Community
Church launches all-Wales rural group

FROM THE PRICE of milk to school closures – the challenges of rural life will be the focus of a new group being launched by the Church in Wales this week.
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, will launch the Church’s Provincial Rural Group on Friday (June 6) at the Royal Welsh Showground. The group, made up of clergy rural advisers and lay people from across Wales, will advise on the particular challenges of rural ministry and flag up issues in rural life so that wider action can be taken – whether that’s reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the price of milk to the farmer or petrol at the pump, threatened closure of schools and disappearing bus-services. High on the agenda of many who live in rural Wales is also the issue of poor DAB and even FM radio signals and the absence of access to decent broadband speeds. Bishop John, who will chair the new group, said: “Whilst the farming and other land-based industries that shaped the Welsh landscape no longer dominate the economy and provide work as they once did, 82% of Wales remains rural in character. 60% of the country is classified as ‘deep rural’ – which means a community of no more than 180 households, lacking such things as a shop, Post Office, petrol station, cash-point, or even a bus stop – and is at least 30 minutes’ drive away from a larger settlement. In many villages, the church is the only community facility remaining, and the contribution that the church makes to community life is vital. “This new group will provide a base for the Church to reflect and act on rural matters and help us build a close working relationship with the Rural Department of the Welsh Government and other key organisations, such as farmers unions and local community councils to identify areas of common concern in rural areas. It will also help us raise the profile of rural issues in public life and we hope to work with other Christian denominations and voluntary organisations as we seek to keep rural issues high on various agendas.” The Provincial Rural Group will be made up of the Church in Wales’s six rural life advisers – one from each diocese – and six lay people, again representing each diocese. The launch takes place at the International Pavilion from 12 to 2pm with representatives from rural and political organisations.
Community
Police operation in St Florence after girl goes missing

A LARGE police response was launched in St Florence on Sunday morning (Apr 6) following reports of a missing child.
Emergency services, including multiple police vehicles and a helicopter, were seen speeding to the quiet Pembrokeshire village shortly after 10:00am with sirens sounding.
The Herald understands that the missing person was a six-year-old girl, and that officers began immediate door-to-door inquiries in an effort to locate her.
One local resident said: “Police knocked on my door at around 10:30am saying a six-year-old was missing and they were concerned. They were asking for any information and knocking on all the properties.”
Another witness added: “I saw a police helicopter just after ten-o-clock in the morning. There was so much police activity— so many police cars.”
Fortunately, the girl was found safe and well a short time later.
Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth Police posted an update on social media, saying: “There has been a large police presence in St Florence this morning following a report of a missing person.
“We can confirm that the person has been located safe and well.
“Thank you to the local community for their support and patience.”
Community
Pembrokeshire projects are building success

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council’s Building Control Team is congratulating local building and design projects for success in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024.
The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the building control sector.
They celebrate buildings and design teams that have overcome the challenges of complex technical and construction issues and put the spotlight on innovative and creative building work.

In Pembrokeshire, D & O Construction Ltd, Julian Bishop Architect, Redstone Architecture and AB Rogers & Son Ltd, Hayston Development & Planning Ltd all achieved success on some high profile local projects.
In the Regional LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024, Berry Lodge, Newport won the Best Residential Extension in Wales prize with work carried out by D & O Construction Ltd and with agents Julian Bishop Architect and Redstone Architecture.
Highly Commended was the development at Plas Y Castell, Llawhaden, carried out by AB Rogers & Son Ltd and Hayston Development & Planning Ltd.
The Berry Lodge development then went forward to the Grand Finals at Grovesnor House in London where the top projects across the UK were celebrated.

Council Building Control Manager Sam Goodwin said: “Building Control is delighted to work on these projects which highlight the skill and innovation of developers locally.
“Pembrokeshire County Council Building Control is proud to be part of LABC Awards. The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards were set up to celebrate excellence achieved through high building standards, technical innovation and sustainable designs.
“The Awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good building practice and winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local Council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings.
“The awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry and it is great to see local contractors, agents and designers within Pembrokeshire receive recognition in achieving these standards.”
If you would like to contact Building Control at Pembrokeshire County Council, please contact Building Control via the website www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/building-control or alternatively contact 01437 764551
Community
Forties dance to mark end of Second World War

PEMBROKE DOCK will step back in time this summer to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with a special one-off Forties-themed dance.
The event, taking place on Saturday, June 21, will commemorate both VE Day and VJ Day in a night filled with 1940s fashion, music, and nostalgia. It will be held in a 400-capacity marquee at the former Royal Dockyard, generously sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and supported by street food vendors.
Organised by the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre team, the dance will also raise funds for a unique heritage project – returning the RAF Pembroke Dock Memorial Window to the town. The memorial has been on display at the RAF Museum in London for the past 30 years.
Wartime favourites will be brought to life by the renowned Phil Dando Big Band, making a welcome return to Pembroke Dock. The band, known for its Glenn Miller-era repertoire, has delighted local audiences in previous Forties dances that saw guests turn out in period fashion and vintage military uniforms.
Peter and Marilyn Mitchell, long-standing members of the Heritage Centre’s volunteer team, are already planning their outfits.
“Check out local charity shops for wartime-era fashions,” they said. “Forties fashion was stylish, and it’s surprising what you can still find today – or recreate quite easily and affordably.”
Tickets for the dance cost £25 and are available via Eventbrite, directly from the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre (01646 684220), or from the Pembroke Dock Town Council offices on Dimond Street.
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