News

Prestigious dolls’ house collection bequeathed to Pembrokeshire

Published

9 years ago

September 8, 2017

A MAGNIFICENT dolls’ house and toy collection rivalling the best on public display in Britain will be given to the people of Pembrokeshire thanks to a special lady, Val Ripley.

Val, aged 93, has generously bequeathed the private collection to Pembrokeshire County Council, which will create a new permanent gallery suite to house it at Scolton Manor, the county museum.

The collection was built up over many years by Val and her late sister Pam, who grew up in Surrey and Sussex together before moving to Newport in later years.

It was inspired by the discovery of a childhood treasure of Val’s – a dolls’ house called ‘The Gables’ which her parents gave her for Christmas 1932, when she was eight.

“I’d been hoping for a dolls’ house, and I’d been eyeing up a wonderful one in the Harrods catalogue, but it was rather big and I didn’t think I’d get it,” recalled Val.

[metaslider id=38159]

“I couldn’t believe it on Christmas morning when I saw this huge present waiting for me to open!”

From then on, Val played with the house constantly and saved up her pocket money to furnish it with miniature items, with birthdays and Christmases bringing more tiny gifts from family members.

But in July 1939, Pam and Val’s father took a commission in the Royal Artillery and the family house was let. The dolls’ house was put into store ‘temporarily’. But eight weeks later came the onset of the Second World War and the house remained in store for the duration – and was then forgotten about.

It was only after their mother died in 1977 that Val and Pam found the dolls’ house in the attic of their parents’ home, perfectly preserved in its original storage crate.

Not only that – they also found their mother’s dolls and toys dating back more than a hundred years, and their own childhood treasures.

“Imagine unpacking those!” said Val. “It was a magical moment. And I’m afraid my sister and I were off collecting!”

Over the following years, Pam and Val built up a famous collection of dolls’ houses of every period from 1840. Each house is furnished only with items produced at that time, and offer an intriguing glimpse of family life at home.

“We deliberately collected houses from every era,” explained Val. “Individually they’re not so interesting, but together they present a complete social history from the early Victorian era onwards.”

The sisters also sourced miniature toy stables, shops, theatres, and many toys and games – including rare vintage mechanical toys.

In 2010, the sisters opened the collection to the public for the first time at ‘Ty Twt’ in Market Street, Newport.

“It’s quite funny seeing fathers coming in with their children, because you can tell they’re not particularly into dolls’ houses,” said Val.

“But by the time they get to the WWI house, they are really interested and telling their children all about the things inside!”

The collection has featured twice on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and includes treasures such as a miniature dog which once belonged to Margot Fonteyn, and doll dresses given to Val from her childhood friend’s father, who happened to be Gone with the Wind star Leslie Howard.

It also features ‘St Edwards Junior School’, a charming teddy schoolroom created by the sisters when they were children, saving their pocket money to buy the tiny teddies at nine pence each.

Cllr Paul Harries of Newport, who was instrumental in bringing Val together with the Pembrokeshire Museum Service, said the collection was a ‘real treasure’.

“This is a wonderful gift for Pembrokeshire, and we are so grateful to Val and her late sister Pam,” said Paul, who is also Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“Together they created a collection of national importance, and we will be honoured to display it one day at Scolton Manor. It will prove a real legacy for them.”

Cait Hilditch, Collections Officer, said they were incredibly appreciative of Val’s generosity, and that the collection was fascinating in many ways.

“There’s the social history – with its amazing attention to detail throughout – the development of play, the wartime changes, and then there’s Val herself and her personal stories,” said Catriona.

“It’s a fantastic record of the changing styles of the family home.”

The creation of a new gallery suite at Scolton Manor will be funded through a Welsh Government grant of £77,500.

News

Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver died in a crash on the A44.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (May 5) on the A44 between Capel Bangor and Goginan, near Aberystwyth

The crash involved a single vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling eastbound towards Goginan when it left the carriageway.

Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.