News

Meditational huts at internationally-renowned Christian centre approved

Published

3 years ago

April 4, 2023

PLANS for ‘shepherd’ and ‘hermit’ huts at an internationally-renowned Christian retreat in Pembrokeshire have been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

An application for five ‘hermit’ huts and one ‘shepherd’ hut at Ffald y Brenin Christian Retreat Centre and House of Prayer in the Gwaun Valley, near Fishguard, was submitted by Mr C Orchard.

All huts at the former hilltop farm are intended for use as meditational quiet spaces and are not intended to provide overnight accommodation, a report for planners stated, adding that the ‘hermit’ huts would be recessed into the hillside onsite.

The application statement by agent David Davis, of Dai2a Ltd said: “Ffald y Brenin, in the Gwaun Valley, is a Christian Retreat Centre and House of Prayer that was established in 1985 and has grown It added: to become well-known globally.”

“Over the years, Ffald y Brenin has brought welcome income to the area through its day visitors who stay locally when the Centre is full, as well as through conferences and other events held nearby, which use local guest houses and eating places. Twelve people are also employed locally by the Trust.

“Ffald y Brenin is now entering a new phase. Under new leadership, and despite the setbacks from the Covid lockdown, they want to re-emphasise the elements with which the charity was founded: restoration of the soul, community and prayer.

“The publicity that came with two books telling Ffald y Brenin’s story (The Grace Outpouring and The Way of Blessing) meant the site was sometimes overcrowded with day visitors, often traveling from abroad, interrupting the intended tranquillity of the environment.”

The application added: “The review of the original vision highlighted a need to provide several quiet spaces away from daily retreat activities and the comings and goings of day visitors. It is desirable for some of these to be in close proximity to the day facilities whilst still maintaining a degree of separation and privacy.

“These spaces can be simple, providing shelter from the elements and with a basic level of comfort, but they should not provide accommodation for overnight stays.”

A national park report for its planners said: “The proposed scheme is considered to be acceptable in terms of siting, scale, form, use and design. The development will conserve and enhance the special qualities of the National Park.”

The application was granted conditional approval.

Low key: An example of what the hermit huts may look like

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

10 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.