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

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

11 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.