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Lottery Heritage Fund award to create interactive discovery centre at Haverfordwest Castle

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IT has been announced this week (Aug 5) that Pembrokeshire County Council and community partner Haverfordwest Castle CIO have received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project called Haverfordwest Castle: Pembrokeshire’s Heritage Gateway.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to transform the disused Grade II Listed County Gaol building at the heart of the site into a state-of-the-art interactive discovery centre, telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past, and its potential future in a fun and engaging way.

Development funding of £368,525 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the partnership progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant next year to deliver the scheme.

As well as developing the Old Gaol building, the project aims to complete a full re-fit and re-interpretation of Haverfordwest Town Museum in the adjacent Governor’s House, new outdoor interpretation in the castle, new branding, website and marketing strategy.

An activities, events and education programme is also planned with pilot workshops and public focus groups commencing autumn 2024 to help shape this. Volunteer and work experience opportunities will also be available.

The County Gaol and Governor’s House were first built within the walls of Haverfordwest castle in 1779. The gaol housed over 400 French prisoners of war in 1797 following the failed last invasion of Britain at Fishguard. The gaol was rebuilt in 1820 and in 1878, it was converted into the headquarters of Pembrokeshire Constabulary.

PCC acquired the castle in 1963, when the gaol became home to Pembrokeshire Records Office and Museum and since 2013 when the archives relocated to Prendergast it has stood empty, until now.

Commenting on the award, Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The Castle has been the heart of Haverfordwest and indeed Pembrokeshire for well over 900 years and it’s wonderful to know that we are one step closer to preserving it and reinventing it for future generations.”

The creation of a flagship heritage attraction in Haverfordwest was first conceived over 10 years ago and has been driven by a loyal and committed group of community stakeholders.

Haverfordwest Castle CIO the new, not-for-profit, independent charity that has emerged from this stakeholder group, will run the castle, museum and visitor attraction for the benefit of the community.

The new charity has worked very closely with Haverfordwest Town Museum, which, in due course will legally become part of the new entity, so that the two attractions can function as one.

Ted Sangster, Chair of Trustees for Haverfordwest Castle CIO said: “We are delighted to be a partner with Pembrokeshire County Council on this important regeneration project. We’re very optimistic that the attraction will provide a new focus for visitors to come to Haverfordwest and lead to a much needed economic boost for this historically and culturally rich community.”

Andrew White, Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: “It is exciting to be able to award initial funding for this project that we know will bring the culture, history, and heritage of this part of Haverfordwest to life. It is encouraging to know that the Castle will continue to play a role within the community for years to come.”

 

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Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

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A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

 

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Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

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Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

 

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Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

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Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.

 

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