News
New Haverfordwest logo ’embarrassing’ and ‘a waste of money’
A NEW ‘brand’ and logo to “help promote and unite” Pembrokeshire’s county town has been called “embarrassing” and a waste of money.
The stylised new Haverfordwest branding features an H – representing the town’s castle – set in two circles with lines at the bottom representing the Cleddau River.
Pembrokeshire County Council has said: “Haverfordwest is enjoying a time of significant investment, which will bring attention and people to the town.
“This new visual brand identity toolkit has been created to help promote and unite Haverfordwest. It positions this great county town in its rightful place at the heart of Pembrokeshire.”
Accompanying the brand launch is a ‘toolkit’ for businesses and local projects, with logos, fonts and colours that are part of the identity branding.
A 24-page booklet of identity guidelines has also been produced, which shows both colour and monochrome versions of the logo, together with branded items like bags.
It reads: “In our research we were told that the ‘best’ things about Haverfordwest are (in order): the river, the central (Pembrokeshire) location, the castle, the friendly people, the independent shops, the history and heritage.
“We needed to find a way of weaving these together into an easy-to recognise identity that communicates ‘The Heart of Pembrokeshire’.
“The colour palette references Haverfordwest’s natural and built environment. The main colours are inspired by the river, the tiles unearthed from the Friarage excavations, and iconic buildings around town.
“We were inspired by Haverfordwest’s heritage to include a pattern that references Haverfordwest’s heritage – from the tiles uncovered during the excavations to Georgian hallways.”
Pembrokeshire County Council has previously said the cost has been met through grant funding elements of projects taking place, adding: “Haverfordwest has a rich history and an exciting future, with an extensive programme of regeneration work underway at several locations.
“The aim of the brand engagement has been to bring this all together.”
After the logo was shown on social media, support has been muted to say the least, with one person saying it looked like a hospital sign.
One respondent said: “That’s awful….kids in college could do better its embarrassing!”
Another said: “Very underwhelming to say the least! We need to put on more events so people can enjoy our town not spending stupid amounts of money on something that looks like a two-year-old created.”
Other comments included: “Nothing there that relates to the town, nothing of any interest to make you want to know more,” and “Waste of money plain and simply.”
Pembrokeshire County Council has been contacted for a statement.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Community
Cheesy names for Folly Farm’s five Humboldt Penguin Chicks
FOLLY FARM has announced the arrival of five new baby Humboldt penguin chicks—the first penguin chicks to hatch at the zoo since 2021!
Keepers have resumed breeding Humboldt penguins as part of a managed European Breeding Programme for the species, facilitated by their membership with the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). These chicks are the first to arrive at the zoo in three years!
Humboldt penguins are classified as a vulnerable species, facing numerous threats in the wild. Breeding had been on hold at Folly Farm, and the keepers are thrilled to be able to breed again.
The delightful new penguin chicks are growing rapidly and are snug in their nest boxes, cared for by both parents who alternate feeding duties while the other enjoys a swim in the pool. Chicks can double or even triple in weight every couple of days! In a few weeks, they will leave their nests and be taken by experienced keepers to their Penguin Nursery facility, where they will spend a few weeks learning to feed on whole fish and swim in their small ‘baby pool’, before graduating to the main pool with the rest of the colony.
The naming theme for this season is cheese, with the chicks being named Mozzarella, Camembert, Cheddar, Halloumi, and Gorgonzola. Who doesn’t love cheese?
Penguin Keeper and Assistant Zoo Manager Caz Davies shared her excitement: “We’re so excited to have chicks again. Each breeding season, keepers choose a catchy naming theme to easily identify the birds. Penguin chicks can’t be sexed until they’re a bit older and feather samples can be taken, so we’ll just have to wait for a gender reveal for now!”
‘Mozzarella’ was the first to hatch on 30 March to parents, ‘Magnum’ and ‘Feast’, followed by ‘Camembert’ on 2 April, whose parents are ‘Perci’ and ‘Puffy’. ‘Cheddar’ arrived soon after on 5 May to ‘Whippy’ and ‘Pippy’, and ‘Halloumi’ hatched on 10 May to first-time parents ‘Einstein’ and ‘Darwin’. ‘Gorgonzola’ is the youngest chick and hatched on 14 May to ‘Popple’ and ‘Pudding’.
Penguin Coast is currently home to 22 Humboldt and 14 Macaroni penguins. Guests won’t be able to see the newest arrivals quite yet—but keep watching Folly Farm’s website and social platforms for updates!
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
-
News7 days ago
Cyclist dies during annual charity ride to Tenby
-
Crime4 days ago
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
-
News3 days ago
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners
-
Crime3 days ago
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
-
News5 days ago
Sian Batchelor: Police issue new appeal for information
-
Community5 days ago
Work to begin on Pembrokeshire’s ‘treacherous’ stretch of road
-
Crime2 days ago
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest