Community

Heritage group stumble on hidden gems

Published

12 years ago

August 18, 2014

A PROJECT in Llangwm which received support from Heritage Lottery Fund has uncovered some interesting discoveries.

The lottery grant was awarded the Heritage Llangwm Group to produce plans and to cost out essential repair works to Llangwm’s medieval church. The grant also enabled the Group to undertake first stage research into the 12th century Fleming settlements of South Pembrokeshire, the Flemish noble family that were Llangwm’s first Lords of the Manor, and to identify sites where community driven archaeological digs might bear fruit. “Much of the last five months has been a costing and a searching exercise,” said Pam Hunt, Chair of the Heritage Llangwm Group.

“But we have stumbled unexpectedly on some hidden gems. Very little has been recorded about the early Flemish settlers sent here from England by Henry 1, so in addition to searching out information here in the UK, we also called on help from medieval specialist institutions in Flanders. “This approach has helped us to start to understand the lifestyles and culture of these early settlers. History books barely acknowledge them, describing them as barbarians who quickly integrated with the Anglo Normans. Well, we’ve found that isn’t exactly the case.”

The group has discovered from the writings of Lucas d’Heere, a Flemish traveller of the late 16th century, that there were still parts of Pembrokeshire where people continued to speak Flemish. “That is over 400 years after they arrived here,” said Pam. “We cannot know exactly where in the county they were still speaking their mother tongue, but places like Llangwm were fairly inaccessible five or six hundred years ago unless one came and went by boat. I think that is a perfect reason for a community not to adopt another language.” Should the proposals be successful, archaeology will provide an opportunity for the people of Llangwm to literally dig into their past. “We really didn’t know what we should be looking for or what we could find,” said Liz Rawlings, who will lead the community archaeological explorations next year.

“There was very little information available. But our Flanders contacts suggest that the discovery of fine medieval pottery fragments would be helpful.” There are plans for all this research to be correlated into an exhibition which will be located in the north transept of the church, the highlight of which will be a tapestry depicting images that outline the story of the village’s medieval past. “But it is to be a tapestry with a significant difference,” said Pam. “Each image in our tapestry will talk to smart phones and tablet devices to give the user a much better insight into Llangwm’s medieval past. And it will be in three languages, English, Welsh and Flemish.”

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Community

Fire tears through Carmarthenshire property as police launch appeal

Published

9 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents evacuated after early morning blaze on Lady Street, Kidwelly

A MAJOR emergency response was launched in Kidwelly in the early hours of Tuesday (Mar 24) after a fire broke out at a three-storey terraced property on Lady Street.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the scene at 4:06am, with multiple appliances attending from Kidwelly, Pontiets, Llanelli, Morriston, Tumble, Carmarthen and Port Talbot.

The fire was located on the third floor of the building, with dramatic scenes as flames could be seen through an upstairs window while firefighters worked from ladders and an aerial platform to bring the blaze under control.

Eight breathing apparatus sets were deployed, alongside two hose reel jets, two 45mm hoses, thermal imaging cameras and other specialist equipment. Additional support came from water bowser units and an aerial ladder platform from Morriston.

Several neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution, while other residents were advised to remain indoors during the incident.

Crews remained at the scene for several hours, finally leaving at 1:45pm after ensuring the fire was fully extinguished and surrounding buildings were safe. Firefighters also carried out reassurance visits, offering safety advice to nearby residents.

Lady Street remains closed, with access to a number of properties still restricted due to safety concerns.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed the cause of the fire is currently being treated as unexplained and have launched an appeal for information.

A spokesperson said anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage between 11:00pm on Monday (Mar 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (Mar 24) should come forward.

Information can be reported online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 027 of March 24.

Community

Major milestone reached in £8.3m Tenby station upgrade

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PASSENGERS at Tenby railway station are set to benefit from step-free access as a major £8.3 million upgrade moves into its next phase.

Network Rail, working with contractor AmcoGiffen, is delivering the scheme as part of the UK Government’s Access for All programme. The project will introduce a new footbridge with lifts, providing full step-free access between both platforms.

***The old bridge removal in March 2026 (Image: Supplied)***

Bridge removed as work progresses

Earlier this month, engineers removed the station’s existing footbridge using 220-tonne and 60-tonne cranes. A temporary walkway has now been installed to allow passengers to continue moving between platforms while construction continues.

The milestone was marked by a visit from local schoolchildren, who were given the chance to watch the crane operation and learn more about careers in engineering.

Complex infrastructure work underway

Behind the scenes, teams have carried out significant work to relocate and recommission signalling and telecommunications equipment. New ducting has also been installed, and cabling rerouted to support the upgraded infrastructure.

Work will continue over the coming months, with the new accessible bridge and lifts expected to be completed in autumn 2026.

**School children recently visited the train station to check on progress of the works (Image: Supplied)**

Improving access for all

The Tenby project forms part of a wider national programme to improve accessibility across the rail network. Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All scheme has upgraded more than 200 stations across Britain.

Theo Smith, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “This is an important milestone for Tenby and the local community, bringing us closer to a station that everyone can use with confidence.

“We’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience as we continue these major improvements.”

James Gough, Customer Operations Director at Transport for Wales added: “It’s great to see real progress being made at Tenby. This investment will make a lasting difference for both local people and visitors.”