Community

Local harpist serenades outside Pembroke Castle to support St. Mary’s bell restoration

Published

5 months ago

August 26, 2024

ON MONDAY(Aug 26), Pembroke was treated to a delightful and unexpected musical experience as local harpist Jess Ward performed outside the historic Pembroke Castle. In a touching display of community spirit, Ward played her harp and sang to raise funds for the ongoing restoration of the bells at St. Mary’s Church, a project close to the hearts of many Pembroke residents.

The bells, which have been a part of the town’s soundscape for centuries, were recently removed from the Norman tower of St. Mary’s Church due to safety concerns. The oldest of these bells dates back to 1763, and their silence has left a noticeable void in the town. The St. Mary’s Pembroke Bell Ringers, led by Tower Captain Anne R. Bunker, have been working tirelessly to raise the £200,000 required to restore and reinstall these historic bells. To date, a significant portion of the funding has been secured, but approximately £16,000 is still needed to complete the project.

Onlookers gathered as the soft melodies of Ward’s harp filled the air, complementing the backdrop of the castle’s stone walls and evoking a sense of timelessness. Her performance was not only a reminder of the town’s rich cultural heritage but also a call to action for the community to come together and support the bell restoration project.

“I spent a rather lovely hour or so listening to Jess Ward playing harp and singing beautifully outside Pembroke Castle,” remarked Will Scott, a Pembroke resident. “It was a moving experience, knowing that the music was in aid of bringing back our bells, which have been such a vital part of our town’s identity.”

In a letter addressed to Pembroke residents, Anne R. Bunker expressed the importance of the bells, not just as historical artefacts, but as integral to the town’s special moments. The restoration project aims to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the bells’ sounds, and that the skills of bell ringing are not lost.

“Through a lot of hard work, we’ve secured the majority of the funding for the restoration of the bells,” Bunker stated. “We would like to get the bells ringing again as soon as possible, before the ringing skills are lost and so our town can again have bells to mark its special moments.”

Bunker encourages even small donations, such as £1 a month, to help secure the bells for hundreds of years to come. For those interested in contributing, donations can be made directly to the St. Mary’s Pembroke Bell Restoration Project Fund.

As the town rallies around this cause, the sight and sound of Jess Ward playing outside Pembroke Castle serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience and the shared desire to preserve Pembroke’s rich history. With continued support, it is hoped that the bells will soon ring out once more, marking the town’s special moments as they have done for centuries.

To donate to the St. Mary’s Pembroke Bell Restoration Project, you can make a bank transfer directly to the project’s dedicated fund. Here are the details:

Bank Account Name: The St Mary’s Pembroke Bell Restoration Project Fund
Sort Code: 30-16-20
Account Number: 07358466

Additionally, if you are a UK taxpayer, the project fund can claim Gift Aid on your donations, which increases the value of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you.

If you wish to know more about the project or discuss other ways of contributing, you can contact Anne R. Bunker, the Tower Captain of St. Mary’s Pembroke Bell Ringers, on 07977 541520.

Your support will help restore the bells, ensuring they continue to be a part of Pembroke’s heritage for generations to come.

(Images and video by Martin Cavaney)

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

21 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

6 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.