News

Cwm-yr-Eglwys: Pembrokeshire’s lost village

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2021

CWM-YR-EGLWYS is a beautiful little coastal village between Fishguard and Newport, it doesn’t have a shop or a pub but it does have a little bit of a problem.

50 properties make up the small hamlet, which, aside from being picturesque, also boasts it’s own micro-climate that makes it a little bit warmer and drier than other areas along the Pembrokeshire coast, but 48 of those properties are second homes, holiday-lets or caravans.

Only 2 properties in Cwm-yr-Eglwys are lived in permanently, a third property is currently on the market but, with an asking price of over £1m, locals feel they are being priced out of their own village.

Residents say urgent action is needed to protect small coastal communities, like Cwm-yr-Eglwys, from a rise in second-home ownership.

Both of the properties in Cwm-yr-Eglwys that are occupied all year round are owned by people aged over 80 years old, one of those homeowners, Norman Thomas said:

“All those houses through the valley have been sold to English people,”.

“I’m not against them – they bring work here. I get on with them all. But it’s sad that the Welsh can’t afford these houses.

The ruins of the Church of St. Brynach at Cwm-yr-Eglwys

“That house over there is on the market for £1.3m. It’s ridiculous. The government should have stepped in and stopped these high prices.

“We’ve got to accept this is what it’s coming to – there are lots of little places like Cwm-yr-Eglwys – nothing left – there isn’t even a pub here.”

Norman is also the last remaining Welsh speaker in Cwm-yr-Eglwys, he’s concerned that the Welsh language might disappear entirely from the community soon as well.

Keith Battrick, a councillor with Dinas Cross community council, lives nearby and has witnessed the community slowly change in the 50 or so years he’s lived in Pembrokeshire since moving from Bridgend.

“It’s a summer village – winter time it’s completely dead. No-one here, just the odd walker – that’s it,” he told the BBC.

“So it’s a sad village really and probably will never change. It makes me sad that the local indigenous community can’t afford to live here.

“Local children – my son included – who want to move back here, find it hard. Within 10 years there probably won’t be anyone local living here – the future of Cwm-yr-Eglwys is as a holiday place.”

In 1859 a great storm destroyed the Church of St. Brynach in Cwm-yr-Eglwys, it tore up the ground, destroyed the graveyard and all that’s left standing now is the western entrance wall of the church.

Now, 162 years later, another storm is brewing that threatens to erode what’s left of the community of Cwm-yr-Eglwys and, just like the church, leave a hollow ruin in its wake.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.