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Island fort project deserves support

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St_Catherine's_Fort_Front,_Tenby_From_On_The_IslandA special Pembrokeshire Herald report by Dennis O’Connor
SINCE becoming uninhabited in the late 1970’s, the corridors of one of South Pembrokeshire’s most iconic buildings are now once again beginning to echo with the ambitious sound of change.
Cutting through the red tape in order to progress plans to re-develop the fort at St. Catherine’s Island, located just off the foreshore at Tenby, is painfully slow but the Island project manager Pete Prosser remains hopeful that approval will be granted so that work may finally begin to open what would undoubtedly be a highly popular tourist attraction.
Built in 1870, the fort was constructed to repel foreign invaders, but its guns were not installed until 1886. It later became a private house before an anti-aircraft battery was installed at the front of the island during World War Two. Much later it became the unusual location of a zoo before the island was vacated in the seventies. It is the rich early history of the fort that the developer wants to once again bring to life.
After the breath-taking trek along the island, the vast granite and limestone fort is hugely impressive when viewed from the approach to the drawbridge. As you enter the building, senses are flooded with the history of the long narrow corridors and beautifully designed vaulted ceilings of the rooms. The tracks on-which the cannons moved are still visible and the significance of the positioning of gun slots throughout the fort provide rare snapshots of the town. Even in darkened recesses there is a real sense of safety within the old building.
Since becoming vacant, the fort has been plagued by trespassers, some of whom have accelerated the decay of this wonderful building by their selfishness. As a result, some rooms are in a pretty sorry state. However, despite this and being open the elements, the building remains defiant to these intrusions and progress can be made through the warren of corridors which reveal the sheer scale of the building. After climbing the steps which lead out to the top of the fort the natural instinct is to head for the nearest vantage point to take in the stunning views of nearby Caldey Island and the mainland and the views are truly magnificent.
Public access to the five-acre island and fort is strictly prohibited and it is not difficult to see why. After years of neglect and decay the area is not fully safe so this is the predominant issue which is being addressed by Pete Prosser and his team. They are dependent upon low tides and muscle power to transport equipment to the island and this means having to work a full shift whilst being cut off from the mainland but spirits are high and there is almost a tangible sense of excitement now that safety work is underway.
When full permission for the project is finally granted, visitors can look forward to an interactive experience which will bring the varied history of the fort to life through its themed rooms and characters.
Children will be able to explore the fort’s tunnels in safety while parents and grandparents enjoy the sense of history. There is even a plan for one room on the lower floor to be fitted with underwater camera controls to that unique access is given to the marine life around the island.
Over years, many people would have gazed at St Catherine’s Fort and would have longed to know what it would be like to see inside the garrisoned walls, so when the rare window of opportunity opened to meet Pete and his team on the island for a personal tour, it was the realisation of a little boy’s dream that has been many years in the making.
However, not everyone is happy with the proposal to save the building from total decay. If the plans were not sympathetic to the fort or its history then that would be understandable, but any opposition to the idea of preserving such an iconic historical monument should be viewed cautiously by the people of Pembrokeshire who also deserve to have the opportunity to be able to have their childhood dreams realised.

Community

Help shape flood prevention plans in Pembrokeshire

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PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is seeking public feedback on how it manages flood risk across the County.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires Local Authorities to publish their local flood risk management strategy and flood risk management plans and request feedback from local residents.

A public consultation will help identify local knowledge about flood-prone areas, historical flooding events, and community-specific vulnerabilities.

Local residents and stakeholders can often possess unique insights about their areas that can contribute to the development of an effective flood strategy.

The consultation will allow the public to understand the rationale behind proposed measures, the potential impacts, and the overall strategy.

It will also provide information regarding flood protection measures, early warning systems, emergency response plans, and evacuation procedures.

By increasing public awareness, communities become better prepared and more resilient to floods.

More details of the consultation is available online.

You can give your views by completing the online response form.

If you would like a paper copy please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or email [email protected]

Please complete the survey by Monday 17th March.

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Community

Harry to represent Wales in the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef Grand Final

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A YOUNG Welsh chef has taken the first step towards winning a three day stage with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan.

Harry Howell, a first year Level 1 professional cookery student at Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthen, won the Welsh national heat of the Riso Gallo UK and Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year Competition.

The heat took place at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) held at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport.

Harry, who works at Ashburnham Hotel, Pembrey, cooked a wild mushroom risotto with crisp parmesan and truffle.

One of three gold medallists in the Wales heat, Harry will now go through to the UK and Ireland grand final at Tottenham Hotspur ‘H’ Club in London on June 2.

In addition to the three day stage, the overall winner will tour the Riso Gallo Rice Mill in Italy and experience a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.

Second prize is a three day stage at The Italian Embassy in London with a selection of excellent rice and oils from Riso Gallo and Filippo Berio and stocks and glacés from Essential Cuisine.

The judging panel is chaired by renowned consultant chef Paul Gayler, MBE. Competitors must be aged between 17 and 23 and in full time education.

Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer Daniel Williams said: “Harry is a very keen, dedicated and driven young chef who was very calm and collected in his first competition. The sky’s the limit for him if he continues on this path and he’s happy to travel to gain experience.

“The Riso Gallo competition was an amazing opportunity for him to receive feedback from chefs from the Culinary Association of Wales. The Welsh International Culinary Championships opens the eyes of young chefs that the horizon is huge.”

The Welsh national heat was held over three days at the WICC and the high standard of dishes was praised by Domenico Maggi, from the Federation of Italian Cooks and a former Worldchefs continental director of South Europe.

He told Harry and two other gold medallists that their risotto had been cooked perfectly with flavour and balance. He encouraged all the Welsh young chefs to continue to cook with passion.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “We are delighted that we have once again found an amazing young chef who has the potential to do Wales proud in the UK final later this year.

“I look forward to attending the final and, hopefully, Wales will for the first time bring home the title following on from winning the runner up spot in 2024.”

Wales representative Oliver Lacey from Lledrod, Ceredigion was runner up last year.

Picture caption:

Harry Howell receives his award from Colin Gray and Arwyn Watkins, OBE from the Culinary Association of Wales and Domenico Maggi.

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Community

Milford Haven family appeals for help as eight-year-old battles cancer

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A MILFORD HAVEN family is seeking community support after receiving devastating news that their eight-year-old daughter, Darcie, has been diagnosed with cancer. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by family friend Stacey Roberts to help parents Andrew and Laura Duncan cover travel expenses for Darcie’s treatment in Cardiff, ensuring they can stay by her side while managing responsibilities at home.

The fundraiser, which has already raised over £2,300 from 70 donations, aims to alleviate the financial burden of frequent hospital visits. One of the largest contributions so far, £1,000, came from Lincolnshire Competitions, while Stacey Roberts herself made the first donation of £20.

In her heartfelt appeal, Stacey said: “I am absolutely gutted to be writing this but it is with great sadness that I am about to inform you all that two very close friends to me have been given the heart-wrenching news that their eight-year-old daughter, the beautiful little Darcie, has been unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. Please guys, let’s raise enough money to help this loving family out.”

The GoFundMe page continues to accept donations, with community members rallying around the Duncan family during this difficult time.

To donate and support the family, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-raise-funds-to-help-this-family-with-travel-cost

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