Community

Hopes revived to restore one of Pembrokeshire’s most prestigious architectural assets

Published

3 years ago

February 21, 2023

PLANS are underway to reinstate one of the county’s most prestigious architectural assets following Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision to propose a Community Asset Transfer at Foley House and it’s adjoining cottage in Goat Street, Haverfordwest.

The property dates back to 1790 when it was designed and built by leading Georgian architect John Nash, who was the architect of both Buckingham Palace and Regent Street .

It was built for the Foley family who were great friends with Admiral Lord Nelson who stayed there with Emma Hamilton in 1802 when he made a public address to the town’s inhabitants from the balcony. The speech was to mark Thomas Foley being granted the Freedom of the Borough of Haverfordwest.

From 1914 the property was owned by the George family who were wine and spirit merchants in Market Street and in 1947 it was sold to Pembrokeshire County Council to be used as a town museum. This failed to transpire, and the house was subsequently used as an annexe for Taskers School before being used as offices by the magistrates’ court.

The Grade II* listed property has remained unoccupied for almost 20 years and, according to architectural surveys that were carried out by Donald Insall Associates, has suffered from numerous ‘unauthorised alterations’.

It is understood that the Welsh Georgian Trust and its professional team worked hard to develop detailed plans to rectify and restore the property. The Trust’s aim was to complete the works by 2019, however subsequent delays by the discovery of bats in the attic resulted in the project being discarded.

Now, as a result of the Welsh Government White Paper entitled ‘Reforming Local Government: Power to Local People’, Pembrokeshire County Council is inviting applications from charitable or third party ‘not-for-profit’ organisations that will use the building to benefit the community.

The news has been warmly welcomed by leading Pembrokeshire historian and the curator of Haverfordwest Town Museum, Dr Simon Hancock.

“Foley House is one of the most significant buildings in Haverfordwest, certainly from the eighteenth century,” he told The Herald.

“Naturally, the two-storey villa with its fine classical facade is in real need of restoration as I believe it has lain unoccupied since 2002 when the last tenants left the building.

“I know that Pembrokeshire County Council has been seeking an appropriate solution to repair and restore it and I very much hope that the town will now see the building restored to its former glory.

“With significant funding, taste and benefitting from expert advice that really can be achieved.’

The closing date for all business plan applications is March 24, 2023.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

55 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.