Community

Community achieves major milestone to safeguard their beloved pub

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2023

IN a remarkable display of determination, a group of impassioned volunteers from the local community has brought the Cross Inn, the sole pub in Hayscastle Cross, on the cusp of salvation as it teetered on the edge of closure. The community-led initiative, driven by a shared resolve to preserve their cherished establishment, has surpassed their minimum target of £200,000 shares sold, marking an extraordinary triumph for the residents of this tight-knit locality.

The Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd. (the Society), the driving force behind this ambitious endeavor, has left no stone unturned in their quest to unite everyone under the common ownership of the pub. Alongside the successful share offering, the Society organized an array of events, from a spirited community auction and a bustling car wash to convivial coffee mornings, an epic tractor run, lively bingo and tippit evenings, engaging raffles, and even roping in the assistance of a local Dalek.

As the current owners, Wayne and Angela Phillips, prepare to bid farewell to the pub and explore new horizons, the establishment is slated to cease trading at the end of July this year. However, the Society has set its sights on acquiring the pub, giving it a much-needed facelift, and promptly reopening its doors with a fresh and revitalized ambiance.

Society Chairman Geraint Evans expressed his profound gratitude, stating, “We are immensely thrilled to have received the unwavering support of our friends, families, local residents, and numerous businesses, including the current owners, who have all displayed remarkable goodwill and backing throughout this endeavor.”

Evans further elaborated, “Our ambition has captured the imagination of the entire community, and despite the considerable challenges, we are relishing the journey because of its significance, and above all, because we are collectively making it happen. Our vision entails creating a welcoming and vibrant village pub that doubles as a community hub. With the profits generated from the pub, we intend to restore some of the essential services that the community desperately needs, having already lost two garages, a shop, a Post Office, and the local school.”

Even the Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire has joined the cause, lending his support. In a letter addressed to the Rt Hon. Michael Gove, Crabb highlighted the shared values between Y Cross Cas-lai Benefit Society Ltd. and the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund, which aims to “safeguard the small, but much-loved local assets on which we cannot put a price.” He continued, stating, “I endorse the bid from Y Cross Cas-lai Community Benefit Society Ltd., which will not only retain an important village asset but also foster community cohesion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of place and societal well-being.”

For those interested in investing in Y Cross Cas-lai and contributing to their ambitious goals, there is a limited window of opportunity, as the deadline for share applications is the 21st of May 2023. The share offer has been extended for a brief period to allow existing investors to augment their contributions and welcome new investors who are eager to partake in this remarkable project.

To obtain further information and play a role in propelling the Y Cross Cas-lai team across the finish line in style, please visit http://ycrossinn.cymru/how-to-invest/ to learn more about purchasing shares. Together, let us ensure the triumph of this community-led initiative, securing the future of the cherished Cross Inn for generations to come.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

6 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

Community

Cilgerran school could be discontinued as consultation launched

Published

19 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CONSULTATION on proposed changes for a north Pembrokeshire school, which attracted a near-400-strong petition in opposition to the council, has been launched.

At its May meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

“In particular, the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation on proposals for discontinuation of Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School has said.

A later July meeting of the council, following May’s agreed consultation with St David’s Diocese, backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.

The consultation was launched on December 16 and runs to January 30.

Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closed after gaining 391 signatures.

Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and any over 500 a debate at full council, meaning this petition will be heard by committee members at a later date.

The proposals for Cilgerran are part of a wide range of potential education changes in the county.

Two petitions, opposing the potential closures of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau schools, were recently heard at full council and a further petition opposing the potential closure of Stepaside School has recently been launched.

The Cilgerran e-petition, created by Louise Williams, raised concerns including the school could become part of a federation, a loss of permanent head teacher on site, a shared head teacher would have to oversee several schools, loss of funding control and the ability to maintain the school’s current healthy and stable funding, and a loss of commitment to the church, in turn could impact on the school’s and pupils values, beliefs and cultural beliefs.

It said: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this will have a negative impact on the children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.

“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.

“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the Children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.”