Local history society’s final event before summer break will spotlight the rich past of one of Pembrokeshire’s most historic communities

PEMBROKE AND MONKTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY will hold its next Coffee Morning and Talk on Saturday, May 2 at Pembroke Town Hall, with this event marking the final talk in the society’s current programme before its summer break.

There has been a change to the original line-up, with the advertised speaker having withdrawn. However, Society Chairman Linda Asman will now present a talk titled Monkton: A Hidden History, a subject closely connected to the group’s roots and one which has already attracted strong interest.

Linda previously gave a similar talk to the Pembrokeshire History Society last October, following the success of the book she co-authored with Keith Johnson, drawing on the memories and contributions of many former members of the Monkton community.

The society itself has deep ties to Monkton. It was originally based at Monkton Church Hall, and its first public event was a guided walk through the village led by the late Pauline Waters. That early project encouraged residents to share old photographs, stories and memories, laying the foundations for what would become a valuable local archive.

Its first publication, Monkton: A Sense of Place, was written by Linda, illustrated by George Lewis and funded by Planed. Continued research later led to the publication of a full book on Monkton, which proved so popular it is now out of print, although it remains available to read online through the society’s website.

The upcoming illustrated talk will explore Monkton’s rich and often overlooked past, including its nationally important cave, Norman Priory, and once-thriving quayside. It will also look at the impressive Georgian mansion that once stood there, complete with terraced gardens still surviving today, along with the area’s shipbuilding heritage and the arrival of ocean-going vessels carrying timber from Nova Scotia.

The talk will also trace Monkton’s rapid growth following the establishment of Pembroke Dock, when Victorian terraces were built to house dockyard workers and a vibrant, self-contained community emerged. Much of that old settlement was later lost during the demolitions of the 1960s, but its history has not been forgotten.

Doors open at 10:00am for coffee, with the talk beginning at 11:00am. Pembroke Museum and the Council Chamber, both located on the first floor of the Town Hall, will also be open during the event. A lift is available for disabled access.

Entry is free, with proceeds from the coffee morning and raffle helping to cover costs.

For more information visit the society’s website or contact [email protected].

PLANS for a rural enterprise dwelling to support a Pembrokeshire horticultural business are being recommended for approval despite concerns from the local community council.

In an application recommended for approval at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee, Southern Roots Organics/Awen Organics, through agent Preseli Planning Ltd, seeks permission for a rural enterprise dwelling, track extension, and associated works at Eithin Farm, Felindre Farchog, near Nevern.

This application is being presented to the Development Management Committee as local community council Nevern has objected to the application raising material planning matters, contrary to the officer recommendation for approval.

An officer report says Eithin Farm comprises about 25 acres of agricultural land, with an additional seven acres to be rented by the applicants; the applicants running a horticultural business from the site, using multiple polytunnels and employing irrigation systems which require careful management.

The report says the business has been trading for over three years and can support a full-time worker, meeting criteria which addresses planning for sustainable rural communities. The proposal is said to meet these requirements, and the officer’s report confirms a genuine need for the dwelling.

Nevern, in its objection, said: “The living accommodation is supposed to be part of the business, it needs to be closer to the sheds, making the whole enterprise more aesthetically pleasing. The area designated for future seasonal agricultural workers would be an areas that would be more appropriate for a traditional cottage. A restriction on the house, a tied house needs to be considered.”

Objections to the plan have also been received from members of the public raising concerns including foul water disposal and the application “has nothing to do with the new current business”.

However, a number of representations have expressed support for the application. Issues raised include the benefit of applicants living on site, helping to reduce travel and carbon emissions, and confirming support for local, small-scale horticulture, and the contribution the business makes to the community.

The report says there is an identified need for a rural worker’s dwelling, especially due to the need to quickly respond to changes in crop conditions and potential failures in irrigation or ventilation systems.

It concludes: “The evidence submitted with this application, having been assessed by PCNPA’s Agricultural Advisors, is sufficient to demonstrate that an essential need exists for a rural enterprise dwelling, and that the proposal meets the tests set out in [policy].

“The siting and design of the dwelling are considered acceptable with no concerns in relation to landscape impact, amenity or biodiversity. Overall, the proposal is considered to be acceptable and a recommendation to grant permission is made.”

PLANS for a series of decorative mosaics as part of a community art project at Pembrokeshire’s only city hall have been approved.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids City Council sought permission for three decorative mosaic community art project panels on St Davids City Hall, High Street, two to the front and one to the rear of the building.

An officer report recommending approval said: “No adverse comments have been received from consultees, and no third-party representations have been received. It is not deemed that the mosaic panels would have an adverse impact upon the character or appearance of the St Davids Conservation Area, nor the street scene in general.”

It goes on to say: “City Hall is located within St Davids Conservation Area – The City, as defined within the Authority’s SPG. This area is mainly late Victorian, with a number of properties dating from the early nineteenth century. This was effectively a second phase of rebuilding in the city.

“The main element of the city is the informality of the built form, reflected in varied boundary treatments and the tendency towards pairs and short groups as opposed to long terraces. The Buildings Conservation Officer has been consulted and notes that the proposal has a negligible impact upon character and appearance of the conservation area.”

It added: “Neither is it deemed that harm would be caused to the special qualities of this part of the National Park. The artworks would contribute to the vibrancy of the city centre and would not appear visually intrusive. Overall, the proposed development is considered to be acceptable, and a recommendation to grant permission – subject to suitably worded conditions – is made.”

It adds: “Whilst City Hall itself is not listed, the cottage (No 18 High Street) is Grade-II-listed. Whilst the Buildings Conservation Officer refers only to the impact upon the conservation area, he has verbally confirmed that the proposed mosaics would not have an adverse impact upon the setting of this listed building.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.