News
Councillor seeking community’s view on saving local pub
A LOCAL councillor is hoping to save a Llanychaer pub which could be closing and turned into a residential property.
Fears that the Bridge End Inn in Llanychaer could close has recently been the subject of many a conversation in the local community, Cllr Bob Kimister has said.
Looking at this concern, Cllr Kimister did some research and found that several other pubs in Wales and the rest of the UK have been turned into Community Enterprises, utilising the facilities of the building.
Support is available from several organisations which include PLANED, Wales Co-operative Centre and the Plunkett Foundation. The Tafarn Sinc in Rosebush has already been saved in this manner.
This project needs to be community led and although Llais Llanychaer and Cllr. Bob Kilmister are involved at this early stage, they are looking to set-up a new independent committee, with people from across the community heavily involved, to move the proposal forward.
The project naturally requires financial support from the outset, and for any improvements needed, but more importantly will need ongoing volunteer support to make it a reality.
Cllr Bob Kilmister said: “Sources of finance will need to be investigated and we can foresee funds being raised by selling shares or by peer to peer lending.
“Needless to say we want to keep the pub open, but we need to look at extending the activities it has to offer. Suggestions so far include the re-introduction of food being served along with the provision of morning coffee and afternoon teas.
“By utilising the available space it could be the venue for exercise classes, a meeting venue with internet facilities, a shop or maybe the availability of a book exchange library. Who knows; it’ll be up to you all to make suggestions and decide.
“As a result, a feasibility study has commenced and if this looks like a viable project we would like to hold a Public Meeting on Sunday 4th November 2018 at the Bridge End Inn at 3pm. So please keep this date free (refreshments will be provided).
“However this all depends on the feasibility of the project being favourable and sustainable and in order to do so we are attempting to get an independent valuation, examine the accounts and put together a workable business plan.
“If you are interested or have any ideas or suggestions please let us know through:
[email protected], julian.fry@live,co.uk or [email protected]
“Feedback is essential – either positive or negative. All responses will be kept confidential.”
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
News
Ancient Welsh hymns brought into 21st century with unique collaboration between Lleuwen Steffan and National Eisteddfod
Some of Wales’ long-forgotten hymn tunes are being brought vividly back to life this month, thanks to award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Lleuwen Steffan and her unique collaboration with the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Performing as ‘Tafod Arian’ (Silver Tongue), the collaboration pays homage to the lost voices of the past, and infuses these timeless melodies with some highly contemporary electronic arrangements.
The project originated in 2012 when Lleuwen was working on a music project at St Fagan’s National History Museum where she came across some long-forgotten recordings of hymns which had been left in the sound archives. None of these hymns could be found in the official hymn books nor the older hymnal editions, possibly as the result of their informal, conversational lyrics, or because they often delved into the world of addiction, mental illness and the darker side of the psyche.
But now these unpublished and unknown hymns will be heard for the first time in over a hundred years when Tabernacl Chapel, Maenclochog, will be one of 50 Welsh chapels to be visited by Tafod Arian.
With translations and insights, the tour breathes new life into archive recordings, ensuring these cherished sacred songs rightfully claim their place in today’s spotlight. Lleuwen masterfully combines electronic and acoustic instrumentation, seamlessly blending the past with the present, and takes the stage alongside a dynamic quintet of international musicians including Sioned Webb and Gethin Elis from Wales, and Nolwenn Korbell and Brieg Guerveno from Brittany.
Despite the hymns’ long-distant past, the music is firmly in the present as Lleuwen uses various instruments to provide angular electronic accompaniment as well as her soulful vocals and guitar. She provides translations and explanations as she proudly puts the archive recordings of the lost |Welsh hymns on centre stage. As a result, these sacred songs are being passed on orally rather than via the hymn book which is precisely how Welsh folk music was conveyed.
The long-forgotten hymns will be heard once again in all their glory at Tabernacle Chapel, Maenclochog on Sunday, November 17 at 6.30pm.
Crime
Suspended sentence for Goodwick man who sent sexual messages to young girl
THE FATHER of a young girl sent sexual messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl online, Swansea Crown Court heard this week.
An undercover police officer posed as a 12-year-old girl on the website RandoChat, with the decoy’s profile stating they were 18.
James Roberts messaged the decoy on 9 August, stating he was “looking for a naughty girl”.
The decoy promptly informed him that she was 12 years old; however, the defendant continued to send messages referencing sexual acts and self-gratification.
Roberts added the decoy on Snapchat, claiming to be 19 and living in England.
He again sent sexualised messages and, referring to the decoy’s age, said they were “never too young to start sending pictures”.
The defendant also told the decoy that he was having similar sexual conversations with a 14-year-old, Mr Dickens said.
Police attended Roberts’ home in Goodwick on 17 August, and he was arrested. He denied having a mobile phone, claiming he “had sent it off to Samsung to be fixed” but was “extremely vague” when asked for further details. Mr Dickens said no phone was ever recovered by police.
The 28-year-old Roberts pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. The court heard that he had no previous convictions.
Hannah George, in mitigation, said the defendant showed “some degree of remorse” and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
“In the 13 months since he was interviewed there have been no further offences,” she said.
Ms George said Roberts had suffered “significant” shame and embarrassment as a result of the offences, and it had led to him losing his job.
He had previously been diagnosed with PTSD and suffered “deep periods of depression”, Ms George said.
She added that his contact with his young daughter “has been diminished” following these offences.
“You were in contact online with who you firmly believed to be a 12-year-old girl,” said Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing Roberts.
“You have a two-year-old daughter. Just think how you would feel if a man in his thirties tried to have that sort of conversation with her in 10 years’ time.”
Roberts was sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 35 days of an accredited programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement programme days.
He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made the subject of a three-year sexual harm prevention order.
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