Entertainment

Memory-laden Pembrokeshire property sells at auction

Published

3 months ago

September 1, 2025

A charming house located in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, filled with thousands of photographic memories was recently sold via property auction. The eight-bedroom house was once the location of the famous Squibb Studios, a much-loved photography workshop owned by Margaret and Graham Hughes.

During his lifetime, Graham Hughes took photos of three generations of weddings, as well as portraits of local residents, important events and private functions. The photographer and his wife were a very important part of the local community and captured many wonderful memories on camera.

Let’s take a look at the history of the Pembrokeshire townhouse and what the future may have in store now it has a new owner.

The history of the famous Pembrokeshire townhouse

In the United Kingdom, the age of many of the buildings means that there is lots of interesting history to explore. Sometimes properties have been passed down through many generations or used for lots of different purposes. The Pembrokeshire property is now exception; it has been both a family home and a photography studio in the past.

Mr Hughes purchased the townhouse when purchasing the photography business from Authur Squibbs more than six decades ago. Now, the photography work of both Graham and Authur is being scanned to create a digital copy of the archive. This work is being completed by Alun Crockford with the Pembrokeshire Archives.

There are more than 11,000 photographs, in addition to thousands of film rolls from over half a century of work, dating between 1950 and 2010.

Older properties have stood through many eras of history, surviving wars, severe weather and lots of societal change. This property in particular is a great reminder of times gone by and how much every aspect of our lifestyles have changed.

For example, back then, the property’s residents would have filled their time playing board games, now they could simply play games like slots online with a few clicks on their smartphone. Or, after dinner there would be the laborious task of scrubbing dishes in the sink, while now it’s simply a case of stacking the dishwasher.

Technological innovation has changed our lives in ways the original property owners probably couldn’t imagine. While the added convenience is great, sometimes it is nice to reflect on simpler times.

How much did it sell for at auction?

Located at Napleton House on Warren Street, the property was successfully sold via public auction for £240,000 based on a guide price of £220,000. The sale was made by South Wales auction house Paul Fosh Auction. There was a huge amount of interest in the four-storey house, which has eight bedrooms. While the property does need quite a lot of work to modernise it, lots of people could see the great potential it has.

On the day of the auction, there were four bidders on the property and it took just five bids to seal the deal. While it was expected that it would go beyond the guide price due to the amount of interest the townhouse had received, the final price wasn’t too shocking.

What is so attractive about the house’s location?

For starters, Tenby is one of the most sought after areas in Wales. The house itself is very central and just a stone’s throw from a vast array of shops and other local amenities. Tenby is very popular with tourists and has a booming tourism industry too.

The property stands out on the street with its historical charm, passers-by look at it with intrigue.

There has been interest in turning it into a guest house

Given its generous size and convenient location, it is little surprise that previous owners had thought about turning it into accommodation. Planning permission has been granted to turn it into an eight bedroomed guest house. It is set out across 1,558ft and has outside space.

Other than a guest house, it also has potential for other commercial uses or to be turned into luxury apartments, if the correct permissions could be granted.

Tourists in Tenby would find the townhouse to be in the ideal location as it is close to the main train station and the centre of town for shopping. Also within walking distance is the golf course and a number of bus stops. Getting to the town’s beaches isn’t difficult from there either.

Currently, set out as a home the property has a lower ground floor and access to a basement. There are two reception rooms, a toilet and lots of storage space. Up on the ground floor is the shop area and a rear living space.

Then, up a set of stairs onto the first floor is a full bathroom, kitchen and four sizable bedrooms. On the top floor are the rest of the bedrooms and a loft space.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

3 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment

Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.

The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.

Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.

A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.

Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.

Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.