News

Share system leads to farm success

Published

9 years ago

February 26, 2016

A FARM in North Pembrokeshire run by volunteers uses a share system to distribute its yield throughout the county.

Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture (COCA) is an agricultural scheme run for and supported by the local community. Members share organic food grown in partnership with local farmers.

The concept of COCA is based on mutual benefit and shared risk. Sharers visit Caerhys Organic Farm near St Davids, or one of the other pick-up points across the council to collect their weekly share of freshly harvested seasonal vegetables.

Other than the array of vegetables share holders recieve, fresh local produce like: organic milk, cheese, eggs, free-range organic meats and other locally sourced organic fruit and vegetables are avilable for purchase.

COCA was started in March 2010 by a small group of people including farmer Gerald Miles and founding members Val & Wyn Buick, Gill Lewis, Jacki Sime, Ailsa Buick, Darren Gibbs and Rupert Dunn.

Gerald wanted to secure a sustainable future for his farm and the founding members supported him in achieving this through the Community Support Agriculture (CSA) model.

COCA said: “Thanks to generous donations from founding members to buy seed and equipment we were able to plant the first crops in June 2010 on a two-acre field.”

“Since then,” They continued: “ We have continued to gather momentum and now grow enough vegetables to support our current membership, who are spread all over the St David’s Peninsula. As we mature and build resources, together we deepen our knowledge of growing quality organics for the local community.”

COCA work with nearby organic farmers to get the best range and quality of produce available to their members, they do this through the CSA partnership between the community group and the farmers.

The farm holds open days and social events to encourage a sense of community and connection with the land.

COCA said: “We like to involve members in the life of the farm, whether it is planting onions, picking carrots or just popping down for a cup of tea and a chat.”

The organisation is run day-to-day by a core group of volunteers who are elected by the members. Monthly meeting take place so that all members/sharers can contribute to how COCA functions.

Volunteering is not an essential part of membership to COCA, however they have said that: “Many members find that visits to Caerhys Farm, perched on the edge of the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, to be a thoroughly rewarding part of their week.”

To join COCA and receive your weekly share of the monthly yield you simply have to fill in their downloadable form online and send it back to them detailing which share: large or small, you would like to take.

Small weekly shares which are suitable for one or two people, cost £25 per month, and large shares which will provide for three of four people per week cost £47 with additional charges applying to certain collection points.

COCA encourage those thinking of taking their first share to first trial one of their free, full share boxes, which will give an accurate representation of what the potential farm share holder will recieve.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.