and house type D providing a one-and-a half-storey dwelling.”

It says an expected five per cent contribution to affordable housing would be met through a commuted sum of £30,519, secured by a Section 106 legal agreement.

It adds: “The proposal also includes a school footpath, with the land gifted to the school. The footpath will allow access to the school and will be controlled by electronic gates. This footpath has been designed in communication with the school governors to ensure that is required.

“We believe this footpath will provide positive community benefits and will ensure that the existing footpaths in the area link directly to the school. The footpath will be bound with anti-climb fencing and significant evergreen hedging to provide ample screening between the dwellings and the path. The footpath will be constructed by the school.”

It concludes: “This proposal is considered to offer an acceptable form of residential development in line with the local development policies. The proposal is respectful of its context and offers a range of tenure options for the market.”

The scheme will be considered by county planners at a later date.