Community
Triumphant victory for Hayscastle Cross as community takes ownership of beloved pub
THE tight-knit village of Hayscastle Cross in Pembrokeshire is celebrating a monumental achievement today. After years of uncertainty, the village pub, The Cross Inn, has been successfully acquired by the community, marking a significant milestone for the residents who refused to let their beloved establishment fade away.
A group of dedicated volunteers spearheaded the initiative, raising an impressive £200,000 through community share funding and securing additional support with just over £240,000 in grant funding from the UK Community Ownership Fund. Their unwavering efforts and collaborative approach have paid off, as the keys to the pub were officially handed over to the Cross Inn Community Benefit Society this morning.
Chairman of the society, Geraint Evans, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We’ve all been working so hard to make this moment possible. I just want to offer my profound thanks and gratitude on behalf of the society to absolutely everyone who has played a part in making our dream come true.”
The pub, which will now be known as Tafarn Y Cross, stands as a testament to the village’s commitment to preserving Welsh language and culture. The society plans to give the pub a fresh lease on life, transforming it into a vibrant village pub and community hub. With a focus on excellent food and warm hospitality, Tafarn Y Cross is set to become a focal point for residents and visitors alike.
Crucially, the profits generated from the pub’s commercial operation will be reinvested into the community. The society’s ambitious plans include restoring essential services that the village has lost in recent years, such as two garages, a shop, a Post Office, and the local school. This innovative approach ensures that the heart of Hayscastle Cross continues to beat, providing vital services and fostering a sense of unity among the residents.
The Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, who supported the community in their bid to the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, praised the dedication of the villagers. He said, “I am impressed with the energy and commitment they have shown in getting to this point, and I congratulate them on exchanging contracts. This is an important milestone in the project, and I look forward to being there to celebrate at the opening weekend.”
As the Hayscastle Cross community embarks on this exciting new chapter, the echoes of their success resonate far beyond the village borders. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of community collaboration, determination, and unwavering belief – a beacon of hope for other communities facing similar challenges.
For more information about this remarkable project and updates on Tafarn Y Cross, please visit ycrossinn.cymru.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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