Community

Death of the book shop in Pembrokeshire?

Published

7 years ago

August 29, 2014

It is no secret that independent bookshops have long been under threat. In 2012 Amazon announced that e books had overtaken the sales of print books on their website.

Take a walk down your local high street and it is difficult not to find an empty building that used to be a book shop. Or a bookshop you never realised was there because you choose to buy your literature elsewhere because it’s cheaper or more convenience. In the last few years several independent Bookshops in Pembrokeshire have closed, those left belonging to chains such as WHsmith and Waterstones. Bethan Davies is book buyer for Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest and claims although sales have decreased, people recognise ‘if they don’t use us they will lose us.’ Marley Davies purchased the bookshop in 1981 at 5 Victoria Place, the birthplace of Pembrokeshire artist Augustus John. Augustus’s father was a stationer and bookseller but it is unknown if there’s a link between the family and early history of the shop which dates back to around 1891. In 1996 it moved to its current location in Bridge Street. Today the shop stocks ‘any local interest/author and any book that customers would like to see on our shelves. Our main aim is customer interaction that you don’t get online. We all recommend books that we have read and we also offer a loyalty scheme.’ They have a website through hive which supports local businesses by ensuring money from online sales goes back to the bookshops. Here customers can find information and order books online. There is also a signed copies section with books available at no extra cost to the cover price. Victoria bookshop regularly holds events and book signings by local authors. When asked her thoughts on the many bookshops closing their doors, Bethan said ‘It’s very sad. There will only be a future if local people continue to support us.’ Until recently, Victoria Bookshop was the only independent bookshop left in Haverfordwest. In April 2014, The Book Cellar opened, behind the town castle offering new and second hand books for sale as well as the sourcing of books for customers. Anna Cartwright, the shop owner and local to Haverfordwest says she saw a niche in the market for a bookshop offering both new and old books. ‘I’ve received positive feedback from locals and tourists who have thoroughly enjoyed rummaging through my shelves.’ The Book Cellar advertise through their website and are proud of their 5 star rating on Facebook. They regularly hold events for children and book signings. When asked about the risks of opening a bookshop in the current climate, Anna added ‘It will never make me a millionaire but I do it for the love of books…A real book won’t run out of battery or be stolen on holiday. E books have no character, no smell and no history!’ Talking about the future of independent bookshops, Anna said she would like to see ‘larger publishers offer better deals to independents, for independent businesses everywhere to have better prices for renting premises and for more support from local authorities.’

Community

Salvage Hunters: New series is filming in Pembrokeshire, and they need help

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2021

Thomas Sinclair

SALVAGE HUNTERS, the well-loved and most watched Quest TV and Discovery Network show, is on the hunt for locations to film at in the Pembrokeshire and the wider South West Wales area to feature in the upcoming series.

We follow decorative antiques expert Drew Pritchard as he travels around various locations in the UK and abroad on his quest to find and buy unusual objects with an interesting history.

Drew really visits everywhere – beautiful estates, old family businesses, barns and attic’s stuffed full of unwanted things, museums, factories, collectors and iconic religious sites buying all sorts along the way – from gorgeous country house furniture and railwayana to 6ft 1980s disco balls and anything in-between.

Now in its sixteenth series and airing to over half a million people in the UK and millions more worldwide, this is a great opportunity for you to promote your business or home to a broad audience, sell a few items that perhaps you no longer need, make some money and celebrate the history and heritage of the UK.

If you think you fit the bill or know somebody that might then please do not hesitate to reach out and speak with a member of our team.

Call us on 0203 179 0092 or alternatively send us an email to – salvagehunters@curvemedia.com

Community

Fishguard and Goodwick Mural project turns to Crowdfunder to raise money

Published

1 week ago

June 14, 2021

Andy Chandler

PLANS to put up a few bright and decorative murals around the twin towns of Fishguard & Goodwick have turned to Crowdfunder to raise the money needed for their vision.

Andrew Harries, found of the Fishguard Future Projects, wants to place 12 murals around Fishguard and Goodwick “to help brighten up the town and showcase its culture and history”.

Andrew said: “Having been born and raised in Fishguard, I have seen the town’s highs and lows.

“Fishguard and Goodwick has a lot of potential with the tourism trade growing every year and the popular events such as the Music Festivals, The New Years Eve Street Party, The Carnival, The Soapbox Derby and many more helping attract even more visitors.”

The murals, which were initially turned down for funding when a grant application was refused, will focus on the two towns “interesting but lesser known history” that Andrew feels needs to be highlighted.

Andrew told The Herald: “Each design will be 8 x 6ft and mounted professionally on buildings around the area. Having spoken to a few business owners around the town, this project has received a lot of positive feedback.”

“The murals will unfortunately need to be fully funded via Crowdfunder, after a grant application was turned down.

“I have explored the option of having them traditionally painted on, but this would be more cost effective and would need to be maintained every 5 – 8 years. With this in mind, the designs will be created digitally and then professionally mounted on aluminium composite.”

If you want to help, you can find the link to Andrew’s Crowdfunder here.

Community

Drive for new recruits as Army Cadets re-open

Published

2 weeks ago

June 10, 2021

Andy Chandler

DYFED AND GLAMORGAN ARMY CADET FORCE are now able to accept new joiners aged 12 (and in Year 8 at School) to 17 years old.

Joining the Army Cadets will give access to a wide range of exciting activities, from adventurous training (AT) such as kayaking, mountain biking and abseiling and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to military-themed activities including shooting, fieldcraft and skill at arms, as well as training in first aid, young adults get the chance to discover lots of new experiences and make new friends.

There is no obligation to join the Forces at all, but they can give some guidance if you are interested.

There are no subscription charges, uniform is issued free on a loan basis; the only thing you need to supply yourselves is Boots.

The Cadet Force are also looking for adult volunteers, both uniformed and non-uniformed to assist as well.

They have Detachments located in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Narberth, Tenby, Milford Haven, Neyland, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, St Clears, Llanelli, Trimsarren and Burry Port.

Most Detachments parade twice a week in the evenings 1900 – 2100hrs on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday (Depending on Location) and try to get away for a weekend every month as well as organising summer camps.

Further Information is available at :- www.armycadets.com or call them on 01656 657593 (Option 1) to find out where your local detachment is and what nights they Parade.