Community

Commemorative China Exhibition

Published

10 years ago

September 5, 2014

The flags of the 1914 War Allies around the Castle Green greeted the hundreds of people who came to view the Heritage Lottery-supported exhibition at Little Newcastle entitled Interpreting World War I through Commemorative China.

Hosted by St Peter’s Church and put on jointly by the Little Newcastle Community Association and the Royal British Legion, the event was an unique way of marking the outbreak of the Great War. There were over 250 items on view with over 220 being pieces of ceramic which looked at five war themes: the Outbreak, the Battlefield, the Home Front, Victory and Peace and the Centenary. It was opened on Saturday, August 2, by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tom Richards, who gave a very apt address. Also present were many representatives of the armed forces, the church and the council. The booklet Little Newcastle, A Village at War, 1914 – 1919, which had been compiled by Richard Davies, was then launched and the first copy was presented to Ted Sangster on behalf of Heritage Lottery who gave a short reply. It was then a pleasure to hear the two commissioned pieces of music for the occasion: Remember, words composed and music written by Little Newcastle resident Janice Roberts. Michael Lewis sang the first and third verses, Emily Fearon the second and Cantorion Casnewy the final verse. The second piece, entitled, The Old Lie: Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori was composed by John Hughes, visiting organist of the church which was well received by all who heard it. The event, which was a huge success, would not have been possible without the assistance given by dozens of locals who helped in so many practical ways, including providing refreshments for such large crowds.

Exhibition Re-opening.

Following the closure of the exhibition on Tuesday, August 5, numerous requests have been made to see the exhibits by those who could not visit the event. Consequently, it has been decided to re-open the exhibition during the afternoon of the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the forthcoming Bank Holiday, from 1 to 5pm. On the evening of Saturday, August 23, a concert will be held at the church which will feature Richard Morris (baritone), Eric Sheldon (flute) and John Hughes (organ). Remembrance. St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle was packed for the World War One commemorative bi-lingual service held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 3. The service was conducted by former Royal Naval Chaplain, Rev Michael Brotherton, M.B.E., B.D., who preached a very appropriate sermon based on the experiences of various Great War military chaplains. Also present was the Ven Dennis Wight, the Archdeacon of St Davids, who read not only the names of the fallen, but also listed those from the parish who had fought in the conflict. The Fishguard & Goodwick RBL Branch Standard was carried in by Sea Cadet Thomas Hughes at the start of the service, before being laid on the altar. The organist was John Hughes, the lesson was read in Welsh by Richard Davies and the collection was taken by Alison Evans and Roy Griffiths. Following the service, the congregation proceeded to the war memorial. Members of the families of the fallen laid crosses, whilst wreaths were put on behalf of the L.N.C.A. by the Chair and by Squadron Leader Bill Holloway, President of the Fishguard & Goodwick R.B.L., who also gave the Exhortation. The Kohima Epitaph was given by Gwilym Price. The bugler was Ffion Haf Williams, whilst the blessing was by the Archdeacon. Following formalities, the entire congregation was invited to the Old School to partake in a 1914 Cottage Tea which consisted of tea, breadand- butter, jam, cheese, Welsh cakes, potato cake and fruit cake. The afternoon ended with community singing of World War One songs, led by Lilwen McAllister. On Monday at 10.45pm a couple of dozen met at the war memorial to take part in the Lights Out Vigil to mark the precise moment when hostilities commenced in 1914. A Welsh prayer for peace and an English prayer for the departed was read, as were the names of the fallen. Two minutes silence and the Lord’s Prayer terminated the brief, but very dignified event.

Community

Kick off the festive season in style at the Riverside Winter Fair

Published

1 hour ago

November 24, 2024

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland as Haverfordwest hosts its inaugural Riverside Winter Fair on Saturday, November 30th.

This free, family-friendly event promises a day of festive cheer with food, arts, crafts, games, music, and a big dose of community spirit.

The festivities will kick off at 11am with the opening of Haverhub’s Winter Market. Visitors can browse a variety of stalls 11am to 5pm, offering unique gifts, crafts, and delicious food.

Alongside the market, Haverfordwest’s Business Circle are hosting a “Taste of Pembrokeshire” food and drink market on Castle Square 11am to 5pm, offering a delicious selection of local produce.

For families with younger children, Fair Play will be hosting a Board Game Sketch Fest at the Edge Youth Centre / Picton Centre from 11am to 5pm. This event will feature a variety of games, activities, and art projects, providing a fun and engaging experience for children of all ages.

At 12noon children from Haverfordwest’s primary schools will be showing off banners they’ve been making as part of a community arts project, telling the story of the history of their school’s ward area.

They will take part in a vibrant parade led by the South Wales Police Band, marching through the town centre from Swan Square to the Old Quay. Join us at 11:45am on Swan Square to join the parade!

Once the parade reaches the Old Quay, the real fun begins. The main stage will host a variety of performances throughout the day from 12-5pm and Bristol Trader will be hosting an outdoor BBQ and bar for revellers.

Entertainment on the main stage will include a brand-new cantata performed by Fenton School’s children’s choir, the Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire, the County Orchestra and the South Wales Police Brass Band.

This captivating performance will tell the story of Haverfordwest’s rich history, drawing inspiration from recent archaeological discoveries.

Following the cantata, local band Sorted will take to the stage, delivering a high-energy performance of Ska and Two-Tone classics. Their energetic and breakneck live sets are guaranteed to get you up on your feet and skanking.

And for the grand finale Pure West Radio Riverside Shopping Haverfordwest will be hosting its annual Christmas Lights Switch On event. The celebrations begin at 12noon, leading up to the grand moment when the town’s Christmas lights illuminate at 6pm. As the town illuminates with festive lights, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.

For those seeking thrills, there will be fairground rides to enjoy. Thrill-seekers of all ages can experience the excitement of the various rides.

To add to the magic, Santa Claus will be making a special appearance, along with Sparkle the Elf and Friends a Giant Snow Globe and Bouncy Castle!

Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick will also be launching their model hot air balloon, a floating gallery and homage to the people of Haverfordwest. Find them floating through the town throughout the day.

The Riverside Winter Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit. Local businesses and volunteers coming together to create a memorable experience for everyone.

Visit the website and sign up to the mailing list for full information delivered to your inbox ahead of the big day: www.riversidewinterfair.co.uk

Programme of events

11am-5pm Winter Market @ Haverhub

11am-5pm Taste of Pembrokeshire food and drink market @ Castle Square

11am-5pm Board Game Sketch Fest @ Picton Centre

11:45am Banner Parade assembles with South Wales Police Brass Band @ Swan Square

12noon Children’s Banner Parade from Swan Square to Old Quay

12:10pm Entertainment on Main Stage @ Old Quay

12-5pm BBQ and outdoor bar @ The Bristol Trader

12-6pm Family fun & Entertainment, Pure West Radio @ Riverside shopping Centre

6pm Switch on of the lights and fireworks display.

Community

Rent in Pembrokeshire rises 7% over past year

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2024

Design Team

NEW figures reveal that private rental costs in Pembrokeshire have climbed by 7% in the past year, with the average monthly rent reaching £625 in October. This is a significant increase from £582 a year earlier and represents a 22% rise over the past five years, where the average rent was estimated at £511.

The data, collected by Rent Officers Wales as part of the Housing and Regeneration Division, highlights growing pressure on tenants amidst rising costs. The collection aims to cover approximately 15% of the rental market by gathering data from landlords and letting agents.

Across Wales, the average monthly rent has risen 8% year-on-year to £766. Cardiff recorded the highest rental cost in the country at £1,062 per month, while Powys had the lowest at £556.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, commented on the challenges faced by renters in a press statement sent to The Pembrokeshire Herald. She said: “Getting good news about your rent is about as common as discovering your housemates have washed up for you, or your landlord suggesting you get a dog. For many, the only way out of the endless cycle of rising costs is to buy, but that’s far easier said than done when rents absorb so much of your income.”

The situation is compounded by a lack of available rental properties. Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark, explained: “As we continue to see further increases in rental prices across the UK, our members emphasize the lack of rental stock versus an ever-growing number of tenants. Selling up or turning to the short-term letting market has become a more attractive option for landlords due to challenging legislative changes and increased financial liabilities.”

Breakdown of Rental Costs in Pembrokeshire

The figures show a range of costs depending on property type and size in Pembrokeshire:

– A one-bedroom property: £462 per month

– A two-bedroom property: £576 per month

– A three-bedroom property: £732 per month

– Homes with four or more bedrooms: £934 per month

By property type:

– Detached houses: £768 per month

– Semi-detached houses: £653 per month

– Terraced houses: £629 per month

– Flats or maisonettes: £521 per month

In October, the average rent for private properties across Great Britain stood at £1,307 per month—up 9% compared to the same period last year. This equates to an increase of £105 per month.

As landlords adapt to changing regulations and financial pressures, the shortage of rental properties continues to push prices higher, creating further challenges for tenants across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Climate

Pembrokeshire group plans for larger community wind turbine

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NORTH Pembrokeshire group which has raised more than £76,000 from its community wind turbine for local projects is hoping to expand with a bigger turbine.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Abergwaun Community Turbine Ltd, through agent Machynlleth-based Dulas Ltd is hoping to get permission for a larger turbine to replace the existing Abergwaun Community Turbine.

The proposed turbine, in a pasture field at Trebover Farm, to the south of Fishguard, would be 67m tall, the existing 2015 one being 45 metres.

In supporting statements, parent company Transition Bro Gwaun said: “The Community Climate Fund (CCF) is the mechanism by which Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG) is fulfilling our ambition of funding projects in Fishguard, Goodwick and across North Pembrokeshire, using income from the community wind turbine.

“The core themes for grants are climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancement of biodiversity and improvements to community resilience through promotion of community engagement and resource sharing.”

In 2015, TBG raised its 50 per cent share of capital funding for the project by means of loans from 28 local individuals and four community groups, contributing a total of £286,500, the other 50 per cent contributed by landowners Parc-y-Morfa Farms Ltd.

The statement added: “Profit generated by sale of electricity from the turbine is split 50:50 between TBG and Parcy-Morfa Farms Ltd through the jointly owned trading arm, Abergwaun Community Turbine. By the end of 2022, all loans had been repaid, allowing the launch of TBG’s Community Climate Fund. This year we have awarded our third round of grants bringing the total amount granted to £76,036.”

In 2022, £15,274 was awarded to seven projects, including Fishguard Sports AFC to install solar panels on their clubhouse as part of their Tregroes Park development, Ysgol Bro Gwaun for their Increasing Biodiversity and Bees project, and Nevern Valley Veg / Llysiau Cwm Nyfer to install a solar powered vegetable irrigation scheme.

In 2023, £39,85 was made available for seven projects, including Sea Trust Wales to part fund the installation of solar panels on the Ocean Lab roof and to produce a display on solar technology, Letterston Memorial Hall to part fund the installation of an air source heat pump heating system, and Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

2024 awards of £20,917 were made to six projects, including Theatr Gwaun to insulate their loft to reduce heating loss, Parc Cerrig Growers for developing a rainwater harvesting system with a pond to irrigate their allotments, Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture for an electric cargo bike for delivering organic vegetables in the Fishguard and St Davids areas, and Nevern Valley Veg to develop wildlife ponds and rainwater harvesting for food production.

The supporting documentation concludes: “The repowering of the existing turbine at Trebover would require a limited increase in turbine size which would result in a very limited change in landscape and visual effects in comparison to the existing Trebover turbine.”

The application will be considered by planners at a later date.