Community

Community achieves major milestone to safeguard their beloved pub

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

IN a remarkable display of determination, a group of impassioned volunteers from the local community has brought the Cross Inn, the sole pub in Hayscastle Cross, on the cusp of salvation as it teetered on the edge of closure. The community-led initiative, driven by a shared resolve to preserve their cherished establishment, has surpassed their minimum target of £200,000 shares sold, marking an extraordinary triumph for the residents of this tight-knit locality.

The Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd. (the Society), the driving force behind this ambitious endeavor, has left no stone unturned in their quest to unite everyone under the common ownership of the pub. Alongside the successful share offering, the Society organized an array of events, from a spirited community auction and a bustling car wash to convivial coffee mornings, an epic tractor run, lively bingo and tippit evenings, engaging raffles, and even roping in the assistance of a local Dalek.

As the current owners, Wayne and Angela Phillips, prepare to bid farewell to the pub and explore new horizons, the establishment is slated to cease trading at the end of July this year. However, the Society has set its sights on acquiring the pub, giving it a much-needed facelift, and promptly reopening its doors with a fresh and revitalized ambiance.

Society Chairman Geraint Evans expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “We are immensely thrilled to have received the unwavering support of our friends, families, local residents, and numerous businesses, including the current owners, who have all displayed remarkable goodwill and backing throughout this endeavor.”

Evans further elaborated, “Our ambition has captured the imagination of the entire community, and despite the considerable challenges, we are relishing the journey because of its significance, and above all, because we are collectively making it happen. Our vision entails creating a welcoming and vibrant village pub that doubles as a community hub. With the profits generated from the pub, we intend to restore some of the essential services that the community desperately needs, having already lost two garages, a shop, a Post Office, and the local school.”

Even the Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has joined the cause, lending his support. In a letter addressed to the Rt Hon. Michael Gove, Crabb highlighted the shared values between Y Cross Cas-lai Benefit Society Ltd. and the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, which aims to “safeguard the small, but much-loved local assets on which we cannot put a price.” He continued, stating, “I endorse the bid from Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd., which will not only retain an important village asset but also foster community cohesion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of place and societal well-being.”

For those interested in investing in Y Cross Cas-lai and contributing to their ambitious goals, there is a limited window of opportunity, as the deadline for share applications is the 21st of May 2023. The share offer has been extended for a brief period to allow existing investors to augment their contributions and welcome new investors who are eager to partake in this remarkable project.

To obtain further information and play a role in propelling the Y Cross Cas-lai team across the finish line in style, please visit http://ycrossinn.cymru/how-to-invest/ to learn more about purchasing shares. Together, let us ensure the triumph of this community-led initiative, securing the future of the cherished Cross Inn for generations to come.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

11 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.