Community

Pembroke Dock: Roy Noble officially opens the Maritime Museum at the old Hancock’s Yard

Published

3 years ago

April 10, 2022

ROY NOBLE officially opened the Maritime Museum at the old Hancock’s Yard in Pembroke Dock this week. Shortly before he gave a speech explaining his family connections with the area. The Maritime Museum, previously an open-vaulted building, was rebuilt and modernised as part of the ongoing improvements to Hancock’s Yard, and is now on the way to being accredited.

“Instead of being a cottage museum, it will be a registered museum,” explained Secretary Steven Preece. “It marks a big step for us in finally being recognised.”

The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, which runs the museum, was started in 1984, and took off exponentially as a bone fide organisation aimed at preserving local maritime history. They are dependent on members’ fees, donations and members of the public for finance. They are still learning as they go, but now feel that they are in a transition from amateur to something more professional.

“All are welcome here,” explained one of the members. “You do what you want.”

The yard is home to a diverse skill set – from the retired shipwright picking up tools again, to those who like “messing about in boats”, or those who come more for the ‘men’s shed’ aspect of it: rubbing down a sailing dinghy, punctuated by coffee and chat. Some have their own boat projects and plans to sail or cruise; others relish the opportunity to practise traditional boatbuilding skills in a relaxed environment. And all are regarded as equal. Membership costs £40 per year – “worth it if only for the fishing!”

Charity

Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC creates green spaces with exciting new garden package

Published

10 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Richard Lewis

FFYNNON Community Resilience CIC are going green in 2025 thanks to new garden from Keep Wales Tidy.

Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC will be creating a new orchard garden in Pembrokeshire to benefit nature and the local community. Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy will be installing the garden and providing all the plants, tools and materials for free through its Local Places for Nature scheme.

Jo Denham from Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC said: “Our group of community allotmenteers have been so excited to receive the garden package from Keep Wales Tidy.

“We chose to put in a communally accessible fruit cage with an array of different bushes, and it’s been really fun installing it and choosing what to put in there.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme offers communities free garden packages that range from small gardening projects to orchards and large-scale makeovers. 1,300 gardens have been created and restored across Wales since it was launched in 2020. Groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes have benefited, including emergency services, youth groups, sports clubs, animal homes and disability charities.

Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy Owen Derbyshire said: “Creating thriving green spaces not only benefits the health and wellbeing of individuals but strengthens our communities.

“We are delighted that groups, like Ffynnon Community Resilience CIC can make a real difference through the Local Places for Nature scheme, and we are grateful to Welsh Government for their ongoing support.

“I can’t wait to see the orchard garden take shape over the coming weeks and months.”

Keep Wales Tidy’s initiative is part of the wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ programme committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Community

Community comes together for Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST residents joined forces to clean up the town in a community-driven litter pick organised by Haverfordwest Town Council, HaverHub, and Haverfordwest Heritage.

The event, which saw volunteers collecting rubbish to improve the town’s appearance, was attended by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to participate in and help with the Big Haverfordwest Litter Pick. I’d like to thank everyone who attended today—this will be the first of many similar initiatives for Haverfordwest, the County Town of Pembrokeshire.”

The initiative is expected to become a regular event to maintain cleanliness and encourage civic pride.

Community

Cawl competition celebrates International Women’s Day in Pembroke

Published

2 days ago

March 8, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE marked International Women’s Day on Saturday (Mar 8) with a successful cawl competition, bringing the community together to celebrate and support local women.

The event, organised by Pembroke Town Team, saw participants enjoy a variety of cawl, including vegetarian and vegan options, from Gio Recchia Pizza Contemporanea, Watermans Arms, Buddy’s Baked, and Will’s of Pembroke.

A key highlight was the inspiring speeches from local women who play a vital role in the community. Information stalls were also present, with groups such as New Pembrokeshire Pride, Pembroke Street Pastors, and Lamphey WI sharing resources and support.

Local businesswomen showcased their products, offering visitors the chance to browse and buy from a range of stalls.

The event was made possible thanks to a donation from Pembrokeshire Women, which organisers said played a crucial role in ensuring the day’s success. Volunteers, including Lisa Boswell, Angela Marston Halifax, Rhian Cowen, Ness Moseley, Ann Mortenson, and Tegan, worked tirelessly to keep things running smoothly, with Lewis George stepping up as compere.

Organisers thanked all those who attended, saying the support from the community made the event truly special.