Community
Community achieves major milestone to safeguard their beloved pub
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.
A FAMILY has been left with nothing after a devastating house fire tore through their home in Tregunnor on Monday (Apr 7).
The blaze destroyed everything inside the house, leaving the homeowner, his children, and their family dog with only the clothes on their backs. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the emotional impact of losing their home and belongings has been described as “immeasurable.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been launched by the homeowner’s nephew, Kian Evans, in an effort to help the family rebuild their lives. The fundraiser, titled “Tregunnor House Fire,” has so far raised £40 from two donors, with hopes that more support will follow.
Mr Evans praised the emergency services for their swift response and thanked the local community for their messages of support and solidarity.
He wrote: “They have lost everything, from furniture to cherished memories. The goal is to help them get back on their feet after such a traumatic experience. Every little helps.”
The family now face the daunting task of starting over, but thanks to the generosity of those around them, they are not facing it alone.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/tregunnor-house-fire
Photo caption:
The fire which destroyed a family home in Tregunnor (Pic: Herald).
PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIORS IMPRESS IN CARMARTHEN FIXTURE
PEMBROKESHIRE JUNIOR CHESS CLUB travelled to Carmarthen on Monday (April 7) for a friendly fixture against their slightly older, but less experienced, counterparts. The match marked Carmarthen’s first official game.
Thanks to Peter Evans for organising the event, which saw 20 young players competing in a friendly but competitive atmosphere. A terrific evening of chess followed, with players mixing and matching across boards, ensuring each had at least two games—some even playing three or four.
The result of the first match was a tightly contested draw, finishing 5-5.
Standout players on both sides
For Pembrokeshire, standout performances came from:
- Suki, with 3 wins
- Huw, with 2 wins
- Joe, with 1 win and a draw
For Carmarthen, Matthew, William, and Eric stood out with impressive performances.
A return fixture in Pembrokeshire is already being planned before the season concludes. The club also hopes to arrange additional matches against Redhill Prep School and Castell Nedd Chess Club on May 29.
Strong performances in Redhill Festival
Ten Pembrokeshire players also took part in the Redhill Primary School Festival over the weekend, all performing with distinction. Special mention goes to Joe and Harry, who both won their first four rounds and competed in the final—Joe winning Gold, and Harry securing Silver.
Coach Martin Jones said he has been delighted with the progress made by all players this season, including the club’s younger and less experienced members, who are also showing great promise.
Martin also recently competed in the Bristol Chess Congress, where he took first place in his section out of 62 entrants.
“It’s great to see chess flourishing in Pembrokeshire,” he said.
Pembrokeshire Team (in board order)
- Barnaby Hinman – Ysgol Preseli
- Joe Othen – Home Schooled
- Harry Harling – Cosheston VC School
- Huw Holliday – Redhill Prep
- Sebastian Kummer – Neyland Community School
- Jude Taylor – St Mark’s VA School
- Henry Malone – Redhill High
- Suki-Rose Heulwen – Ysgol Bro Penfro
- Emily Thomas-Ward – Redhill Prep
- Carys Callan – Redhill Prep
Photos:
- Pembrokeshire Team
- Combined Pembrokeshire & Carmarthen Teams
FOUR original paintings of Sunderland flying boats have been donated to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre by one of its leading supporters, Welsh aviation and military artist John Wynne Hopkins.
John, who lives in Llanelli, has also gifted several large prints and a collection of greetings cards, all depicting iconic images of the Sunderland aircraft.
“I have followed the excellent progress of the Heritage Trust over many years and I am so pleased that my art can support them,” said John. “The Sunderland is a favourite subject of mine and its long connections with Pembroke Dock have provided me with many topics to paint. I shall certainly continue this.”
The Heritage Centre already displays one of John’s earlier works — a dramatic World War I battlefield scene created in 2018 for its trench exhibit. The painting is featured in the original entrance of the Centre, housed in the former Royal Dockyard Chapel.
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
Boy shut himself in to avoid assembly A CLASSROOM assistant used a 20p coin to unlock a toilet cubicle and...
Haverfordwest man remanded over strangulation charge
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after denying a string of serious domestic abuse allegations, including the intentional...
Port issues urgent statement following Milford Haven laser incident
THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has issued an urgent public statement about the serious risks and legal consequences associated with...
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared in court accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandad. Tommy...
Baby number two on the way for critically endangered rhino at Folly Farm
PREGNANCY is always a reason to celebrate, but when it involves a critically endangered species like the Eastern black rhino,...
Floating wind farm boom could bring jobs bonanza to Pembrokeshire
Milford Haven among ports shortlisted for turbine assembly as £1.4bn Celtic Sea energy project nears final stage PEMBROKE PORT in...
Carmarthenshire kidnap victim speaks out: ‘I thought I was going to die’
THE MUSIC producer lured to West Wales and brutally assaulted in a staged kidnap plot has spoken publicly for the...
Welsh pensioners to receive state pension increase amidst mixed reactions
STARTING this month, over 600,000 pensioners across Wales will see their State Pensions rise by up to £470 annually, following...
Spot checks uncover taxi issues in Milford Haven and Neyland
Six suspensions, untaxed vehicle and missing badges found SPOT checks on taxis and private hire vehicles in Milford Haven, Neyland...
Fire chief praises crews for response to grass fires
Over 250 incidents tackled during dry spell THE CHIEF Fire Officer of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service...
-
Crime4 days agoHakin drug dealer caught twice in two counties
-
News7 days agoWales faces deepening housing crisis as new figures show drop in home building
-
Charity7 days agoRoyal visit celebrates Pembrokeshire charity’s community impact
-
Crime6 days agoFined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco
-
Crime7 days ago
Pembroke woman sentenced for drug possession and assault on PC
-
News6 days agoPembroke Dock boy walks out with Spurs captain at Stamford Bridge
-
Crime7 days agoPembroke man denies cocaine drug-driving charge
-
News2 days agoMotorcyclist airlifted with serious injuries after A40 roundabout crash