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Historic church set to close after more than 1400 years

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A CHURCH that was founded by a pupil of St David, is closing after 1,439 years due to dwindling congregations.

St Madoc of Ferns in Haroldston West, Haverfordwest, is believed to have opened in 583.

The church was founded by Madoc, a follower of St David, the patron saint of Wales.

With an average of two people attending the service every few weeks, which is on a rotation with a number of other churches who share the same vicar, the dwindling congregation means the church will close its doors after a final service in July.

The church has been earmarked for use as a community centre.

Speaking on the closure, Church Warden Diana Thomas said: “ “I’m devastated, I’ve been using the church for 40 years.”

“As a place of worship it was started by St Madoc in 583, he was a follower of St David.

“He set up a little cell with the idea of going into the countryside and bringing people into the church.

“Obviously it would have been nothing like the building there now but just a little wooden building.

“Madoc finished up as Bishop of Ferns in Ireland.

“I have had a lot of family connections with it. Marriages and funerals, that sort of thing.

“It’s a real shame but things change and that is the position we are in.

“It was a flourishing little church but people have moved away and people die and new people are not coming in.”

Ms Thomas feels that holiday lets have played a part in the dwindling congregation numbers, adding that she doesn’t feel there are enough people to sustain the services, which can hold up to 50 people.

Reverend David Mortimore, also feels that holiday lets have played their part. 

He said: “It’s in a farming area where there are only 100 houses in the parish and some of them are holiday homes.

“So we only have two ladies who are getting elderly and are unable to keep going.”

A meeting was held on May 11, by the Havens History Group, and a plan was set for the building to be taken over by a community group.

A further meeting is due to be held on June 8.

A member of the history group, Shirley Norman, who also runs Littlehaven’s Boathouse Gallery said: “”We have 12 people who are definitely willing to help and who left their contact details.

“One lady from Broad Haven has offered to apply for funding because that is her full-time job.

“Our immediate problem is that the electricity will be cut off at the end of June if we do not take action soon.

“We still hope the new group will have ideas about recruiting someone with building knowledge.”

 

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

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Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

 

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Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

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A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

 

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Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

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SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

 

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