News

Hidden heritage trail launched in Saundersfoot

Published

9 years ago

May 3, 2016

Tom Sinclair

New route: Detailed historical facts are detailed in the guide

YOU MAY have noticed the image of a young boy posted around the Saundersfoot and South Pembrokeshire area at various landmarks and you may have wondered who he is and what he is doing there.

He is Tomos, who grew up and worked in the area at the end of the 1800’s, long before Saundersfoot Bay became primarily known for its superb beaches and a centre of tourism.

The Saundersfoot Bay Heritage and Regeneration Trust are a group of volunteers from various organisations across the Bay.

The Trust was set up with the major aim of protecting and promoting the history and heritage of the area for future generations to enjoy, and also to provide another interest in the area for visitors who want to explore their holiday location in addition to the beach.

At one time, the Saundersfoot Bay area (Saundersfoot Harbour to Amroth/Telpyn), and inland to Kilgetty, was a major hub in the developing and expanding coal industry as part of the industrial revolution. Coal was a very valuable commodity.

The coal mined in this area was of very high quality, and hence was in much demand. In fact it was coal that led to the building of the harbour in Saundersfoot, to promote large-scale export of the coal to both Ireland and other parts of the UK.

The rich history of this industry provided the first project for the Trust, and over the last two years, they have worked on putting together a comprehensive booklet, comprising a series of walks of varying lengths and challenge, including a route for easy access.

The booklet map explains the different walks and those that are disabled friendly. The full 9-mile walk from Saundersfoot Harbour takes the walker through 9 heritage sites. It also gives the visitor a different perspective of the countryside across the Bay from the harbour to Amroth.

The Trust is particularly grateful to support given by the National Parks, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism, Craig Davey for the design, and especially to Dorian Spencer-Davies and David Lewis of Hean Castle for allowing his superb painting to be used.

The Booklets cost only £1 and can be purchased from several outlets across the Bay – from the Regency Hall in Saundersfoot, to the Smugglers and Village Shop in Amroth.

The group hopes that locals and tourists alike will buy a booklet (which is full of historical photographs and history associated with the sites) and let Tomos take them on a very special journey through his Saundersfoot, with vivid descriptions of what life was like for young boys like Tomos.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.