News
FRAME celebrates 20th birthday
PEMBROKESHIRE charity FRAME celebrated its 20th birthday with the opening of a new building in Merlins Bridge on Wednesday.
Members of the charity were joined by Dame Stephanie Shirley, who was there to officially open the new building, as well as Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Arwyn Williams and County Councillor Huw George.
Stephen Crabb MP had hoped to join the celebrations, but sent his apologies with the following quote: “A very big congratulations to Jenny and all the team at FRAME on reaching such a fabulous milestone. Sorry I can’t be with you today.
“Over the last 20 years FRAME has become one of the most widely recognised Pembrokeshire charities. It has a reputation for excellence in all that it does; from the way it treats its staff and volunteers, to the customer service it gives, to the life changing work it does day-in-day-out with people facing so many different challenges. You do brilliant work for our county”.
Jenny Sims, one of the founders of FRAME, said: “I can’t believe FRAME is 20 years old. This organisation happened as a happy accident really. Recycling wasn’t the done thing 20 years ago. It was a group of people attending a day care centre who wanted more.
“I couldn’t have done what we’ve achieved on my own. We have 44 paid staff and over 200 people a year turn up for support.
“FRAME has helped hundreds of people over the years and helped quite a lot of them achieve their aspirations.
“FRAME is run by the people, for the people, and it is great fun”.
Dame Stephanie Shirley said: “It is a pleasure to be here to open this new facility. I much admire the work that FRAME does and I applaud Jenny for her work as well.
“Not everything that is small is insignificant. FRAME provides meaningful occupation, work practices for over 200 people. It helps them to reach their full potential.
“It is an exemplar social business”.
FRAME is a community re-use organisation, providing a much needed service to the County of Pembrokeshire.
They encourage and promote the use of sound environmental practices by extending the useful life of: furniture, bedding and curtains, clothing, bric-a-brac and other household items.
They also offer low cost, pre-used items to individuals or families in need and also help to reduce the use of landfill refuse sites.
FRAME provides a real supported working environment for individuals with disabilities including mental ill health, learning difficulties and those socially disadvantaged and/or excluded.
Community
Residents evacuated after Carmarthenshire fire as investigation continues
EMERGENCY SERVICES remain at the scene of a serious property fire in Kidwelly as investigations continue and efforts are made to make the building safe.
The fire broke out on Lady Street in the early hours of Tuesday (March 24), prompting a multi-agency response involving Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Carmarthenshire County Council.
As a precaution, neighbouring properties were evacuated due to safety concerns, with residents temporarily displaced while the structural integrity of the affected building is assessed.
Safety work underway
Contractors were due to begin work at 9:00am on Thursday (March 27) to stabilise the structure and allow investigators to safely access the site. Authorities say the priority is to ensure the building is secure so residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.
However, officials have stressed that this will not happen until the site is deemed safe.
Lady Street remains closed while the work is carried out, with disruption expected to continue in the area.
Appeal for information
Police have thanked the local community for their patience and support during the ongoing incident.
Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage recorded between 11:00pm on Monday (March 23) and 4:00am on Tuesday (March 24).
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
Community
Cwm Arian to showcase work at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026
CWM ARIAN Renewable Energy has confirmed it will host a stand at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, set to take place from Friday, August 1 to Friday, August 8, 2026, at Llantwd in north Pembrokeshire.
The 2026 event is expected to be one of the most significant in recent history, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod in 1176 at Castell Aberteifi. With the Maes located close to the original site, organisers anticipate a landmark celebration for both the region and Wales as a whole.
The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest cultural festival, drawing around 175,000 visitors each year. It celebrates Welsh language, literature, music and the arts through a packed programme of competitions, performances, exhibitions and community events.
Communities across Pembrokeshire, alongside neighbouring parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, have been working together to fund the festival. Organisers set a target of £400,000, which is now close to being reached, reflecting strong local support.
Anna Mounteney, Communications Coordinator at Cwm Arian, said: “We are delighted to be part of Eisteddfod y Garreg Las in such a significant year. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our work, connect with visitors, and celebrate the rich culture and community spirit of west Wales.”
Cwm Arian will be present on the Maes throughout the week, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds.
Cwm Arian is a community benefit society based in west Wales. Its work began with a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach, which continues to generate renewable energy. The organisation now supports homes, community centres and local groups to install renewable systems, improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Crime
Theft case over Tresaith beach items discontinued in court
A THEFT case relating to items taken from a Pembrokeshire beach has been discontinued at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
Gryffydd Morgan, aged 52, of Bro Arth, near Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, had been due to stand trial in connection with alleged thefts at Tresaith Beach.
Morgan had denied two charges of theft, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.
The court previously heard that the allegations related to incidents on July 18, 2025, when it was claimed that a tent and a deck chair belonging to Clare Marshall had been stolen.
A second charge alleged that a tent belonging to Beverly Walker had also been taken on the same date.
Morgan had entered not guilty pleas to both charges at an earlier hearing.
However, when the case returned to court on Friday (Mar 27), the prosecution offered no evidence.
As a result, magistrates formally dismissed both charges.
No further details were given in court as to why the case had been discontinued.
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