Community

Mathry yoga shed approved despite holiday let fears

Published

5 months ago

August 1, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME for an office/yoga studio shed has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners despite the local community council’s concerns it could be used as a holiday let.

In an application recommended for approval at the July 29 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Eirian and Lona Llewelyn Davies, through agent Pembroke Design Ltd, had sought permission for a garden shed, home office and yoga studio at 5 Mabws Fawr, Mathry.

A supporting statement from the agent said: “The existing cottage was purchased by Eirian and Lona some 20 years ago as a two-bed retirement home for the future. It’s a small cottage with a bedroom upstairs. There is a ground floor study that doubles up as a bedroom/gym/study, but its full and not ideal for all that multi-use.

“The client would like three bedrooms in the cottage and study/gym/yoga kit put elsewhere. Given the size of the cottage on a tight site and the character of the existing outbuildings, it is not possible to extend it. They have a very large garden to the north, which drops below the road level by approximately eight feet.”

It asks for permission for a wooden cabin incorporating the three elements at that low level site, previously occupied by sheds.

An officer report recommending approval said: “Mathry Community Council has expressed concern in relation to the proposal due to the scale of the building and its self-contained nature allowing potential for use as holiday let accommodation in the future.

“The representation from the community council states that community councillors noted that there was no consultation with neighbours and have suggested that a site visit be undertaken as the proposal is effectively development in the countryside.”

Responding to those concerns, it said amended plans had been submitted showing the removal of a proposed toilet and septic tank, which “would remove the potential for self-contained accommodation,” adding any potential use as a holiday let would require a planning application and assessment against the relevant policies of the LDP.

With regards to consultation, correspondence received from the agent states that the applicant discussed the proposal with neighbours, who had the opportunity to view the plans prior to submission of the application.

The recommendation of approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)