A CALL to extend a chapel and hall near Haverfordwest to provide much-needed space for activities has been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire county planners.

Reverend Jenny Gough, through agent Sureline Design Services Ltd, sought permission for an extension to Bethlehem Chapel and its attached hall, in the village of Bethlehem.

A supporting statement said: “Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, located on the outskirts of Haverfordwest has 45 adults in membership of the church at the present time ranging from 19 years to those in their mid-90s. In addition, on a Sunday we have a further 46 adults in regular attendance and 11 regular under 16-year-olds.

“The growth of the church fellowship in the past ten years has necessitated the provision of a portacabin in church grounds which is a temporary measure, intended to be removed once the proposed extension to the church hall is completed.

“Whilst the church is currently providing various community activities, we are limited in the number of people who can attend and often find that we are restricted in the services we would like to provide due to the space available.

“Allied to this, the need to meet public standards for disabilities, parking, health, and safety and the need for an extension becomes ever more pressing. The project aim is to provide a first-class facility that will enhance the community, be a welcome lift to the area, and enable existing and new activities to be undertaken in a pleasant, warm, accessible and welcoming environment.”

It added: “Over the last four to five years it has become increasingly clear that the current building facility could not meet the needs of its users, nor hope to satisfy the ever-increasing regulatory demands placed on facilities that are open to the general public.”

The chapel hosts many activities including adult and toddler/baby group, ladies craft group, community lunch group, bereavement peer support group, dementia support group, primary school children’s holiday clubs, secondary school youth clubs, young adult groups, Christian teaching groups and social events.

“Since many of these activities are well attended, we are often lacking space in the building.  For some larger gatherings we are forced to use halls in the communities around us, which increases our workload for holding the events in having to transport necessary equipment.

“The main result is that we are not holding events to our full potential, if more space was available at Bethlehem Chapel, we would be able to hold more events to benefit the wider community with what we are already providing.”

The application was conditionally approved by officers.

Service honours shared history, service and friendship on the Quayside

A SYMBOL of Haverfordwest’s wartime and Cold War connections with the United States was formally re-dedicated on Tuesday (Jan 27), marking 30 years since the anchor was first presented to the town by the US Naval Facility at Brawdy.

The re-dedication service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and brought together civic leaders, veterans, serving personnel and members of the public to honour service, remember history and celebrate enduring friendship between the UK and the US.

The Mayor welcomed guests including the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Reverend Heather Cale, along with civic dignitaries His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Dyfed, Patricia Mawuli Porter, and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Ann Jones. Also present were fellow councillors, invited guests and veterans, including James Phillips, Colonel (RN) and Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, David Griggs, Lieutenant Commander (RN) and former Royal Navy Liaison Officer at the facility, and Squadron Leader David Warneford (RN), former Commanding Officer of RAF Brawdy.

Representatives from the 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) at Brawdy and the Royal British Legion attended, alongside members of Pembrokeshire County Council, the town mayors of Neyland, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the Joint Presidents of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society/County Show and local historian Mark Muller.

Family links to the original ceremony in 1996 were also recognised. Jonathan, the son of the late Mayor Councillor D Twigg—who was Mayor of Haverfordwest when the anchor was first presented—attended with his mother. Apologies were noted from former Town Clerk Mrs Pat Lewis, who had been in post at the time of the original presentation.

The service opened with reflection and prayer from the Mayor’s Chaplain before Dr Simon Hancock, Armed Forces Champion at Pembrokeshire County Council and Haverfordwest Museum Curate, set out the historical context of the US Naval Facility at Brawdy, its relationship with the local community and the significance of the anchor’s presentation in 1996.

Town councillor Randell Thomas-Turner offered a personal reflection, recalling that his father had been stationed at the US facility and speaking of the human connections forged during the American presence at Brawdy and the lasting bonds between service families and local communities.

Veteran Squadron Leader David Warneford followed with reflections on shared service and alliance, and on the continuing relationship between the US and the UK. The Mayor then spoke of the anchor as a permanent part of the town’s heritage and the importance of international partnership, before the formal act of re-dedication was led jointly by the Mayor and Mr Warneford.

Music included Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea, underscoring the theme of transatlantic friendship. The service concluded with a blessing and closing remarks, with thanks extended to speakers, organisers and attendees.

With Storm Chandra moving in at the start of the ceremony at 12.30pm, proceedings were held upstairs at the Town Council offices, allowing guests to look out towards the Quayside anchor from a distance. As the rain eased by the close of the service, attendees joined the Mayor, Sheriff and councillors at the anchor site itself, where a newly painted anchor and new interpretation sign—installed by Town Council staff—were unveiled.

A live recording of the re-dedication service has been shared in two parts on the Pure West Radio Facebook page, with thanks given to Alex at Pure West Radio, council staff, speakers and the Reverend Heather Cale for their support in making the event possible.

HEAVY overnight rain and strong winds brought by Storm Chandra have caused disruption across Pembrokeshire, with fallen trees and localised surface water flooding reported in several areas.

The Cleddau Bridge that had been closed to high-sided vehicles has now reopened to all traffic. Yellow weather warnings for wind and heavy rain have since expired.

Road closures due to fallen trees

• Golden Hill, Spittal – A team is on site working to clear the road.
• C3185 Stepaside to Summerhill – Closed due to fallen trees and power lines. Crews are working alongside utility companies.
• B4329 through Crosswell – At the square, turning right towards the mountains and near Hen Ger y Llwyn, a large tree is blocking the carriageway.

Motorists are advised that there may be further fallen trees or branches on the road network. Clearance teams are responding as capacity allows.

Road closures due to flooding

• B4586 Jeffreyston to Loveston
• B4318 at Gumfreston

Drivers are urged to take care as localised surface water flooding continues to affect parts of the network.

Natural Resources Wales has issued five flood alerts covering Pembrokeshire. With a one-metre surge forecast on current neap tides, combined with large waves, people are advised to be cautious along coastal fronts, particularly around high tide at lunchtime.

Further rain is expected this afternoon and into the evening, though it is not forecast to be as intense as overnight. Strong winds are also expected for a time today before clearing northwards.