News
Farmers provide land to despairing growers
PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY (PAS) provided an acre of land to Grwp Resilience to allow the townsfolk of Haverfordwest to grow food and extra for learning and therapy activity.
The growers have formed their own community interest company, Parc Helyg which is now managing the site. Sian Wells, coordinator said: “We have waited over ten years to grow food, now we are on the land, and to our surprise some of us are company directors too”.
Grwp Resilience treasurer, Dr. Roger Burns hopes “This will be the first of many.
“What farmers have done today needs to happen again and again to meet a desperate need. It’s not just for fruit and veg, it’s for healthy minds and bodies which the NHS alone cannot provide.”
After years on the allotment waiting list, many had given up. Rob Jones looked back.” We feared we would grow too old to garden after eleven years on the list.
“Today we are out digging in the sun, our seedlings are ready to plant, the growers whatsapp group is buzzing. We are young again.”
The farmers see people struggling to feed themselves and mental ill health spreading among the young.
Roger Mathias spoke for the Agricultural Committee: “We are a charity, we all want this to succeed. Please invite us to your first harvest barbecue” he laughed. “We are people of the earth, and now you have joined us.”
Sian thanked the farmers who not only provided land but ploughed where we wanted and through Puffin Produce, gave a load of cauliflower plugs. She has drawn up agreements for individual Clwt (or plot) holders. Parc Helyg uses Welsh where it can, and has interest from schools and groups in the area to use the community part of the site. “We are a community minded bunch” says Vicky Jones, another director.
“We care for nature, no chemicals or peat compost is allowed”
Funders were thanked at the open day: The second homes tax managed by Pembrokeshire County Council pays for the coordinator. Haverfordwest Town Council has donated for the legal costs, The UK Community Renewal Fund has paid for an 8 week beginners gardening course running on the site for growers and neighbours. Wales rail companies and 4theRegion has paid for some fencing posts.
Welsh government is paying for advice from Social Farms and Gardens. There is now a pressing need for funds for gates, fencing, track, compost, and water system.
Grwp Resilience Vicky Moller explained the background: “We have been seeking land near towns for two years for the long queues wanting land for peace in nature, food growing and to learn rural skills. It is farmers and private landowners who have come to the rescue so far.
“The Council has informed their waiting lists who then get in touch. We help them form an organisation to manage the land themselves. It is a real pleasure to see people and the land blossom together.
“Anyone owning land near a main town can transform the town’s health and happiness by leasing an acre or ten for community growing. Grwp Resilience will do everything we can to make this work well for you.
“The need is only getting more urgent. There is a meeting about this in Haverhub on 13 th May at 12, we will be talking to the Council’s lead for sustainability and zero carbon. Anyone interested contact [email protected]”
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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