Museum ‘optimistic’ after budget announcement

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2024

NATIONAL museum chiefs expressed optimism despite one of the most difficult years in its history and “major flooding” of the gallery in Cardiff during recent storms.

Jane Richardson, chief executive, told the Senedd’s culture committee that Museum Wales was excited for the future after the Welsh Government’s draft budget announcement.

She said: “We’re in a very, very different place today than we were a year ago…. we’ve been through an extraordinarily difficult year, one of the most challenging in the museum’s history.”

She stated the museum received a 3.5% or £900,000 uplift in day-to-day revenue spending, adding that employer national insurance hikes will cost about £500,000 over the year.

“We really needed about £2m as a standstill position so it is a bit of a shortfall,” she warned as she appeared before the committee for annual scrutiny on December 11.

Ms Richardson said the museum fared better on capital allocations for long-term investment, with an indication of £8m for museums in Cardiff, Swansea and Llanberis.

She told the committee: “It’s fantastic news, that money will make a really big difference. The concern we will have is how quickly we will be able to draw down that money.”

Ms Richardson, who was appointed in November 2023 shortly before a 10% cut to the museum’s budget, called for more flexibility on the museum’s project-based funding.

Jane Richardson, chief executive of Museum Wales

She pointed to the example of £1.3m announced by the Welsh Government in May for urgent repairs at National Museum Cardiff, with a grant letter arriving on December 10.

She said: “About ten days ago we had major flooding in the ground floor and into the natural science galleries. Those were spaces we didn’t know were a risk until the day of that flood.

“We desperately needed to undertake surveys to understand where the water’s coming in. So, the business case bounces back and forth over a period of time.”

Last year, Ms Richardson revealed staff were on standby overnight to move priceless art due to the risk of damage and four buckets were placed outside her office door to catch rain.

Labour’s Alun Davies, a former minister, raised concerns about the “horror show” public bodies continue to face in dealing with the Welsh Government.

He said: “It seems to me that this is almost some sort of bureaucratic nightmare.”

Ms Richardson said business cases of £2m or more can take a year to 18 months as she called for project funding to be incorporated within the museum’s core grant.

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan, who worked at the museum until her election in 2021, pressed the executive about redundancies over the past year.

Ms Richardson said the museum lost one in six staff, with 144 roles made redundant.

Asked about morale, she replied: “It has been a difficult year and there have been some dark times for our colleagues but, on the whole now, I would say morale is improving significantly.

“And there is a real sense of excitement looking forward … there’s a strong team ethos that we’ve come through together.”

Ms Richardson told the committee the museum has listened to, and sought to address, concerns about fewer people being left with the same amount of work.

The chief executive, who has dealt with four ministers in one year, confirmed site closures, further redundancies and entry charges are no longer on the table following the budget.

But she suggested charges will be introduced for underground tours at Big Pit after a trial. “That goes beyond the traditional free entry model for a museum,” she said.

Mr Davies raised concerns about fees creating a barrier to access, saying it amounts to an entry charge because most people go to Big Pit to go underground.

Ms Richardson replied: “It’s very difficult to be an organisation that has its budget cut so radically and is told it cannot generate income from the very few opportunities it has.”

She added: “I don’t have any concerns about whether this will be the right thing to do and I will be recommending it to the board on behalf of the team at Big Pit who feel the same.”

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

1 day ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Banking hub plans gather pace in Pembroke Dock

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLANS to deliver a new Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock are moving forward, following a key meeting between local representatives and Cash Access UK.

Samuel Kurtz MS met with Cash Access UK Regional Manager Debbie Crow on Wednesday (Mar 19), alongside community representatives, to discuss the next steps after confirmation last week that the campaign for a hub had been successful.

The new facility is expected to be up and running within 12 weeks, providing vital access to banking services for residents, businesses and community groups across Pembroke Dock and the wider South Pembrokeshire area.

***Samuel Kurtz*** MS: **“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area”**

Banking Hubs offer a shared space where customers can carry out everyday transactions such as cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access face-to-face support from individual banks on designated days.

The development follows the closure of the last bank branch in Pembroke Dock, which had raised concerns about access to essential financial services in the area. Samuel Kurtz has been working with LINK, local businesses and community groups to secure the new hub.

Discussions at the meeting focused on identifying a suitable location and ensuring the service meets the needs of those who continue to rely heavily on cash.

Following strong public interest in the project, Mr Kurtz has confirmed he will hold a series of drop-in sessions in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to update residents and answer questions.

Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Last week’s news that the campaign for a Banking Hub in Pembroke Dock had been successful was incredibly welcome for our community.

“Access to cash and face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, charities and local businesses across the area. I have already been inundated with questions from people wanting to know what happens next.

“That’s why I will be holding drop-in sessions in both Pembroke and Pembroke Dock so residents and businesses can come along, ask questions and hear the latest updates.

“I was pleased to meet with Cash Access UK’s Regional Manager to discuss the next steps, and I will continue working closely with local stakeholders to help ensure the hub is delivered as quickly as possible.”

Further details about the drop-in sessions are expected to be announced shortly.