News

Community campaigns to buy Trecadwgan Farm – a County Council farm near Solva

Published

6 years ago

June 10, 2019

CAMPAIGNERS in and around the community of Solva and the St Davids Peninsula are working hard to stop Pembrokeshire County Council from selling off this historic county farm at public auction in July, in order for the community to raise funds for a community asset transfer.

Solva community council, who are unanimously supportive of the vision for a community farm at the site said:

This Council, support the proposed purchase of Trecadwgan farm as a community project supporting the principles of food sovereignty, agroecology and biodynamic principles and practices. This Council also felt that given the current circumstances and recent declaration of a climate emergency by PCC, this project would naturally support any carbon reduction schemes and green projects. We do not feel that the sale of the farm would be securing value for money and would mean the loss of a potentially valuable community asset.

We would ask that PCC remove the farm from auction immediately and undertake discussions to support this unique and vibrant project.

Dating back to the 15th century the farmhouse is being sold with 13 outbuildings and 11 acres. The community benefit group have a vision for the site becoming a hub for the area that can offer skills training and be a location for many land-based social enterprises. One of the campaigners Rupert Dunn noted “There is a unique opportunity for the community and supporters both near and far to become joint purchasers of this historically important farm. Given the sensitivity of the issue of the sell-off of county farms across the UK, this case has national significance and raises a spotlight to our local authority to act with vision and to work together with communities. ” Rupert continued “I have spoken to many food, craft, training and agricultural based projects and there is great enthusiasm, the local community council at Solva are in full support”

The group is now forming a constituted Community Benefit Society registered with the FCA and will be looking to issue community shares in the development. A Pembrokeshire champion of community cooperatives, Cris Tomos of PLANED who has supported many community share offers commented ” The community and enterprise vision for Trecadwgan farm is fantastic and would see the opportunity for people to gain new skills and employment. It will be crucial to now form the new society as soon as possible with an inaugural board of directors to set up the community business”

Anyone wishing to show solidarity with the campaign or are interested in supporting the new community scheme are invited to attend the public meeting in Solva Memorial Hall at 6.30pm on Friday the 14th of June. There will be an opportunity to hear from people with a connection to the farm, form the new board and also have people putting their names down for being part of subcommittees to focus on finance, marketing, legal and other issues.

There will also be family-friendly activities held at the farm from 11am-5pm on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June including: elderflower cordial making, gardening, scything and green woodworking as well as food to share and a chance to shape the vision for a community farm.

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.