News

Crabb calls on Secretary of State for Wales to back local Community Ownership Fund bids

Published

3 years ago

June 16, 2023

PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has called on David TC Davies, Secretary of State for Wales, to throw his support behind two bids that have been submitted for the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund from Crymych and Hayscastle.

The £150m Community Ownership Fund helps communities across the UK to take ownership of assets at risk of closure. The Community Ownership Fund helps to ensure that important parts of the social fabric, such as pubs, sports clubs, theatres and post office buildings can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across the UK. It has already awarded £23.9 million to 98 projects across the UK including Haver Hub in Haverfordwest and Havards Store in Newport.

Bids from Preseli Pembrokeshire that have been backed by Stephen Crabb have come from Y Cross Caslai Community Benefit Society Ltd and the CPD Crymych Cyf for Round 2 window 3 of the Community Ownership Fund. Stephen has had meetings with both committees and was in Crymych on Thursday 15th June to speak to those behind the bid put forward by Crymych Football Club.

As the bidding window has now closed and the bids are currently being assessed, Stephen has written to David TC Davies to ask for his support for the projects which will have a positive impact on two important rural communities.

The bid by the CPD Crymych Cyf (Crymych Football Club Ltd.) based in the village of Crymych, aims to develop sporting and wellbeing activities in the area and to secure and safeguard the future of Tafarn Crymych Arms in Crymych, North Pembrokeshire. The Crymych Arms is the last remaining pub in the village, a venue for people to come together to eat, drink and meet on an informal, social level. As an area with a higher than average number of older people, many of whom live alone, Crymych has a need for further social facilities to support members of the community, especially the most vulnerable and at risk of social isolation.

Y Cross Caslai Community Benefit Society Ltd based in the village of Hayscastle Cross are seeking to purchase the local public house, Y Cross, to ensure that this this vital community amenity remains open. The rural community of Hayscastle Cross and surrounding area has few services for local people, and I support the bid from Y Cross Caslai Community Benefit Society Ltd which will not only retain an important village asset but also promote community cohesion with a focus on a sense of place and societal well-being.

In his letter Stephen stated,

“I would like to encourage you to back these two worthwhile Community Ownership Fund projects in Preseli Pembrokeshire, as I know that you share my belief that the essence of Levelling Up is captured in the enabling of communities to retain, reimagine and regenerate key community assets to help them to flourish.”

Cris Tomos, said” The Community Ownership Fund is an important element of our planning to finalise the purchase of Tafarn Crymych Arms and to reopen it for the benefit of the community. It will be a community hub for the village and allow the local football club to have a base.” Cris added “initiatives such as the Community Ownership Fund provide a vital matchfing grant element to allow local people to retain important community assets such as shops and pubs that would otherwise close for good and impact on local residents. We thank our MP Stephen Crabb for his support with our application.”

The MP has already written in support of the bids directly with the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Minister for Levelling Up, and the outcomes of the bid will be determined by the summer.

Photo Caption – Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire pictured with members of the committee from CPD Crymych Cyf. The group leading on the UK Community Ownership Fund bid from Crymych.

Crime

New pilot offers dedicated advocates for trafficking survivors

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

National scheme aims to support hundreds of victims of modern slavery across the UK

MORE than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery are set to receive dedicated support through a new national pilot scheme providing accredited, independent advocates.

The initiative will see specially trained professionals working directly alongside survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, helping them navigate complex legal, social, and recovery processes.

While survivors of crimes such as domestic and sexual abuse already have access to specialist advocacy, no equivalent provision previously existed for victims of modern slavery—despite the often severe and long-term trauma they experience.

Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) will be deployed across the UK. Each advocate will complete a postgraduate qualification and receive support from a central hub hosted by anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said the pilot aims to tackle inequalities in support: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK.

“There are many organisations already doing incredible work, but by working together and setting new standards, we can give survivors the best possible chance of rebuilding their lives.”

The scheme is backed by a £1 million National Lottery grant and involves several organisations, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project.

Since the pilot began six months ago, advocates have already supported 121 survivors, helping to secure housing, legal recognition, and access to vital services.

Key outcomes so far include:

Ten survivors provided with safe and secure housing
Seventeen Home Office decisions successfully challenged, granting victims access to support
Humanitarian protection secured for a young adult survivor

Advocates have also helped individuals access healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, and secure immigration status.

One survivor described the support as “life changing” after escaping a trafficker. In a letter to her advocate, she said: “You have fought our corner tirelessly when I did not have the strength. You stood beside us every step of the way.

“You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again.”

The IMSA role aligns with international guidance on independent advocacy and has been shaped by experts and those with lived experience.

Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “This pilot is a step towards a world without slavery. We are proud to be part of something that will improve outcomes and change futures.”

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, added: “We know the value of long-term support in recovery. This partnership allows us to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

Organisations wishing to join the final phase of the pilot have until May 2026 to apply.

Further information is available at www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

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.

Business

Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition

Published

1 hour ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.

The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.

The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Grace, Levi and Bethan, full-time spa therapists at the award-winning Wolfscastle Spa.
Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.

The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.

Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.

Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.

“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”

The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.

Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.

For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.

The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.