News

Haverhub – Grants success for vital community project

Published

8 years ago

April 2, 2018

By Rhys Williams

HAVERHUB’S perseverance has paid off as their application for a substantial grant has proven successful.
The organisation had set their sights on revitalising the old Post Office as a venue for tourists and locals alike, and to bring back a sense of community to the county town, and with the latest news they can move forward with their plan.
The Quay Street site, which started mail and counter services in 1936, has been left empty and neglected in recent times, as the Post Office has been relocated to Bridge Street.
The property was bought last year by Jemima Properties’ Jerry Evans, who is also redeveloping the high street Swales Music Centre, and he is leasing the Post Office to the community building organisation HaverHub.
Slowly but surely the initiative has gathered momentum, with Game of Thrones and Ripper Street star Jerome Flynn agreeing to become Patron of the organisation, and fundraising events now taking place regularly.
However, in order to refurbish the dilapidated site, finance was needed, and whilst fundraising and sponsors have helped, grants are have up until this point taken longer than would be hoped.
HaverHub Coordinator Gitti Coats explained: “While we are frustrated that some grants have taken considerably longer than expected to process the applications, we are also grateful for other, smaller grants which have been much smoother, such as £10,000 from The Big Lottery last year, and the Leader Grant has recently helped fund us to get our planning permission application in.”
The Leader Grant refers to the £14,980 grant from Arwain Sir Benfro, the local action group for Pembrokeshire, overseen by the community support group PLANED; Partnerships for Local Action and Network for Enterprise & Development.
Such grants have helped the growth of HaverHub, as have the generous donations of the public, and various business sponsors, such as Pembroke Design Ltd, but the organisation has been bolstered massively by the news that the Town Heritage Initiative funding has also been allocated to HaverHub for works to the listed building for roof repairs and windows and that after months of pressure waiting an important capital grant from the Welsh Government and the EU (RCDF) has finally arrived.
Gitti said: “There is great excitement behind the scenes as we can start planning the renovation in detail at last.”
The grant in question is the Rural Community Development Fund, in association with both the Welsh Government and the European Union, with the aim to invest in local community based organisations, and Coats said how ‘this second grant will bring HaverHub forward with some extensive renovations.’
Things seem to be progressing quickly as Coats detailed her plans for the future, which include ‘combining the Welsh Government grant from this week with the Town Heritage Initiative’.
She said: “We should also get a call next week from the Architectural Heritage Project, which would go towards surveys and professional fees. But capital funds are separate from any running and event costs, which the Haver Helpers will keep covering by putting on fun events, so please bring friends and have fun in the rough and ready events.”
As things stand, HaverHub continues to go from strength to strength through the hard work of its volunteers, and in the words of Coats, ‘seeing the site renovated and full of music, events, art and markets, as well as some great classes for all ages, will make it all worth it.’

Haverhub: Children participate in the junior duck race on Easter Saturday (Pic: Herald)

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

Published

38 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

4 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4