Community

Community take-over of local shop inspires Senedd member

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

THE STORY of how a small Pembrokeshire town clubbed together to save a community shop has inspired one Senedd Member to visit to hear more about how the enterprise works.

Eluned Morgan called by to meet with directors and volunteers to hear about the scale of the task and their ambitious plans for the future.

Last year, a fundraising scheme supported by Cris Tomos of PLANED, finally raised enough cash to purchase Harvard’s hardware store which has traded on Newport’s East Street since 1840.

The project has received international attention, with a German TV crew the latest in a series of media outlets keen to hear how Newport has taken a stand to preserving a local asset against the backdrop of second home ownership, an aging population and online sales and next day delivery.

Eluned said: “Especially in our villages and towns, small shops have and continue to play an important role in the fabric of local life and contribute positively to the wellbeing of our communities.

“Harvard’s community hardware store is a great example of how community action and the share scheme is inspiring other communities to purchase other local assets, like pubs which can also be a focal point where little other social space exists.”

“We know that by shopping locally, the pound in our pocket works harder by supporting local jobs and strengthening the local economy. I wish Harvard’s every success for the future, with continued support, this community owned business will go from strength to strength and act as a beacon to others in these difficult economic times.”

Cris Tomos the Community Assets Coordinator at PLANED who is also a committee member with Siop Harvard’s noted: “ t has been a great team effort to raise the money to ensure that Harvard’s hardware store remains open, there was a real threat that the doors would shut and all the stock and fixtures sold, with another empty retail space disappearing.”

“The community shares model has worked really well and the business plan outlines that community investors will receive an annual 3% dividend with a planned tax relief of 30% being claimed by qualifying investors in year one.”

Chris Morgan the company secretary confirmed “We have raised over £450,000 from investors near and far. Keeping the shop open was the major driver to ensure that future generations can enjoy the experience of a local community run ironmongers shop.

“We are told that this is the first community owned hardware shop in the whole of the UK and it is a tribute to the local people of Newport for ensuring this important asset has been saved from closure.”

Photo: (indoors) Pictured are (L-R) Jane Thomas, Chris Morgan, Ros McGarry, John Harries, Cris Tomos and Eluned Morgan MS.

Community

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard teams called to Dinas Island near Pwllgwaelod

A WOMAN was stretchered from the coast path near Pwllgwaelod after suffering an ankle injury.

HM Coastguard Fishguard was tasked at 5:22pm on Friday, June 27, alongside HM Coastguard Teifi, to assist the casualty on Dinas Island.

The teams attended the scene near Hendre Farm Campsite and Cottages and, with help from the landowner, were able to quickly locate the injured woman.

Her injured limb was immobilised before she was carried by stretcher to her nearby car, where family members were able to take her on to hospital.

Fishguard Coastguard thanked the landowner for their help.

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

8 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”

Community

Thousands line Cardigan streets for Lord Rhys homecoming parade

Published

8 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets and quayside in Cardigan on Saturday as the town marked 850 years since Lord Rhys held the first recorded Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle.

The spectacular procession formed the finale of the Journey of Lord Rhys, a week-long celebration which has travelled across west Wales before returning to Cardigan, where the story began in 1176.

***Five-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys in the streets of Cardigan (Pic: Steve Greenhalgh)***

At the centre of the event was a 5-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys, created as part of the Carreg Filltir Las project to celebrate the origins of the National Eisteddfod.

***Thousands of people in Cardigan outside the castle for the celebration (Pic: Eisteddfod)***

Crowds gathered around the castle, quayside and town centre as music, performance and pageantry brought the story of the first Eisteddfod back to life.

One of the most striking moments saw George, one of the Gentle Giants Shire Horses, given the honour of carrying this year’s Eisteddfod Chair to Cardigan Castle, 850 years after chairs were first awarded there for poetry and music.

VIDE:O FACEBOOK/Steve Greenhalgh

The first recorded Eisteddfod was hosted by Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd at Cardigan Castle in 1176, with poets and musicians competing in what is widely regarded as the foundation of the modern Eisteddfod tradition.

VIDEO: FACEBOOK/Gentle Giants Shire Horses

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held at Llantood from August 1 to 8. The location is less than four miles from Cardigan Castle, creating a direct link between the first recorded gathering and the modern festival.

VIDEO: SOLO CLOTHING/FACEBOOK

The Eisteddfod has described the anniversary as a chance to celebrate 850 years of tradition while inspiring new audiences across Wales.

Saturday’s homecoming brought that history into the streets of Cardigan, with families, visitors and local residents turning out in large numbers for one of the most significant cultural moments in the town’s recent history.