Community

New grants will support community initiatives in south west Wales

Published

5 years ago

March 24, 2021

PEOPLE in South West Wales with great ideas to improve their local communities are invited to apply for grants from a new fund designed to help them make those ideas a reality.

The new Community Changemakers Fund will directly support local people and organisations who want to drive positive local change in communities along the South West Wales rail network.

The initiative has been launched by South West Wales Connected (SWWCo), a Community Rail Partnership set up to support the communities along the railway line throughout Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. SWWCo is hosted by 4theRegion, a community interest company based in High Street Station, Swansea, which is also backing the Community Changemakers initiative. The grants will be administered by the Carmarthenshire Association for Voluntary Services (CAVS) and are designed to be easy for local people to apply for.

The aim of the fund is to support communities along its railway lines to make change happen in their local places. The initiatives could include COVID-safe community events, creative and cultural initiatives, projects to clean up or improve local spaces, projects to support local businesses or “buying local”, projects to promote sustainability or climate action, projects to promote walking and cycling, and much more.

Each person or organisation can apply for a grant of between £300 and £1,000. The main criteria is that groups can demonstrate how the funding will improve community well-being and/or sense of place. They will need to state what the money will be used for and what difference their project will make. Their project will need to start and finish during 2021.

South West Wales Connected Community Rail Officer Jennifer Barfoot said: “We are passionate about supporting local people who aim to improve their communities in innovative ways, making small interventions that help create pride of place and promote well-being in the community. This new fund is designed to be easy to apply for, and will support changemakers within local communities around railway stations, helping them to bring about exciting change in their areas.”

Jackie Dorrian, Health and Wellbeing Officer with the Carmarthenshire Association for Voluntary Services, which will be administering the grant, said: “South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership has launched this new community grant fund to support communities along the railway line to make change happen in their local places. It will assist local people to make their area more attractive, not only for themselves but for others who visit the area. It will help to bring more community focus to the area and enhance what is available.”

Head of Community Rail at TFW Hugh Evans said: “We are pleased to be match funding this initiative. This fund will help local people bring about real improvements in their communities and will also help raise the awareness of the rail industry. We’re committed to reaching out to local communities and are very much looking forward to seeing what projects this funding helps to get off the ground.”

Dawn Lyle, Chair of 4theRegion, said: “We know that local people living in communities are best placed to know what’s needed – not top-down interventions. That’s why we’re delighted to be able to help make these grants available for “real people!” If you have a great idea for improving your community and live in an area served by the South West Wales rail network, I urge you to get in touch and find out more about how to apply. 4theRegion is committed to creating positive change throughout the region and this project will certainly help to achieve that.”

More info about the fund can be found here: http://www.southwestwales.co/changemakers-fund/

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

14 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

23 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”