Community
Hilton Court Gardens and Craft to close after more than 40 years
A WELL-ADORED Pembrokeshire attraction will close its doors at the end of the year after being open for several decades.
The two owners of Hilton Court Gardens and Craft, Peter and Cheryl, decided after hours of debating and deliberating, that they would finally close their business.
The pair, who are both in their 70s, bought the property in Roch 45 years ago. Over time, they transformed the unkempt 34-acre property into the wonderful and relaxing place that is loved by many all over Pembrokeshire.
The property included a 350-year-old deteriorating garden, and an old well. Through lots of hard work, the couple built a new 8-acre garden, which hosts over 3500 trees, and three ponds, one of which is over 15 feet deep.
The couple’s daughter Rachael posted to the business’s facebook page about the closure, stating that after seeing the blood, sweat, tears, and pain her parents put into the site, she had decided that it was time for them to enjoy the property for themselves.
Rachael also said in the post: “They have had some awesome highs & lows, met some incredible people and made life long friends, but it’s now time to bow out gracefully (or in Cheryl’s case disgracefully, loudly, with music blasting), and let them finally enjoy what they have created for themselves.”
The gardens will close after October half-term, whereas the Tea Room will close at the end of the year. However, they will continue to be a wedding/event venue and campsite, and have new and exciting plans in the works.
They invite people to continue visiting over the upcoming months, asking people to reminisce and share memories with them, and visit the gardens while they still can.
Community
Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council
A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.
Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.
Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.
“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”
He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.
“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”
Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.
Community
HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire
A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.
THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.
Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.
Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.
Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.
Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.
“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.
“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”
The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.
HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Community
Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town
Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod
FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.
Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.
The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.
Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.
The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.
The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Photo caption:
Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.
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