Community
New Pilgrim route between St Davids and Wexford could create new jobs

BRITISH Pilgrimage Trust with Pilgrim Paths Ireland appointed to manage and promote a new pilgrim route with job creation between St Davids, Pembrokeshire and Ferns, Wexford.
Ancient Connections is delighted to announce the appointment of a partnership of organisations who will collaborate to manage the new pilgrim route between St Davids, Pembrokeshire and Ferns in County Wexford.
The pilgrim route will be the primary legacy of the four-year ERDF funded project Ancient Connections, which runs until July 2023.
The project aims to build on and strengthen historic links between these two Celtic lands, in particular the friendship between St David, patron saint of Wales and St Aidan of Ferns in the Early Mediaeval period. Two new jobs will be created as a consequence of the appointment.
This exciting new development for Pembrokeshire, linking to County Wexford, will be led by The British Pilgrimage Trust (BPT), Pilgrim Paths of Ireland (PPI) and partners with West Wales based Journeying and Guided Pilgrimage.

It is intended that the new pilgrimage route will bring additional economic benefits to the area through sustainable tourism.
Guy Hayward, Director of British Pilgrimage Trust says: “We are in the earliest stage of this project, but I can already tell that we are going to create something very beautiful together that bridges both sides of the Celtic Sea, and something which so many will enjoy and find meaning through for generations to come”.
British Pilgrimage Trust Project Leader Dawn Champion says: “To support this project, we’re excited to be able to offer full-time jobs for two Pilgrimage Officers, one in Wexford and one in Pembrokeshire. We’re looking for special people who know the area well, to design and deliver a full and inspiring pilgrimage programme by engaging with people from all communities”.
Details about the job descriptions and how to apply can be found here: www.britishpilgrimage.org/pilgrimage-officer-job-vacancies-wexford-pembrokeshire

Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural, Leisure, Tourism and Registration at Pembrokeshire County Council, commented: “I’m delighted that we have appointed such an experienced, skilled and passionate group of organisations to deliver the showcase project of the whole Ancient Connections programme – a new cross-border pilgrimage experience.
“Pilgrimage has massive appeal these days, and you can enjoy it whether you have a religious faith or not. It’s about getting out there with nature, putting one foot in front of the other and having some quality time to think, breathe, heal, find yourself – whatever you need.
“Wales and Ireland have so many links and this project gives people a great opportunity to rediscover our Ancient and more recent connections between these great nations.”
Ancient Connections is led by Pembrokeshire County Council, together with partners Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co- operation programme.
If you are interested in finding out more or getting involved in any aspect of the Ancient Connections project please email the team at ancientConnections@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Community
Appeal launched as Welsh teenagers missing for nearly a week

POLICE have launched an appeal after two teenagers from Wales went missing almost a week ago.
Isobel and Daniel, both aged 16, were last seen together in the Machynlleth area of Powys on Monday. They are from the Cardigan area of Ceredigion and are believed to have links to both Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
Isobel is described as 5ft 3ins tall with blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-trimmed hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.
Daniel is described as 6ft 1ins tall, with short dark brown hair shaved at the sides. He was last seen wearing dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large camping backpack in black, red, and grey.
Dyfed-Powys Police is urging anyone with information about their whereabouts to get in touch via the online portal, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
Community
Proposed Saundersfoot traveller site decision delayed

PLANNERS are to visit a proposed new ‘traveller site’ on the outskirts of a Pembrokeshire village, which has seen a petition of nearly 300 objections, before making any formal decision.
Nearly 300 people have signed a petition against the creation of one traveller site incorporating one static caravan, one touring caravan, day/utility room and ecological enhancements (partly retrospective) on land at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane, Saundersfoot.
The objection to the site is also being shared by the village’s community council.
Around 50 people attended a recent meeting of the community council when members voted unanimously to object to the application.
The application is made by Dai Evans of Pontypool, through agents Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd.
Saundersfoot Community Council is recommending that the plans are turned down.
Members have pointed out that the site is agricultural land, with no caravan or other use in over 30 years.
There was also concern that the site – where two previous planning applications had been rejected – is overlooked from Incline Way above and cannot be screened,
Members have said granting permission “would be gross overdevelopment setting a precedent for development literally anywhere throughout the national park”.
The community council’s objection finished: “The applicant lives in Pontypool and claims no connection to the area. There is no rationale as to why the applicant chose a site approximately 100 miles away from their home.”
A supporting statement accompanying the application states: “The applicant belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family and generations have lived a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives.
“Mr Evans and his partner currently reside on an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool where living conditions are poor. They currently only live in rented accommodation and its brick and mortar and not in keeping with their cultural preference, as they prefer to live in a caravan.”
It says Mr Evans and family have stayed in a touring caravan at the site during the summer months since the late 1980s when it was owned by another gypsy family, later purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, clearing and refurbishing the site.
“The application’s aspirations are to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.”
At the April 9 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, members backed a recommendation to agree to a site visit ahead of any formal decision on the scheme, on the grounds of public interest.
The application will now be heard at a future national park meeting.
Community
Sanna Duthie to take on Pembs Coast Path in record-breaking fundraising challenge

A NEW record could soon be set on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as ultra-runner Sanna Duthie prepares to take on the full 186-mile trail in under 50 hours to raise vital funds for the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.

Starting at Poppit Sands at 8.30am on Thursday 24 April, Sanna will attempt to beat her own record of 51 hours and 30 minutes, which she set in 2021. The challenge will push her physical and mental endurance to the limit as she navigates the rugged and spectacular coastline of the UK’s only coastal National Park.
Sanna’s motivation for this challenge goes beyond breaking records. She is driven by her deep connection to the Coast Path and her desire to help safeguard it for future generations. The funds raised will support essential maintenance, from rebuilding storm-damaged bridges to protecting ancient monuments and combating coastal erosion.
Speaking about her challenge, Sanna said: “The Coast Path has given me so much over the years – it’s my training ground, my escape, and my inspiration. Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I hope to raise £2,000 to help protect and preserve this incredible trail, ensuring that others can continue to experience its beauty and challenges for years to come.”
Sanna’s record-breaking attempt is being supported by the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, which funds crucial conservation projects within the National Park.
Trust Director Katie Macro added: “Sanna’s determination and passion for the Coast Path are truly inspiring. Her challenge highlights the urgent need for funding to protect this iconic trail from the increasing threats of climate change, erosion, and declining public funding. Every donation, no matter how small, will help us continue this essential work.”

For those inspired by Sanna’s feat but not quite ready to run 186 miles, the Trust’s Wild Coast Challenge offers an alternative way to experience the Coast Path while supporting its future. This fundraising adventure invites walkers to complete the trail at their own pace—whether over weeks, months, or even a year.
By raising just £200, participants will directly contribute to conservation efforts while earning a Wild Coast Challenge t-shirt as a badge of honour for their achievement.
Further information about this can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales.
To support Sanna’s record-breaking attempt and help her reach her £2,000 fundraising target, visit her JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/sanna-duthie-1729103753472.
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