News
Architect to ‘present vision’ for Pembroke project

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council has taken another step towards realising its ambition to regenerate South Quay in Pembroke with the appointment of architects, Darnton B3.
Seen as a vital part of the Authority’s regeneration programme, the redevelopment of South Quay has gained further momentum with the appointment of the Cardiff-based firm, which boasts a substantial portfolio of heritage design, and development projects across the UK.
The concept of ‘Destination Transformation’ is a primary focus of the Council’s plans, evidenced by the exciting proposals for Haverfordwest’s Riverside and Castle sites.
The purpose of bringing back into productive use the buildings and public spaces at South Quay is allied to the vision of creating a vibrant, aesthetically impressive ally to the town’s already established historical importance.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Paul Miller, stressed the appointment signified a crucial movement in realising the Council’s proposals for Pembroke’s future. He said: “Darnton B3’s appointment as architects is just the first step and their first task will be to present a vision for the site, which will then be tested with key stakeholders and the wider community in Pembroke.
“We are clear that the vision has to be deliverable within our cost constraints but we are also clear that the vision should maximise the potential of the site to contribute to a vibrant Pembroke town centre.
“The plan remains to include a visitor attraction and new library as part of the proposals.”
With such a rich history, alongside a desire for a vision that optimises the Tudor town’s tourism potential, Darnton B3 is understandably delighted to be joining the Council as development partners.
“We are thrilled to be appointed to the proposed South Quay development” said lead architect, Matthew Savory.
“This will be a challenging scheme given the range of heritage, physical and ecological issues at the site. However, the opportunity to be associated with such a potentially transformational project makes us relish these challenges even more.”
“We are looking forward to working with the team on this exciting proposal.”
As part of the development of the vision for South Quay, the Council, together with their project partner, is hosting an Initial Engagement Event on Thursday, 22 August, at Pembroke Town Hall between 3.30bbpm and 8pm.
The public is invited to share ideas and suggestions for the future of South Quay and contribute to what is seen as an exciting collaborative community project.
Councillor Miller added: “We have been very clear as a new administration that the re-development of the South Quay site is a priority.
“It has been a blight on Pembroke Main Street for too long and we are committed to ensuring a re-development enhances the town centre and contributes to the regeneration of the town as a whole. The redevelopment and improvement of this part of Pembroke is crucial for the regeneration of the town.”
News
Tresaith beach closed after suspected WW2 bomb found

Emergency services to return Thursday as object now submerged
TRESAITH beach, one mile north of Aberporth, was closed on Wednesday (Mar 26) following the discovery of what is believed to be an unexploded World War Two bomb.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the alarm was raised at around 11:45am by a member of the public walking on the beach. The Herald understands the woman entered the nearby Ship Inn to report her concerns.
A member of staff at the pub said: “She came in greatly concerned. It was a massive object, rather rusted, with a pointed nose and a flat end — about two to three feet long.”
The beach was cordoned off by police, and HM Coastguard attended the scene. Officers confirmed that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had been contacted and would assess the device.
However, due to tidal conditions, the object became submerged before it could be fully inspected. The Herald understands that both the coastguard and bomb disposal experts are expected to return to the site on Thursday (Mar 27).
Emergency services left the area shortly before midnight, but the cordon remains in place as a precaution.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
(Image: File)
Entertainment
Rear View Mirror: First solo exhibition for Narberth artist Mark Crockett

AN EXHIBITION of evocative new paintings by Narberth-based artist Mark Crockett will be on display at the Joanna Field Gallery in the Torch Theatre throughout April.
Titled Rear View Mirror, the exhibition offers a deeply personal reflection on Mark’s life since falling seriously ill in 2021. His work captures the fleeting beauty of early morning and dusk — those quiet, in-between moments when the day begins or ends, and where change is always present.

A graduate of art college in the late 1980s, Mark left painting behind after a disagreement with a tutor. What followed was a colourful and unconventional life spent travelling the world — living in converted buses and caravans, restoring stone houses in the Portuguese mountains, fire-breathing at music events, DJing in clubs, surfing, and working as a wedding photographer.
“I didn’t touch a paintbrush for 35 years,” he said. “Then I became seriously ill with an autoimmune condition. Some days I couldn’t even walk. It was a dark time, and I didn’t know how to deal with losing the life I had. One day, for reasons I can’t explain, I picked up a brush — and the paintings just started to fall out.”
Mark now lives with his Canadian wife in a former Post Office building they are restoring together. Despite his return to painting, he never intended to exhibit his work.

“I wasn’t painting to sell or show them — I just needed to do it. It was for me,” he explained. “I’ve always drawn and painted since I can remember. My dad’s a sculptor and painter, my brother’s a digital artist, and now my daughter has just finished a foundation course at UAL. So we’re three generations of artists.”
Rear View Mirror is Mark’s first solo exhibition. “I’m nervous, but excited too. It’s strange — and lovely — to see all the work together in one space.”
His pieces often suggest untold stories or invite the viewer to consider a new perspective. One of his most recent works, Armistice Day, depicts a single red poppy on the far bank of a river — a quiet reflection on personal and collective loss.
Mark shares more of his work on Instagram @papersurfer and at www.papersurfer.com. All images © papersurfer studio 2025.
Rear View Mirror will be on display throughout April during Box Office opening hours at the Joanna Field Gallery, located within the Torch Theatre. For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
News
Workman injured in Pembroke road roller incident

A WORKMAN has been injured following an incident involving a road roller in Pembroke on Wednesday morning (March 26).
Emergency services were called to Station Road at around 11:30am after reports of a single-vehicle collision involving the machinery.
The road was closed at 11:50am and reopened just before 1:00pm, with slow traffic reported in the surrounding area.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a single-vehicle road traffic collision, involving a workman and a road roller, on the A4139, Station Road, Pembroke, at approximately 11:30am on Wednesday, March 26.
“The road was closed at 11:50am and reopened just before 1:00pm. A man was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.”
The Wales Air Ambulance was also dispatched, with a crew from its Dafen base arriving in the area.
However, a spokesperson for WAA confirmed: “On discussion with the other services present, we were advised that we were not required. We were cleared from the scene at 11:50am without landing or having any patient contact.”
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