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Major milestone for new Narberth Library thanks to Welsh Government funding

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A BRAND new library building for Narberth is due to be handed over to Pembrokeshire County Council by local developers next month, with the new facility due to open in early 2024.

Andrew Rees and Charles Salmon of Narberth Old School Developments are due to hand over the premises located next to the old Narberth primary school site – now known as The Hwb, by early June, ready for fitting out.

It will continue to be run by the successful three-way partnership of Pembrokeshire’s Library Service, the Friends of Narberth Library and Narberth Town Council.

Developer Charles Salmon said they were pleased to be involved in the library development, adding that the building has been provided free of charge and on a peppercorn rent for the next 125 years.

The work will be funded by a combined Welsh Government Capital Transformation Grant of £149,997 secured by the library service and £30k Section 106 funding.

“It’s great news that Welsh Government are once again investing in Narberth,” said Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services.

“The Capital Transformation grant will allow us to not only provide a modern, welcoming library but also introduce new technologies which will significantly extend the opening hours.

“I am delighted to see that the hard work of the partnership put together to bring this project to life is finally being recognised and rewarded with this funding.”

Chair of the Friends of Narberth Library, Cllr Marc Tierney, said: “The news that Narberth Library has been successful in receiving Welsh Government funding is a really positive step forward for the town.

“As a voluntary organisation, the Friends of Narberth Library has worked hard to support Pembrokeshire County Council in keeping the St James Street library open and part of the community over the last seven years.

“The new building just off the Towns Moor Car Park brings the library into the heart of the town, easily accessed by local buses and by car and in a location that for many is the start of their journey in discovering what Narberth has to offer.

“I’m looking forward to the Friends of Narberth Library exploring new opportunities to collaborate with others so that the library becomes a renewed focal point and a real community asset that confirms Narberth as a great place to live, work and visit in Pembrokeshire.”

Narberth Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Rogers, said: “About time! It will be a huge benefit to the town and the surrounding area to have a new modern library on a car park which creates easy accessibility.

“This is something the town has campaigned for, for a long and hard time and it’s wonderful that it is now within our reach.

“The many hours that have been given by many behind the scenes is amazing but that is what Narberth does. I thank everyone involved.”

At the moment, Narberth Library is temporarily situated at the Lee Davies Day Centre due to essential building repairs taking place at its home in St James Street – but will hopefully re-open at St James Street in June.

For more info, including current opening hours, please see: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/pembrokeshire-libraries/narberth-community-library

Narberth library

The exterior of the new library building next to The Hwb in Narberth. The library is due to open next year (Pic supplied )

 

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

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MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

 

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