Community

NRW criticised over ‘very little empathy’ on future of visitor centres

Published

12 months ago

March 29, 2025

A SENEDD Member criticised Natural Resources Wales for showing “very little empathy and understanding” about people’s concerns on the future of visitor centres.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas voiced concerns about Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) handling of plans for its Nant yr Arian, Coed y Brenin and Ynyslas visitor centres.

Ms Thomas said: “I feel like it’s not been handled very well, there was very little communication and empathy with people, the communities involved.”

Calling for better engagement, she pressed Huw Irranca-Davies as the Deputy First Minister appeared before the Senedd’s climate committee for scrutiny on March 27.

Ms Thomas chairs the Senedd’s petitions committee which received more than one petition on the topic – with the most popular signed by more than 13,000 people.

The north Walian said: “I was concerned as well about the understanding of Ynyslas … they were saying they are closing … the food and retail offer but it is actually a nature reserve.”

“They felt they struggled to get that across to NRW and when we questioned them, it felt like there was very little empathy and understanding it in that.”

Mr Irranca-Davies replied: “I’m sure NRW will be hearing this as well. I do, just to give you that reassurance, have regular discussions with NRW and we’ve raised this matter of effective communication on what is, and what is not, happening.

“In terms of Ynyslas … I think there is an understanding that the staff within Ynyslas have probably gone above and beyond actually what they are contracted to do, so they’ve also offered advice, signposting, nature advice and so on.

“But there is no intention whatsoever to withdraw from the nature conservancy aspects, the biodiversity aspects – the role that they’re doing out there in the landscape.”

Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs

Mr Irranca-Davies, a former MP who served in Gordon Brown’s government, said NRW has decided to step back from the food, catering and retail side to focus on core responsibilities.

“But I think your point is well made,” he said. “The communication and the openness with local people who are really concerned about … the future of nature sites and … staff.”

Labour’s Julie Morgan, herself a former minister, was similarly concerned.

She said: “I’d like to support what Carolyn has said … I’ve been approached from Ynyslas and there was a … feeling of no recognition of the actual work that they were doing….

“It just does seem an unsatisfactory situation.”

Mr Irranca-Davies replied: “It is the catering and retail side that they’re stepping back from and I have to say, in the financial constraints they’re under, that’s probably the right thing to do: to focus on NRW’s core roles.

“But in doing so, the sensitivity of dealing with local communities and … existing staff members is what they have to navigate.

“I don’t envy the role that they’ve gone through, neither do I envy staff who have been in the midst of this, but I would just encourage … as I’ve said to NRW directly: to keep engaging with local communities and staff as they transition here.”

Wales’ environment secretary told the committee he was hopeful about the opportunity for others to step in and provide catering and retail.

“I know that’s one of the added-value pieces for visitors and local people,” he said. “But their focus on conservation, biodiversity and natural processes will continue regardless.”

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

7 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days 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.