Business

Bertie’s celebrates one year of trading in Pembroke Dock

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2023

A PEMBROKE DOCK business is next week celebrating one year of trading in the town.

Located at 34 Dimond Street, Bertie’s Mercantile is a “twenty first century rag and bone merchants,” stocking vintage, antique and crafted goods. The shop opened on the 21^st of December last year and has survived the year, but only just, as owner Tess told us.

“It’s been a tough year” she explained. “I knew the town had got a lot quieter since I last lived here thirty years ago, but I didn’t bargain on just how quiet” She went on, “other established businesses in town have told me it’s very quiet for them lately compared to previous years, so I’m pretty chuffed to have lasted.”

Pembroke Dock is not the only town feeling the effects of the post Covid pinch on the high street. All our local towns are showing similar signs of being much less busy since everyone grew accustomed to buying online during the pandemic.

The ongoing cost of living crisis means people have less in their pockets to spend on items they may not need.

“A lot of people didn’t like to buy online before Covid, but once they had to, they got used to it, and it’s much easier, so why not? We all do it.

No-one is more guilty than anyone else, but it does make you wonder what will happen to our high streets.” Tess told us. “Surviving the year meant I had no choice but to sell online, even though I used to hate it. It’s become much easier now, with better systems for sending parcels. Perhaps it’s the only way retailers can survive.”

It is said that our high streets will become more centred towards community, and that may be so. “People do still like to go into shops. That will never change” said Tess, “and the there are some great businesses in the Dock, some lovely shops up here on Dimond Street.

In the new year I’m planning on setting up a museum area in the shop, for toys and puppets and all the other amazing things that are interesting but not necessarily sell-able.

People are always telling me they love coming in because it’s like going to a museum and getting a nice nostalgia hit. So I may as well go with the flow.

After all, my dream job really would be as a toy museum curator. There are plenty of empty buildings in the dock that are big enough for great projects, but they’re sitting empty. I looked into taking on the old Woolworths building, but the rates were complete nonsense. No wonder the towns are dying. And if big retailers like Wilkos are having trouble with their bricks and mortar stores, what hope do we have, realistically?

We need to diversify somehow, but the councils also need to play ball, and help local businesses instead of putting constant obstacles in their way.”

So does that mean Bertie’s Mercantile is a temporary venture? “No” said Tess. “It’s only as temporary as circumstances permit. As long as my building doesn’t get sold, which happened to my old music shop in Narberth, and for as long as I can keep going I will. Ultimately, I suppose, the town will decide. Two or three shops in town have closed over the last year. Most of the buildings around me are empty. I may end up up just being a museum, or a puppet theatre! Who knows? I’m not keen to leave though, so stay tuned I guess!”

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

31 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

12 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):