News
Pembroke Dock Home Bargains to take over former Wilko store
PLANS to let a Pembrokeshire barn, used for axe-throwing and archery instruction without planning permission, stay running have been conditionally approved.
Jonathon Keens, of Aim Country Sports, had applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a retrospective change of use of an agricultural barn to a part-time archery and axe throwing instruction venue at Ffynnon Hafod, Crosslands Road, near Tavernspite.
The application said the change of use was undertaken in 2019, with Mr Keens producing copies of first aid and public liability insurance certificates with the application.
Mr Keens says a pre-application discussion with officers was started in late 2019, but he “heard nothing for almost four years,” before being advised to submit the change of use call.
No objections to the scheme were received.
A report for planners stated: “The application is submitted in retrospect for the retention of an outbuilding used in association with an archery and axe throwing business.
“The application site comprises a small outbuilding used as a bespoke archery and axe throwing instruction venue in association with a small business known as Aim Country Sports which operates from the site.
“The small business use has positive social impacts through the provision of an outdoor sport available within the locality. Positive economic benefits are achieved through the generation of income from the business.”
The application was approved, with conditions including the provision of a disabled parking bay and the scheme complies with approved plans.
Aim Country Sports, on its website, says: “At Aim you will have the chance to try out activities that are different and completely new to Pembrokeshire and Wales! We are the only venue offering aerial archery, archery and axe throwing.”
It says aerial archery involves “aiming to large foam discs that are on the move,” adding: “Using special bows and arrows you can try your hand at being the next Arrow, Katniss or Legolas.”
Axe-throwing is described as “a crazily fun activity that almost anyone from approximately 10yrs+ can enjoy (our oldest client was 90)”.
It adds: “It is particularly suited to clients who like the challenge of something new. Great fun for anything from first dates to team building.”
The attraction is rated as five stars on the Tripadvisor website.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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