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Did the world’s first airplane fly in Pembrokeshire?
WHEN asked who was the first to fly an airplane, you’d probably say Wilbur and Orville Wright, more commonly referred to as the Wright brothers. However, you’ve probably never heard of Bill Frost, a Welshman who many say was the “first man to fly.”
Born in Saundersfoot on May 28th, 1848, Bill Frost was a carpenter on the Heyn Castle Estate.
Clearly, as a handyman, he was in the perfect position to build a plane, and this obsession, if the tale is to be believed, was strengthened in the winter of 1876. Legend says that Frost was carrying a large plank of wood on a windy day when a large gust of wind picked him up, carried him several feet, until he returned to the ground with a rather rough landing.
What followed was, shall we say, some rather odd behaviour.
Locals reported seeing Frost running around fields, with a large sheet of zinc above his head, presumably trying to get another gust of wind to lift him up. Although he was testing the limits of aerodynamic designs in all likelihood, he was of course branded rather bizarre locally.
Many locals also attributed this behaviour to grief, as his wife and daughter had recently died. A religious man and deacon of his local chapel, one could understand locals believing he was maybe trying to get to Heaven.
In 1894, things started to get serious for Frost, who applied for a patent for a flying machine on October 25th. To describe the patent would be to describe an amalgamation between a plane and a glider, with two reversible fans which would, he hoped, lift him into the air for a successful flight.
Bill Frost with his wife, Annie, in 1896 . Bill lived until 1935.
Then, the patent said, wings would be spread via a lever and another lever would control whether the aircraft was moving up or downwards.
With his practical knowledge and his interesting research methods, Frost began work on building the aircraft.
He did so in the workshop of his house on St Bride’s Hill, an impressive feat when you consider it was over 30 feet long.
Reports state that the aircraft was built out of bamboo, canvas and wire, with bags and pouches filled with hydrogen to help it stay afloat.
The patent, in full, reads: “The flying machine is constructed with an upper and lower chamber of wire work, covered with light waterproof material. Each chamber formed sharp at both ends with parallel sides. The upper large chamber to contain sufficient gas to lift the machine. In the centre of upper chamber a cylinder is fixed in which a horizontal fan is driven by means of a shaft and bevelled gearing worked from the lower chamber. When the machine has been risen to a sufficient height, then the fan is stopped and the upper chamber, which has wings attached, is tilted forward causing the machine to move as a bird, onward and downward. When low enough it is again tilted in an opposite direction which causes it to soar onward and upward, when it is again assisted if necessary by the fan. The steering is done by a rudder at both ends.”
A book has been written about the subject
So, why are the Wright brothers considered the first men to fly?
Well, for starters, there’s no photographs of Frost’s flight, nor any written testimonials. However Frost himself, as well as several locals in the area, claimed that on September 24th, 1896, Frost flew for approximately 500 yards.
This, if true, would have been a considerably longer flight than the Wright brothers achieved.
The end of the flight was not so successful, however, as the bottom of the craft hit a tree and crashed into a nearby field.
Not deterred by this, Frost repaired the machine, however it was then destroyed in a storm some weeks later, and Frost could not afford to build a new one from scratch.
His patent expired four years later.
Without a craft for another flight, and with no photographic evidence, his claim to be the first man to fly, unfortunately, can not be verified.
In 1935 Frost died aged 90 years old. Although he held no grudge against the Wright brothers, he did state that the government had turned down his application for funding following his first attempt, which scuppered the hope of any future flights after his craft was destroyed.
The reason for this? The government claimed that aircraft would never be used for navigation or warfare; a statement that looked very foolish as World War I began to play out.
HTV footage from the 1990’s on the Bill Frost story (Youtube)
West Wales volunteers recognised for efforts to improve river quality
CITIZEN scientists from across West Wales gathered at Cardigan Castle on Thursday (Mar 27) for a conference celebrating their work in monitoring and protecting local rivers.
The West Wales Nutrient Management Board (WWNMB) hosted the event, which brought together volunteers, environmental experts, and partner organisations to discuss the growing impact of community-led water quality initiatives.
Supported by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) through the Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project, the conference highlighted the crucial role of improved digital infrastructure in enabling environmental monitoring.
Showcasing science and grassroots action
Attendees took part in hands-on demonstrations showing how water samples are analysed, using the latest techniques to detect pollution and nutrient levels. The event also addressed the limitations of current equipment, highlighting the need for accurate, reliable data collection.
Beyond the technical presentations, the day celebrated the wide range of skills that citizen scientists contribute—from data gathering to public engagement—and explored how their work influences conservation strategies and local policies.
Regional groups unite
Volunteers from across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion—including those involved in Save the Teifi, Achub y Tywi and the Cleddau Project—shared experiences and discussed the shared challenges of river monitoring.
Angela Towler, a dedicated volunteer, said: “Being a citizen scientist is about more than just collecting data—it’s about taking action to protect the places we care about. The conference is an example of how the NMB has helped to give citizen scientists a voice. It’s been an incredible opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about improving our rivers.”
Support for future progress
Councillor Clive Davies, Chair of the Nutrient Management Board and Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, praised the dedication of volunteers.
He said: “It is inspiring to see so many committed individuals working to protect our rivers. Citizen scientists play a vital role in identifying pollution sources and providing the data needed to shape policy. Today’s event highlights the real difference their efforts are making.”
The WWNMB said it will continue to support local groups and encourage new volunteers to join the effort to restore and protect river ecosystems across the region. Their work is backed by the Welsh Government, which has funded several key initiatives in recognition of the importance of preserving the region’s natural heritage.
How to get involved
The Teifi Nutrient Monitoring (TNM) Project is now looking for more volunteers in 2025. Anyone interested in testing water, checking for pollution, and learning more about environmental protection is encouraged to take part.
To explore citizen science data and dashboards, visit:
Teifi Citizen Science Monitoring and Dashboard
The TNM Project is funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Ceredigion County Council’s Cynnal y Cardi team in partnership with the WWNMB. It is also supported by the DSIT-funded Rural Connectivity Accelerator Project.
To join the Teifi Nutrient Monitoring Project, email: NMB@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
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.”
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
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