Community

Newport community secures Bethlehem Chapel for Heritage Centre

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2024

THE historic Bethlehem Chapel in Newport has been saved for community use following a successful bid at a public auction on Friday, 30th August. The community-led Canolfan Bethlehem Community Project secured the winning bid of £145,000, ensuring that the chapel will be preserved and transformed into a Heritage, Arts, and Cultural Centre for the West Wales coastal town.

The auction, held at Llwyngwair Manor, marked the culmination of a determined campaign by Newport residents, who raised the necessary funds within just 14 days. The campaign was launched after efforts to negotiate a private purchase agreement for the chapel failed, leaving the community with a narrow window of opportunity to retain the building.

Cris Tomos, the community assets coordinator at PLANED (Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development), expressed his gratitude to the supporters who contributed to the campaign. “I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign to raise enough funds,” he said. “The community has been so supportive in ensuring the funds were raised within just 14 days, and we’re now looking forward to developing this very important heritage centre for Newport.”

The purchase of Bethlehem Chapel is the latest in a series of community-led initiatives in Newport aimed at preserving local heritage and supporting community assets. Previous efforts included keeping the town’s Tourist Centre and library open through volunteer efforts, and the purchase of the 150-year-old Ironmongers shop, which reopened under community ownership in December 2022.

The new Heritage, Arts, and Cultural Centre will be dedicated to promoting the Welsh language, culture, and Newport’s maritime history. The community group envisions the centre as a “thriving, innovative and inclusive” space that will engage both locals and visitors, fostering a strong sense of belonging, or “cynefin,” among those who interact with it.

The successful bid is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its historical landmarks and ensuring that they remain in local hands. The project has been supported by local and national organisations, including PLANED, and has attracted interest from community-minded private lenders who have provided short-term loans to bridge the funding gap until a community share offer can be launched.

With the chapel now secured, the focus will shift to developing the heritage centre, with plans to create a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates Newport’s past while serving as a resource for future generations. Further information on the project and opportunities to get involved can be found at www.canolfanbethlehem.cymru.

The Canolfan Bethlehem Community Project’s success in saving the chapel is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision and determination to protect its heritage.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.