Community

More than 70 phone boxes up for grabs in Wales, says BT

Published

3 years ago

August 18, 2023

77 phone boxes in Wales are currently available for communities to adopt for just £1

There are around 850 remaining working payphones across Wales, 260 of which are in traditional red kiosks
Since 2008, more than 500 phone boxes have been adopted by communities across Wales
Next year will mark 100 years since the original K2 red kiosk was designed.

Ahead of the iconic red phone box turning 100 years of age, BT has revealed that more than 70 of its kiosks are currently up for grabs across Wales.

Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the first incarnation of the famous red phone box for a competition in 1924.

In recent years, however, with 98% of the adult population now using a mobile phone, and significant improvements to mobile coverage, there has been a huge decline in the usage of payphones across the UK.

There are now around 850 remaining working payphones across Wales, around 260 of which are in traditional red kiosks.

Across the UK, around 20,000 working payphones remain in operation. The number of phone boxes across the UK peaked in the 1990s at around 100,000.

BT is now urging communities across Wales to continue to take advantage of its kiosk adoption scheme to help transform its underused red phone boxes into other purposes.

Since BT introduced its Adopt a Kiosk programme in 2008, more than 500 phone boxes have been taken on by communities across Wales for just £1 each.

Across the UK, more than 7,200 have been adopted so far. The kiosks can be adopted by registered charities, community councils and local authorities.

Redundant phone boxes have been adopted and turned into a range of facilities over the years, from defibrillator units and libraries, to mini art galleries and local museums.

BT is continuing to review its remaining estate of payphones, removing those that are no longer being used, in line with rules set out by Ofcom. Ofcom revised its guidance last year on payphone removals, reflecting improvements made in mobile coverage and the number of calls made from individual payphones each year.

Michael Smy, Head of Street at BT, said: “With the vast majority of people now using mobile phones, and significant improvements to mobile coverage across the UK, we’ve continued to see a big drop in the number of calls made from payphones.

“That’s why we’re continuing to review our payphones estate, making sure we’re prioritising the removal of those not being used, in line with Ofcom’s latest guidance.

“With the iconic red kiosk about to turn 100, it’s a great opportunity to remind communities that would still like to retain their local kiosk to take it on for just £1 through our Adopt a Kiosk scheme. We’ve already seen some great kiosk conversions across the UK that have become valuable community assets.”

Focal point for rural village in Eryri (Snowdonia)

An adopted kiosk in the rural village or Rowen in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park has become a focal point for the village.

After the kiosk was adopted by the village’s Memorial Hall committee in 2013, volunteers set about turning into a defibrillator site, book exchange and information point for local events and for tourists.

Located next to the Ty Gwyn Hotel in the heart of the picturesque village in Conwy county, the kiosk has even been used as a seed swap.

Peter McFadden, trustee of the Rowen Memorial Hall, said: “This red phone box is a much-loved local landmark and a popular meeting place. Some residents have told us that they did their teenage courting there.

“When people stopped using it to make calls, and there was a risk it would disappear, we were determined to keep it and turn it into an important hub for the village. It was an easy process to adopt it from BT and it cost us just £1. Several other villages near here have adopted their phone boxes, having seen ours.

“After a lot of hard work and good ideas from volunteers, it’s been put to so many good uses, including a lifesaving one. I’d encourage others to adopt redundant kiosks in their area and turn them into a community asset.”

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

Published

5 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.