Community

Save Our Libraries exhibition opens in Pembroke Dock

Published

9 months ago

September 14, 2025

A COMMUNITY art exhibition is opening in Pembroke Dock as part of a campaign highlighting concerns over the future of libraries and community galleries in Pembrokeshire.

The Save Our Libraries exhibition is running at Pembroke Dock Library and Community Gallery from Monday, September 15 until Friday, 26 September. It features 22 large-scale works, some up to eight feet tall, by artist William Gannon and others.

***Artist and campaigner: William Gannon (Pic: BBC)***

Originally conceived to explore questions of authenticity in art, the exhibition has since developed into a protest against austerity and what campaigners say are threats to library and gallery services.

Campaigners’ concerns

A statement displayed at the exhibition warns: “This community gallery could close at some point in 2026. The library opening hours have been cut. All of this is being done because Pembrokeshire County Council is not being given enough money by the Welsh and Westminster Governments to protect basic services such as libraries and Day Care Centres across Pembrokeshire.

“This library plays a huge part in the community life of Pembroke Dock. It is a safe warm space where everyone can come to read and study, play and learn and display and view art.

“That’s what this exhibition is about – one final exhibition of all the big pieces that are too big to fit anywhere else in case the Community Gallery finally closes.”

Campaigners have also criticised Pembrokeshire County Council for altering the wording of a petition they submitted. The original text called on the council to lobby the Welsh and Westminster Governments for more funding. They say the published version instead implied the petitioners themselves were lobbying, removing the call for the council to act.

Council response awaited

The Herald has asked Pembrokeshire County Council whether it will give a categorical assurance that no libraries – including Pembroke Dock – will close or see reduced hours in 2025/26. We have also asked the council to explain why the wording of the petition was changed, and under what policy.

The council has previously said there are no confirmed plans to close Pembroke Dock Library, but opening hours were cut earlier this year as part of a wider savings drive. Following a public consultation, the library reduced its hours from April, now closing at 1:00pm on Thursdays and 4:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The council has acknowledged financial pressures on library services across the county and has sought feedback on options ranging from shorter hours to shared premises, but insists Pembroke Dock Library remains open as a valued community facility.

The Save Our Libraries exhibition runs at Pembroke Dock Library until Friday, 26 September and is free to enter.

Community

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

4 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

4 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

10 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.