Community
Martletwy County Councillor moves to Park Authority Chair
CLLR DI CLEMENTS was voted in as the new Chair of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority at its Annual General Meeting on 15 June.
Cllr Clements, who served as Deputy Chair from 2019, takes over the role from Cllr Paul Harries, who had served as Chairman for the past three years.
The new Deputy Chair is Dr Rachael Heath-Davies who has been a Welsh Government-appointed Member of the Authority since 2017.
Cllr Clements said: “I am delighted to have been elected Chair of the Authority and will draw on my varied background as a resident, county councillor, farmer, tourism business owner and community volunteer to help promote the work of the Park Authority and uphold the purposes of the National Park.
“I would like to thank Cllr Harries for all his hard work over the past few years. Serving as Deputy Chair alongside him has provided me with invaluable experience that I will no doubt draw upon during my time in the Chair.
“Having successfully navigated through the past few turbulent years, I am confident that both the National Park and the Authority have bright futures ahead and look forward to working with my fellow Members and staff to deliver on the newly focused priorities of conservation, climate, connection and communities.”
Cllr Clements has for more than 30 years lived and worked on the family-run dairy farm, which includes redundant farm buildings that have been converted to provide visitor accommodation. She previously served as a First Milk Council Member and worked for local MP Simon Hart.
Cllr Clements, who has two adult children, has been a National Park Authority Member since she was elected to Pembrokeshire County Council in 2017, as is also a Board Member of Visit Pembrokeshire.
New Members attending a National Park Authority meeting for the first time having recently been appointed by Pembrokeshire County Council were: Cllr Rhys Jordan, Cllr Chris Williams, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Cllr Steve Alderman and Cllr Michele Higgins. Cllr Simon Hancock returns to the Authority, having held the role of Chairman during his previous period as a Member.
Charity
Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign
THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.
Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.
The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:
- Privates are private.
- Always remember your body belongs to you.
- No means no.
- Talk about secrets that upset you.
- Speak up; someone can help.
After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign
He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.
“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”
Community
Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.
Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.
The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.
Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.
Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.
For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.
Community
Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards
CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”
The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.
Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.
For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.
Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.
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