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

New Year, new bus services as changes introduced

Published

11 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A NUMBER of changes to key local bus services in Pembrokeshire will be introduced in January 2025, including reinstating some reduced services.

The changes are designed to improve punctuality and service performance on key routes.

In addition, several services that had been reduced in recent years will be reinstated.

This includes an hourly year-round service between Haverfordwest and Tenby via Pembroke Dock, a Saturday service between Tenby and Pendine and additional daytime journeys between Haverfordwest and Broad Haven, and between Merlin’s Bridge and Haverfordwest town centre.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “We have listened to feedback from passengers and worked with bus operators to put in place these improvements with additional funding through the Welsh Government Bus Network Grant.

“We hope these changes will provide a better and more reliable service for bus users in Pembrokeshire.”

Passengers using Fflecsi Pembrokeshire services may also notice that the Fflecsi app now provides details of bus timetables where a fixed route bus service is available for the journey they have requested. This will help improve the availability of the Fflecsi service for journeys where there is no other public transport option.

A temporary timetable will also be introduced on the T5 service operated by Richards Bros between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, due to a major road closure in Newport.

For further information about copies of the new timetables, please visit https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/bus-routes-and-timetables/planned-bus-service-changes or contact [email protected]

The changes are as follows:

From 04/1/25

351 – Tenby-Amroth-Pendine (Taf Valley Coaches)

Service will now also run on Saturdays during the winter.

From 6/1/25

301 Haverfordwest Town Service (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Service will no longer call at Augustine Way. Alternative bus stops are available at St Thomas Green or Horsefair.
New stop on Scarrowscant lane near the junction with Tasker Way.

302 – Withybush Hospital –Hubberston (First Cymru)

Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

307 Haverfordwest to Merlins Bridge (Pembrokeshire County Council)

New service mid-morning (Monday to Friday) and mid-afternoon (Fridays only).

308 Haverfordwest – – Llangwm-Burton circular (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Afternoon journey will call at Withybush hospital and retail park.

311 Haverfordwest – Broad Haven (Pembrokeshire County Council)

Two additional journeys provided, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

322 Withybush Hospital – Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen (First Cymru)

Change to route in Carmarthen. Bus will go from Carmarthen bus station around the bypass to Glangwili hospital, and then return via the town.
Connection with 381 in Narberth for travel to/from Tenby has been maintained.

Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

349 Haverfordwest-Pembroke Dock-Tenby (First Cymru)

Change to route in Haverfordwest. Bus will depart from Bus Station to Withybush hospital, then around the bypass to Picton Place.
14.25 service from Haverfordwest will run throughout the year, not just in school holidays.
New later bus from Pembroke-Haverfordwest at 19.40.
Improved connection with 381 in Tenby.
Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality.

381 Haverfordwest-Narberth-Tenby (First Cymru)

Change to route in Haverfordwest. Bus will depart from Bus Station to Withybush hospital, then around the bypass on its way out of town towards Narberth. Passengers for Withybush retail park will use the stop outside Home Bargains for both inward and return journeys.
Connection with 322 in Narberth for travel to/from Carmarthen has been maintained.
Improved connection with 349 in Tenby.
Extra time added to journeys to help with punctuality

T5 Haverfordwest-Fishguard-Cardigan-Aberystwyth (Richards Bros)

A temporary timetable will be in place from 6/1/25 for at least 8 weeks, due to a road closure in Newport.
Buses will not be able to use the main bus stop in Newport. Alternative bus stops will be available at Newport Memorial Hall and the Golden Lion.
Due to the narrow diversion route, a low-floor accessible minibus will be provided between Fishguard and Cardigan.
All passengers will have to change at Fishguard for onward travel towards Cardigan or Haverfordwest.
The 07.45 from Haverfordwest will terminate at Fishguard.

Community

Man, 83, dies in property fire near Llanybydder

Published

13 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN 83-YEAR-OLD man has tragically died in a fire that caused extensive damage to a property in Drefach, Llanybydder.

Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at around 12:20pm yesterday (Dec 11). Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A joint investigation by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Early reports indicate that the fire, which was contained to a single property, is not being treated as suspicious. Investigators are expected to remain at the scene over the weekend.

The incident prompted the closure of the A475 Drefach-Rhydowen road, with Dyfed-Powys Police shutting it between the B4338 (Llanybydder turn-off) and the B4459 (Capel Dewi turn-off) to ensure public safety. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

A police statement said: “The road is currently closed due to an incident. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey.”

The fire brigade said :”At 12.12pm on Wednesday, December 11^th, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Tregaron, Lampeter, Aberaeron and Aberystwyth Fire Stations were called to an incident in Drefach in Llanybydder.

“Crews responded to a two-storey, domestic property, that was well alight on their arrival and fully involved in fire. Crews utilised three hose reel jets, one 45mm jet, one light portable pump and thermal imaging cameras to extinguish the fire. A turntable ladder appliance was also used as a water tower.

“An adjoining property was assessed with no signs of fire spread found.

“Sadly, one man, aged 83, died at the scene.

“An investigation is underway to find out the cause of the fire, with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service investigators and Dyfed-Powys Police crime scene investigators likely to be at the house over the weekend.

“The fire, which was contained to one property, is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”

Community

Pembrokeshire Trading Standards warn against cold callers after Storm Darragh

Published

16 hours ago

December 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

TRADING STANDARDS is asking the public to be aware of rogue traders and cold callers who may try to take advantage of the damage caused by Storm Darragh.

“Opportunistic rogue traders may exploit the situation left in Storm Darragh’s wake by persuading residents that their properties require urgent attention such as repairs to fences, replacement of loose roof tiles or the removal of damaged trees,” said Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services.

“They may apply pressure by claiming that work needs doing immediately to secure the property, charge excessive amounts and insist on up-front payments.

“Paperwork is often not provided or contains incorrect contact details. Often work carried out is of poor quality, and as work proceeds the traders can claim more work is required than is actually necessary.”

Trading Standards advises:

Not to deal with cold callers offering to undertake work, no matter what claims they make.
Contact your home insurance provider to see what you are covered for and the procedure for making any claim.
Speak to family, friends or neighbours for recommendations of tradesmen.
Obtain several written quotes.
Be cautious of responding to leaflets dropped at your home, advertisements on social media, trader platforms and online reviews.
Take time to decide. Reputable traders will not pressurise you to make a decision.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, are concerned about any traders working or leafleting in your area or have been a victim of a rogue trader yourself you can report it to Trading Standards by contacting Citizens Advice helpline on 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh speakers), the police on 101 or dial 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated.