Community

Get the most from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer

Published

5 months ago

July 19, 2024

FROM local craft markets to artist-led workshops, bat walks and a planetarium session, residents and visitors can look forward to a delightful variety of ways to enjoy Britain’s only truly coastal National Park this summer.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from St Davids Cathedral and stunning beaches, Oriel y Parc National Park Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for any summer holiday adventure. Free to enter, it offers a wealth of information on where to find your best experiences in the National Park – along with the chance to hire an e-bike and explore the picturesque but hilly St Davids countryside with the aid of an electric motor. The Centre is also home to Amgueddfa Cymru in Pembrokeshire and features a changing programme of exhibitions, along with a packed schedule of activities and events throughout the school holidays.

The main exhibition during this period will be Courage and Community – RNLI 200, celebrating 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution saving lives at sea. As well as plenty of exhibition games and activities for the whole family, Courage and Community also features an Arancia-class inshore rescue craft and some RNLI equipment to offer a taste of a rescue at sea.

For an extra charge, younger visitors can participate in a Legends of the Sea Trail, where they’ll become a member of the RNLI crew and complete the missions on the islands and sea around Oriel y Parc to rescue those in danger and earn a reward.

Discover a unique array of handmade crafts at Oriel y Parc’s Summer Craft Market on Saturday 10 August between 10am and 3pm, or at one of the Handmade Craft Fairs, hosted by Makers Bizarre. The Handmade Craft Fairs will take place in the courtyard every Tuesday, from 23 July to 27 August, between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Perfect for adding a touch of local charm to your home or finding one-of-a-kind gifts, entry to all markets is free.

Wednesday Club! sessions will run throughout the summer holidays, offering a wide variety of art and craft activities for creative young minds.

The first is scheduled for Wednesday 24 July, with a drop-in Make your own Sea Trinket Workshop between 10am-3am. The next four sessions will be led by local artists and include: Ocean Navigation Chart Making with Hannah Rounding on 31 July; a Stars & Story Stones Workshop with Kerry Curson on 7 August; Fantastical Boat Collages with Kate Evans on 14 August; and a Beach finds – Drawing and Mark Making session with Kate Freeman on 21 August.

All artist-led Wednesday Club! sessions take place between 11am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 2.30pm and booking is essential.

The final Wednesday Club! workshop of the holidays will be a Seaweed Printing Workshop. This is a drop-in event and booking is not required.

Further information about Oriel y Parc’s exhibitions, summer activities and e-bike rentals can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk.

There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about different areas and aspects of the National Park through the Authority’s exciting programme of summer events.

Tickets are still available for three Ranger-led walks through the spectacular Preseli Hills, taking in the history, legends and wildlife of this magical landscape.

The Craig Talfynydd Walk to the heart of the Preseli Hills will take place on Wednesday 24 July and Tuesday 13 August, and there are still places to join the Carningli Circular on Friday 23 August. Anyone interested in ancient history should consider joining the Foel Drygarn Walk, which takes place on Friday 9 August and Tuesday 27 August and visits one of the best archaeological sites in the Park.

Some fabulous historical walks with knowledgeable guides are also scheduled for the summer, providing opportunities to learn more about your favourite places – or discover new ones. A Nevern – Castles and Pilgrims walk will take place on Friday 16 August, while on Friday 30 August, the Porthgain, One Village, Three Industries walk offers the chance to explore one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Park Authority’s popular Bat Walks will continue at various locations throughout July and August, which is generally the best time of year to observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures. The availability of bat detectors is guaranteed to make this a memorable experience.

At Manorbier’s Giraldus Centre, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the night sky in the middle of the day on 10 and 11 August. Several Planetarium Shows are scheduled over the two days in a state-of-the-art, high-resolution 360° planetarium. Those attending will be able to embark on a virtual journey through the solar system, land on other worlds, fly through Saturn’s rings, and marvel at Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. Each 45-minute show features expert commentary and is suitable for visitors aged 5 and up.

Please note that booking is essential for all walks and activities around the Park. Further information is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Angharad, the Park Authority’s Summer Ranger will also be out and about throughout the holidays, with plenty of advice and information about places to visit and things to do. If you’re looking for some activities for the children this summer, Angharad will also be delivering some family favourites such as rock pooling and bug hunt sessions. Why not stop and say hello?

Community

Pembrokeshire town 4G phone mast plans withdrawn

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a replacement 20-metre-high 4G phone mast tower in north Pembrokeshire, which the local town council says would have “an unacceptable adverse impact” on the national park’s beauty have been withdrawn.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Cellnex, through agent Telent, sought permission to replace an existing 10m high mast with a new 20m 4G tower with three Vodafone antennae and nine mast head amplifiers, and associated works, on land at Dwr-y-Felin Farm, Fford Bedd Morris, Newport.

The application for a 4G mobile base station for the mobile network operator(s) (MNOs) Vodafone Ltd in conjunction with Cornerstone. The application site is owned / operated by Cellnex UK, a radio site infrastructure provider.

A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “The proposed antenna height of 20m is essential to provide new 4G coverage and replacement 2G and 3G service provision to the surrounding area. 4G radio signals are more sensitive to physical obstructions than older technologies.

“This is because the higher the frequency band the greater the reduction in signal strength, increasing the likelihood of dropped calls and reduced data rates for internet browsing,” adding: “Generally, the higher the signal frequency the more it will be impacted by clutter. It is for this reason that there is the height of 20m is required.”

It went on to say it “should be noted that a radio base station within this location has already been considered acceptable and has become an established feature within the area and the proposed upgrade albeit different in design to support the latest equipment will not be of substantial or detrimental harm to the national park, conservation area or heritage assets”.

Newport Town Council had objected to the application, saying: “The proposed development (if approved in its current form) will have an unacceptable adverse impact on the qualities and special landscape and seascape character of the National Park and also on the special qualities of natural beauty and tranquillity.”

The application has now been withdrawn.

Community

Castle Ward Pupils Lead Anti-Social Behaviour Art Mural Project

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST HIGH VC SCHOOL welcomed a visit from County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who expressed his full support for the pupils’ efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour through an innovative Art Mural Project.

Councillor Tudor, representing the Castle Ward, highlighted the significance of the project, noting the area’s past struggles with anti-social behaviour in central commercial zones. “Engaging with pupils to address this issue through art is an extremely exciting venture,” he said.

The project has received a boost with £750 in funding secured from the Youth Bank initiative. Councillor Tudor commended the Youth Workers for their successful funding application, describing it as “a great achievement.”

The mural, spearheaded by pupils from the Youth Room and Haverfordwest High VC School, aims to inspire and engage the community while addressing a vital issue. “This exciting and innovative project will undoubtedly capture the imagination of those involved and reach out to all concerned,” Councillor Tudor added.

The initiative is set to bring a creative approach to community engagement and highlight the power of art in fostering positive change.

Photo caption: Castle Ward inspiration: Councillor Thomas Tudor supports the Art Mural Project (Pic: Suppled)

Community

Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.

Why Christmas Can Be Challenging

For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:

Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.

Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:

“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”

Tips from Mind Cymru

Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:

Looking After Yourself

Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
Remember: the season won’t last forever.

Talking to Others

Let people know if you’re struggling.
Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.

Managing Relationships

Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.

Planning Ahead

Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
Avoid triggering environments if possible.
Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.

Where to Find Support

If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:

Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.