News

Archaeological excavations fail to uncover medieval priory at Cardigan Hospital site

Published

3 years ago

July 14, 2023

RECENT archaeological investigations conducted on the grounds of the former Cardigan Hospital have yielded disappointing results, offering limited insights into the possible location of a medieval priory that once stood there. Experts now fear that extensive redevelopment over the centuries has likely obliterated any significant remains from the medieval era.

The excavations, carried out along the northern edge of the site, were part of Phase 1 of the planning conditions imposed by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust. The dig was necessitated by earlier findings that hinted at the presence of a medieval roadside settlement in the area. The subsequent excavation work was initiated in anticipation of the proposed redevelopment of the site by Wales and West Housing.

Although fragments of medieval pottery and jug handles were uncovered during the excavation, EDP heritage planning consultant, Rob Skinner, acknowledged the lack of noteworthy discoveries. “We’ve found some pieces of medieval pottery and some jug handles, but unfortunately, in addition to these, nothing particularly exciting has been found,” remarked Skinner.

The overall condition of the site, heavily disturbed and altered over the centuries, posed a significant challenge to the archaeological team. Large portions of land had been excavated and filled with rubble and other materials during subsequent developmental phases. Consequently, the disrupted state of the site has hindered the retrieval of a coherent archaeological record.

Skinner further explained, “Over the centuries, the site has been developed and changed in so many different directions, with the result that the archaeological picture has been severely disturbed. This means that the majority of what’s been found dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, with very little dating before.”

These findings suggest that the priory may have occupied the exact location where remnants of a 17th-century house still stand today. Consequently, the archaeological team is beginning to believe that the priory’s remains may never be unearthed. “If this is the case, it means that the remains of the priory will never be found,” added Mr. Skinner with a hint of disappointment.

While the first phase of excavations concluded in May, the Dyfed Archaeological Trust plans to commence the second phase later this year. The upcoming dig will shift focus to the western side of the site, closer to the church, in the hopes of uncovering additional historical artifacts and shedding further light on the site’s past.

In the midst of these archaeological developments, Wales and West Housing has confirmed that a press statement will be issued later this summer, as they have encountered “some issues” during the development process. The housing developers had initially aimed for the opening of their new 34 eco-friendly apartments by the summer of 2023. However, they announced last year that construction would be delayed until this summer, attributing the setback to challenges related to the availability of materials and labor in the construction sector.

As excavations continue and the fate of the priory remains elusive, the archaeological team remains committed to unraveling the mysteries of the former Cardigan Hospital site.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.