Business

Solva: Farm’s new ice cream enterprise is a family affair

Published

7 years ago

June 12, 2019

WITH views over the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, Pointz Castle Ice Cream’s new on-farm parlour is the perfect place for a refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day.

Pointz Castle Ice Cream is a family collaboration spanning four generations, located on the Lawrence family’s farm located between the fishing village of Solva and the expansive sandy beach of Newgale, on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Richard and Gill Lawrence and their son William, daughter Rachael, daughter-in-law Lydia, and son-in-law Thomas all bring a range of skills which enabled them to establish and run the new business.

While the critical job of tasting the final product is down to the youngest – and oldest – members of the family: grandchildren Charlie, Freddie, Rhodri, Rebecca and Beatrice (who range in age from one to seven-years-old), and Gill’s father Leslie.

Rachael with Beatrice, Lydia with Rebecca, and William. (Pic Coleman Communications)

The step into making ice cream is a new chapter for the family, explains William, who with his sister Rachael makes the ice cream.

“Against a backdrop of continuing volatility in the dairy sector, coupled with the uncertainty created around Brexit, we decided to fulfil a long-term ambition for adding value to the milk we produce. Based on our coastal setting and growing tourism industry, ice cream was the natural fit.

“Located on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this corner of Wales possesses both a fantastic climate for producing grass for the milk required for our ice cream and in an area of spectacular scenery and coastal walks for our visitors to relax and enjoy.”

Visitors to the ice cream parlour can enjoy a complete cow to cone experience, enjoying the creamy, smooth texture ice cream and sorbets in some of the 70 different flavours.

Says William, “We use locally sourced ingredients such as cream, and Halen Dewi- St Davids Sea Salt to create some of the flavours which include Blueberry Pannacotta, Strawberry Cheesecake and Lemon & Mascarpone as well as the firm favourites Vanilla, Raspberry Ripple and Chocolate. The flavours on display in the cabinet alternate regularly and may well include a seasonal special such as Welsh Cake, Pumpkin or Mince Pie flavour.”

As well as ice cream, coffee and cake can be enjoyed in the traditional stone built converted cow shed with wooden beams and whitewashed walls or just sit and relax outside in the sun trapped courtyard watching the cows coming in for milking.

As the café is set within a working farm, this provides an opportunity to explain to visitors what farming entails.

Says William, “We calve in the spring and autumn, and that has been a real attraction for people who have different levels of knowledge about farming. It sparks all sorts of questions and helps people connect to where their food comes from. They come away knowing that the grass the cows were grazing today will produce tomorrows ice cream.”

As well as the on-farm cafe, the business takes their ice cream on the road with a converted vintage trailer available for all occasions from weddings to festivals.

The family has had help with its new venture from the Food Centre Wales at Horeb, and from Cywain – a Menter a Busnes delivered project that supports the development of growth orientated businesses in the food and drink sector in Wales.

“Setting up a new business has had its challenges,” says William, “but Cywain has been great. They have excellent contacts and have been able to put us in touch with people who have helped us to launch the business.’. They have kept us going and signposted us to any assistance and training we’ve needed.”

Steeped in history, the dairy, beef and arable farm is on the site of a Norman castle, with the raised mound of the original motte-and-bailey castle still visible while a public footpath links the farm to Porthmynawyd, a small cove west of Newgale Sands.

But it is not only the ice cream and café side of the business that has attracted visitors in their droves. Should the weather prove to be less than perfect Pointz Castle has got it covered – literally!

The area is popular with holidaymakers, many of whom are families drawn by Pembrokeshire’s magnificent beaches and lush countryside. Therefore, with the enjoyment of children – and parents – in mind, the Lawrence family recently created indoor play facilities at Pointz Castle.

There children can enjoy farm-themed activities including riding on toy tractors and diggers, as well as view the young dairy calves.
Continuing the educational theme, customers are also able to try milking a life-sized model cow for themselves in the play barn.

Says William, “In Pembrokeshire, we’re not guaranteed good weather, so we created the play area in the barn to give families another entertainment option. Our children have been very much involved in building it, and it is proving very popular!”
Said Lowri Davies of Cywain, “We are delighted to be part of the Pointz Castle story. By diversifying into producing ice cream the family is helping to showcase the flavours of Pembrokeshire, and at the same time opening a window for visitors on dairy farming in Wales.”

Business

Herald expands sales team as Milford Haven growth drives demand

Published

3 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Staff Writer

THE PEMBROKEHIRE HERALD is launching a recruitment drive to bring in two new sales executives as the newspaper continues to grow its commercial operations across the county.

The move comes as the Herald strengthens its position as the leading independent news platform in West Wales, with increasing demand from local businesses looking to advertise both in print and online.

The expansion is being driven in part by the rapid growth of Milford Haven and the wider energy sector, with major investment in green energy projects, port activity and associated industries creating new opportunities for local businesses.

As the area continues to develop as a key energy hub, more companies are seeking to reach customers, partners and the wider community through trusted local media.

The successful candidates will work directly with Pembrokeshire businesses, helping them promote their services to a growing audience through the Herald’s expanding digital reach and established print readership.

Editor Tom Sinclair said the recruitment reflects both the changing local economy and the Herald’s increasing audience.

He said: “Milford Haven is expanding rapidly, particularly with new energy and green projects coming forward, and that’s creating real opportunities for local businesses.

“At the same time, our audience continues to grow across both our website and social media platforms, meaning we can now offer advertisers a much bigger and more effective platform than ever before.”

The new roles will focus on building relationships with local firms, developing advertising campaigns, and identifying new opportunities across sectors including tourism, retail, trades, energy and professional services.

The Herald has continued to invest in its digital platforms, including Herald.Wales, alongside its well-established print edition, offering advertisers a multi-platform approach to reaching customers.

The recruitment drive also comes at a time when many local businesses are looking for cost-effective ways to promote themselves amid ongoing economic pressures.

Mr Sinclair added: “Local advertising matters. When businesses advertise locally, that money stays in the local economy. It helps create jobs, supports families and helps communities grow alongside the businesses within them.”

The roles are expected to appeal to motivated, target-driven individuals with strong communication skills and an interest in media, sales or marketing.

Both positions are based in Pembrokeshire, with opportunities for training and career progression within the Herald’s growing media group.

Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to email [email protected] with a CV and covering letter before Tuesday (Apr 1, 2026).

Business

Jobs fall in Pembrokeshire as payroll numbers drop over past year

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Employment down by 124 year-on-year with further monthly decline recorded in February

EMPLOYMENT in Pembrokeshire has fallen over the past year, with new figures showing a drop of 124 jobs compared with the same period in 2025.

Data for February 2026 reveals that 47,801 people were on payroll across the county, representing a 0.3% decrease year-on-year.

The latest monthly figures also show continued pressure on local businesses, with payroll numbers falling by 82 compared to January — a 0.2% drop.

The data, based on analysis of Office for National Statistics payroll figures by employment app WageSight, paints a mixed picture for the county’s labour market.

Compared with other Welsh local authorities, Pembrokeshire ranks 12th out of 22 for employment change, placing it in the lower half of performers.

The Herald understands that while some parts of Wales have seen modest job growth, others — including Pembrokeshire — continue to experience a squeeze on employment levels.

Paul Hebden, Director at WageSight said: “The latest figures underline the continued pressure on employment in Pembrokeshire. Payroll remains down compared with last year, and recent month-on-month data suggests employers are still cutting back.”

Nationally, employment trends remain uncertain, with fluctuations across different regions and sectors creating an unpredictable backdrop for businesses.

It remains unclear whether the recent decline marks the beginning of a longer-term trend or simply a short-term dip, but the figures suggest that employers in Pembrokeshire are continuing to act cautiously in the current economic climate.

Business

Haverfordwest cinema one of six council properties for sale

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

SIX COUNCIL-owned properties in Pembrokeshire, including Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema, a boatyard, and a former social services premises in Tenby, are to be put up for sale following a decision by senior councillors.

At the March 16 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members were asked to back the disposal of six properties in the county’s portfolio as well the earmarking of four properties for other purposes.

A report for members said: “The Property Department has recently undertaken a review of the council’s estate to identify underused or vacant properties that are no longer required for service delivery and could be transferred internally or disposed of to generate capital receipts.”

The report listed six assets which members were asked to declare surplus for disposal by freehold sale.

Those assets were: Iveston Farm, Maidenwells; land east of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm; Palace Cinema, Haverfordwest; St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby – social services premises; land at East Llanion Marine, Pembroke Dock – boat yard area; and land at Maidenwells – development plot.

For those six properties, it said of Iveston Farm: “Farm homestead in need of extensive renovation. An approach to local agents will begin to market the homestead and surrounding land. The remainder of the land areas are to be re-let as part of the County Farm Estate.”

For the land east of Cleddau Reach School, it said: “Areas of land parcels that no longer form part of the school demise and offer no opportunity to the authority and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For Palace Cinema, it said: “Freehold of property to be sold. The property is listed and requires significant investment.”

For St Asaph, Trafalgar Road, Tenby, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For East Llanion Marine, it said: “Freehold of the property to be sold. This is an area of land (0.29 acres) adjacent to Port owned land. Both parcels are leased to East Llanion Marine. The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

For the land at Maidenwells, it said: “The property is not required or suitable for other internal services and is therefore to be declared surplus for disposal.”

It also listed three assets in which cabinet was asked to declared surplus to the requirements of one council department and appropriated to another use within the council.

Those were: Portfield Social Activity Centre, Haverfordwest – for future education project; Eastgate Centre, Pembroke – for future re-development project; and land west of Cleddau Reach School, Llangwm – for future education project.

Members were also asked to remove one property declared surplus to council requirements, appropriated for a particular use within the council: Pembroke Dock Watersports Centre – Watersports centre in occupation.

Members backed the 10 recommendations.