Community
Newport: Rescue dog still looking for forever home

THE longest-staying resident at the RSPCA’s Newport Animal Centre is hoping it will finally be third time lucky in his quest to find a new home.
Staff were hopeful that five-year-old Charlie, who was rescued by RSPCA Cymru from a run-down barn in Ceredigion along with 44 other dogs in January 2021, had finally found his special someone.
But sadly, two potential offers of homes have come to nothing and the crossbreed canine – who is also the RSPCA’s joint longest-stay dog in Wales – is still waiting for his happy ending.
Newport animal centre’s deputy manager Kathryn Logan said: “We were feeling so hopeful that Charlie would be enjoying life with new owners by now, but sadly the two offers of homes have fallen through and we find ourselves back at square one.
“He’s come such a long way from the scared and nervous dog he was when he arrived at the centre back in January 2021; he had never gone outside, worn a collar or been on a walk, but his transformation has been quite incredible.
“For the first few weeks he wouldn’t move from the corner of his kennel, and it was only when he began to trust his carers and feel more at ease that he would place his chin on our hand, although it wasn’t until four months later that he was confident enough to take his first steps outside the kennel.
“Charlie really is a different character now, his beautiful personality shines through and he loves a cwtch from his carers. We all think the world of him, but of course we’d love nothing more than to see him finally settled in his own home.”
Volunteer Danni Wilson (below), who has built up a close bond with Charlie over many months and regularly takes him for walks, said: “It’s been wonderful watching Charlie come out of his shell and start to enjoy life. He wouldn’t let us go near him when he first arrived, but now he can’t get enough attention and showers me with kisses and affection!
“I think his favourite pastimes are rolling around on the nearest patch of grass when we go out walking and then wrapping himself up in towels when he’s had a bath. Despite what he’s been through, he’s exceptionally friendly and he would definitely enjoy, and benefit from, the company of another canine companion.”
Like the rest of the dogs, Charlie had experienced very little human contact before he was rescued from the property in West Wales, after the owner agreed to work with the charity when the situation got out of control. The sheer number of dogs meant the owner was struggling to meet their basic needs, with a lack of shelter, parasite control and poor diet all areas of concern.
Because of his background, Charlie will, understandably, require a specific type of home. He can still find new stimuli scary, so he will need a patient and quiet adult-only environment where he can get used to different noises slowly. A big garden would also be beneficial so he can bond with his new family in a bigger space before gradually going out on walks with them.
His sociable nature means he would really benefit from living with another calm and confident male dog, or neutered female, who can help his progress and get him used to dealing with everyday life. His new family will also need to come to the Newport centre multiple times to build up a bond with him, so they will ideally need to live nearby.
Community
New venue for the highly anticipated Pembrokeshire Classic Car Show

PEMBROKESHIRE classic car enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that this year’s highly anticipated Classic Car Show will be held at a new and exciting location. The Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, known for organizing this popular event, has decided to move the show to Carew Airfield. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023.
The decision to relocate the event came about due to certain challenges with public parking at the previously favored Scolton Manor venue. By shifting the show to Carew Airfield, organizers hope to alleviate any parking difficulties and provide a more convenient experience for attendees.
Classic car enthusiasts from all over Wales and beyond can expect a spectacular display of various classic vehicles at the show. From vintage and classic cars, including some American models, to modern-day marvels, there will be something to captivate every car lover. In addition to cars, the event will showcase motorcycles, tractors, military vehicles, and commercial vehicles.
The Classic Car Show isn’t just about vehicles; it offers a complete day of fun for the whole family. Attendees can explore attractions such as the West Wales Model Boats, children’s rides, a car boot sale, and an auto jumble. Moreover, a variety of craft and trade stalls will be present, offering an opportunity for some shopping. The show will also feature charity stalls, including Paul Sartori and The Wales Air Ambulance, allowing visitors to contribute to worthy causes. To add to the excitement, both the Police and the 223rd Transportation Army Squadron will be in attendance, showcasing their impressive vehicle displays.
To further enhance the experience, the Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club will be running a raffle during the event. Hunger and thirst will not be an issue, as a selection of food outlets will be available, offering hot and cold food and drinks, ice cream, Welsh cakes, and even a public bar. St. John’s Ambulance will also be present to provide necessary medical support.
In addition to all the fantastic attractions at the show, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the nearby wartime museum, which will be open for exploration on the day.
The Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club is thriving, boasting over one hundred and eighty members. The success of the show in previous years has enabled the club to donate substantial sums to local charities. This year, the selected beneficiaries are Paul Sartori, Wales Air Ambulance, and Pembrokeshire Care Share & Give.
The organizers extend their gratitude to the club members, Gravells Kia of Narberth for their support, the participants, stallholders, car booters, landowners, FRF Toyota for providing trophies, and, of course, the public for attending. It is their collective efforts that make this event possible year after year.
The Classic Car Show will welcome the public from 10:30 am onwards on Saturday, June 3rd, and will conclude at 4 pm. So, mark your calendars and head over to Carew Airfield on the A477 for a truly unforgettable “Classic” day out.
Community
North Pembrokeshire community exceeds fundraising target to purchase local pub

CRYMYCH, the tight-knit community in North Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a significant milestone in their journey to acquire the beloved local pub. The villagers have successfully raised an impressive £191,000 within a remarkable eight-week period since launching their community share offer on April 1st. This achievement far surpasses their initial target of £175,000, which was set as the necessary amount to proceed with their mission to revive the Crymych Arms, which has remained closed for the past 18 months.
The local football club, established just three years ago, has taken the lead in this initiative by registering as a mutual society cooperative. By doing so, they have been able to issue shares and rally support in their efforts to purchase the pub and transform it into a vibrant community hub, doubling as the new club house. This unique concept combines the functions of a pub, a club, and a hub, giving birth to the ingenious notion of a “Pubclubhub.”
The football committee members eagerly anticipate the outcomes of grant funding bids, which will provide the final piece of the financial puzzle needed to acquire and reopen the community pubclubhub by this August. To date, several hundred people have invested in £100 shares, with many purchasing them as thoughtful gifts for supporters of the idea of community-owned pubs. Additionally, numerous football enthusiasts are buying shares to lend their support to local grassroots sports. By owning a share, individuals not only become part owners of a pub but also stakeholders in the football club, as the funds raised through share purchases will be utilized to acquire the historic pub in North Pembrokeshire.

The closed pub is listed at a full asking price of £275,000, and the football club committee continues to welcome new members who are interested in acquiring the £100 shares. Those intrigued by this venture and the prospect of becoming co-owners of a pub and football club can visit www.cpdcrymych.cymru for the share offer prospectus and to learn more about the community investment, which offers a promising 3% gross interest per year.
Furthermore, the next public meeting, open to anyone seeking more information about this exciting community venture, is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14th, at 7 pm. The meeting will take place at Crymych market hall, providing an opportunity for interested individuals to engage with the project’s leaders, ask questions, and further familiarize themselves with the vision and goals of this community-driven initiative.
Crymych’s remarkable achievement in surpassing their fundraising target exemplifies the power of community spirit and highlights the determination of its residents to preserve and revitalize their cherished local pub. The collective effort to transform the Crymych Arms into a thriving pubclubhub not only ensures a vibrant social gathering place but also strengthens community bonds and supports grassroots sports.
Community
New Carmarthenshire custody suite and policing base opens its door for first time

DYFED-POWYS POLICE will open its new Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing base in Dafen, Llanelli today (May 26).
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis will open the building in the company of local community representatives in Llanelli who will be given an opportunity to walk around the new modern, sustainable development, which has taken over 18 months to construct.
Planning permission was granted to the Dyfed-Powys Office of Police and Crime Commissioner by Carmarthenshire County Council back in April 2021 for the £18.6 million development, which Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn describes as a significant investment that has delivered a fit for purpose, modern facility for Dyfed-Powys Police.
As well as housing a new custody suite with 18 cells, some specialist departments and facilities will be based at the new policing hub as well as local response officers. PCC Dafydd Llywelyn confirmed that the Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to work out of their base at Llanelli town centre.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It is a privilege for me to be here today opening this brand-new facility and to finally see what was originally considered to be an ambitious vision, now becoming a reality.
“This has been a significant investment for us which has provided us with a modern, sustainable fit for purpose policing hub and custody suite that will meet the needs and expectations of modern policing.
“During the planning application process between 2020 and 2021, we engaged widely with the local community, and It is a pleasure to invite community representatives here today to mark this occasion.
“I’ve worked extremely hard with partners for several years to ensure that we get to this position and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us during its development”.
The construction has been given a BREEAM excellence rating, for its sustainable credentials which include a photovoltaic solar power installation to minimise the carbon footprint of the building; a rainwater harvesting facility for toilets and non-potable water, and electric car charging facilities.
PCC Llywelyn added: “We are going to have to make difficult decisions over the coming years about the future of some of our estates within Dyfed-Powys Police.
“The current Llanelli Police Station has served the town and surrounding area well for decades but does not reflect the high standard and working environment required by a police force in the 21st Century.
“This new policing base is part of our commitment to work with key partners to deliver long-term sustainable improvements to our estates and ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police retains a visible and accessible presence in the heart of the communities it serves.
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Dr. Richard Lewis said:“We are delighted to have this state of the art policing hub and custody suite opening in Llanelli. The building was designed and built for the future with the wellbeing of our staff and the community in mind.
“It is an energy efficient and sustainable construction, and will become a base for a number of Policing functions across Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, complementing the Neighbourhood Policing Team that will remain at the town centre.
“I am grateful to PCC Mr Dafydd Llywelyn and the project team as a whole for delivering the facility, which will serve local communities for years to come.”
Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Dyfed-Powys Police’s operational lead on the new build said: “Our new Policing Base in Dafen will allow a number of specialist departments and facilities to be co-located under one roof at Llanelli which will ensure less travelling to various sites which will lend itself to a more efficient and effective operating model.
“The custody suite is also a state of the art facility which will significantly raise the standard of care being provided to detainees at the suite which includes a dedicated vulnerability wing which will ensure the safeguarding of the most vulnerable detainees that are housed at the facility.”
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