Public meeting backs plan for new cultural hub at Tabernacl Chapel

A PUBLIC meeting to advance the community purchase of the old Tabernacl Chapel in Cardigan was held on Saturday (Mar 8), drawing strong support for the plan to transform it into a high street-based community and cultural hub, “Hwb Aberteifi.”

The voluntary committee behind the initiative thanked attendees for their ideas on activities and ways to generate income. Many well-known Cardigan residents and former chapel members were among those present.

A vision for the future

Jonathan Rees provided an overview of the chapel’s history, while Richard Oernant Jones outlined the vision for Hwb Aberteifi, which aims to become a centre for community activities, training, and cultural events. A key focus is preserving the works and legacy of local bard Dic Jones.

Owain Dafydd spoke about Fflach Cymunedol Ltd, a community-owned recording studio and music label hoping to relocate to the chapel’s vestry. He detailed how the label recently raised £72,000 through a share offer to support its expansion at the Hwb site.

Urgent fundraising effort

Cris Tomos, treasurer of 4CG Cymru Ltd, explained that £150,000 must be raised by March 31 to complete the purchase. Since launching the initiative on March 1, supporters have already pledged £18,000 in loans.

The plan involves asking 150 people to lend £1,000 each in return for a guaranteed 4% annual interest over three years. Tomos pointed to similar successful community purchases in Wales, including Newport’s Bethlehem Chapel, where £145,000 was raised in just three weeks last autumn.

“There are generous individuals willing to lend larger sums, such as £20,000 or more,” said Tomos. “For such contributions, we can provide a legal charge on the building as security, as was done in previous community purchases.”

Appeal for ‘Hwb Champions’

At the meeting, held at Cardigan’s Corn Exchange, organisers launched an appeal for “Hwb Champions.” The project is looking for 30 volunteers to each recruit five supporters willing to lend £1,000, helping to bridge the funding gap.

Anyone interested in becoming a Hwb Champion can contact the project via email at hwbaberteifi@gmail.com or by calling the 4CG Cymru office on 01239 621109.

How to support

With time running out, the community is urging potential lenders to pick up a lending agreement from Awen Teifi Shop or the Community Bookshop in Cardigan. Agreements can also be downloaded from the project website: www.hwb-aberteifi.org.

Shan Williams of 4CG Cymru closed the meeting by discussing potential tax relief incentives for supporters. The project is working to secure approval under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which could offer UK taxpayers 50% tax relief.

Further details can be found at www.hwb-aberteifi.org.

Photo credits: Stuart Ladd.

A BELOVED fox sculpture that has become a popular fixture at Cardigan’s Guildhall Market may soon be removed—unless local traders and residents can raise enough funds to keep it.

The striking willow sculpture, known as Fantastic Mr Fox, has been delighting visitors since it was placed in the market courtyard during last December’s Festival of Light. Created by renowned local artist Michelle Cain, the intricate piece was originally loaned to the space as a temporary installation.

Now, with its time in the courtyard coming to an end, a community-driven effort is underway to purchase the sculpture outright. Market traders, backed by the market’s management, are spearheading a fundraising campaign to ensure the fox remains a permanent feature.

“Since he arrived, he’s brought so much joy—not just to us as traders, but to our customers, visitors, and the wider community,” said Jana Davidson, who runs Leafy Lion at the market. “People love taking photos with him, and he’s become a real talking point. We don’t want to see him go.”

The campaign aims to raise £2,500 to secure Mr Fox’s future, covering both the purchase and ongoing maintenance of the sculpture. Contributions can be made online via JustGiving or in person at collection boxes placed throughout the market.

Some traders are also stepping up to support the cause. Cardigan Bay Quilts, located on the upper level, is donating all proceeds from the sale of special fabric bundles to the fund.

Market supporters are hopeful the target can be reached in time to prevent the fox’s departure. “Every donation helps,” added Davidson. “We’d love to see Mr Fox stay right where he belongs.”

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”

A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.

Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’

Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.

“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”

He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.

“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”

Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.

“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”

Ongoing training and backlash

Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.

“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”

Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.

“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”

Community protection notice issued

Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.

“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”

The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.