A NEW sculpture trail Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed linking Fishguard and Goodwick is due to be launched December 15th 2024.

Commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council with UK Government funding, the trail has been designed and delivered by local creative organisation Small World Theatre, based in nearby Cardigan.

Local artists from the region have designed and fabricated the artworks in their studios. The trail also includes augmented reality artworks that the viewer can see in the landscape using their phone.

The trails make use of existing and maintained pathways such as the boardwalk on Goodwick Moor, a wildlife reserve and the Marine Walk which is an accessible coastal path.

The new artworks will also be interspersed with existing artworks and heritage monuments and tell the twin towns heritage stories while celebrating the unique biodiversity and wildlife of the area.

A hand drawn and illustrated map will guide walkers along the various route options and website will give further details about the artworks, the artists and a digital version of the map.

Six new sculptures and eight augmented reality artworks have been commissioned as well as a series of decorated waymarkers. Sculptural archways created by Bill Hamblett will mark key route directions and celebrate local wildlife and heritage.

The launch event begins 2pm at Ocean Lab, Goodwick Sunday, December 15th and the artists will lead a guided walk along one of the trail routes.

Everyone is welcome, this is a free family friendly event and the route taken will be accessible to wheelchair users.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “This innovative project will bring the rich history of Fishguard and Goodwick to life through both physical and virtual art for us all to enjoy. It promises to be a really interesting experience, not just for those visiting the area but also those who already live in this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.”

A stunning five metre stainless steel seahorse created by Pembrokeshire-based artist Gideon Peterson will sit at the entrance to the Marine Walk, overlooking Goodwick beach and Fishguard Harbour.

Many of the artworks are interactive or kinetic such as a wind-powered shoal of fish and a giant kaleidoscope showcasing local children’s drawings at Goodwick Parrog, made using reclaimed materials by artist duo Toby Downing and Ben Cramp.

A playful hand painted sculpture of Jemima Nicholas, created by Ann Shrosbree with painting by Sarah Hope, was originally inspired by a young person’s drawing and an augmented reality immersive experience awaits viewers with artworks by Seán Vicary and Steve Knight.

The area is known for its focus on arts and culture and these trails are the latest manifestation of this. For those who love culture as well as stunning coastal scenery and wildlife, this is an ideal combination.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has denied trying to stop pupils from wearing Wellington boots to school in support of local farmers.

However, following a request, the Council refused to promote the wearing of the boots on its website or to allow schools to do so on theirs.

The Council communicated its decision on Monday, November 18, ahead of the national farmers’ protest in London on Tuesday, November 19.

Regardless, pupils across Pembrokeshire wore Wellington boots to school on Tuesday to show their support.

At Ysgol Bro Preseli many pupils had wellies on, and three older pupils reportedly drove to school in tractors.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “The Education Act 1996 clearly prohibits practitioners from promoting partisan political views, and therefore, our schools are not permitted to promote the farmers’ protest taking place in London today.”

Dyfed-Powys Neighbourhood Watch said: “It’s is very upsetting to learn that Pembrokeshire County Council has pressured all schools across Pembrokeshire to withdraw their communications to parents and guardians, showing support to farmers regarding wellies day.

“Farmers are the cornerstone of our country. If there are no farmers, there is no food. If there is no food, there is no way to survive, meaning no Future. It really is as simple as that. Farmers deserve to be recognised.”

A local farmer was unimpressed: “Of course, Pembrokeshire County Council would roll over for their Labour paymasters in London.

“They’ve been rolling over for Labour in Cardiff Bay for years.

“It’s as if the Council doesn’t understand just how important agriculture is to the county’s economy, our identity, and our culture.

“Regardless of your political persuasion, a serious threat looms over the industry, and a show of solidarity would’ve been gratefully received by Pembrokeshire’s farmers.”

Another said: “The support for farmers is wide-ranging, and we owe much to those in London exercising their democratic right to represent rural Britain.

“It felt like a real community in London, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

“Even Londoners supported the farmers and loved the good-natured atmosphere: they said it was so much different than the usual protests they have there.”

(Image: File)

DOG-FREE zones in local green spaces have been suggested as a way to create more inclusive and “anti-racist” outdoor environments in Wales, according to a report submitted to the Welsh government.

The recommendation comes from Climate Cymru BAME, a group advocating for the integration of anti-racist principles into environmental and public space policies. This is part of the Welsh government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan, which aims to eradicate racism by 2030 and transform public life across the nation.

The report, submitted on November 6, lacks detailed explanations on how dog-free zones would address racism or promote inclusion. However, findings by the North Wales Africa Society, which works alongside Climate Cymru BAME, highlighted safety concerns in parks among Black African women.

One respondent shared fears of potential attacks, saying they felt unsafe in the presence of dogs.

The Welsh government launched its anti-racism strategy in 2022, incorporating climate change, rural affairs, and the environment into its scope. The plan draws on perspectives from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities across Wales. Census data shows the BAME population in Wales increased from 4.4% in 2011 to 6.2% in 2021.

In addition to dog-free zones, the report proposes increasing minority ethnic representation in environmental volunteering and improving communication strategies to connect BAME communities with local initiatives.

The recommendations have sparked criticism from opposition parties. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies called the proposals “divisive nonsense,” adding:
“Labour’s so-called ‘Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan’ is outdated and irrelevant. It’s time for a fresh approach.”

A Welsh government spokesperson defended the initiative, stating:
“We remain committed to creating an anti-racist nation by 2030. Our action plan is built on the principles of anti-racism and calls for zero tolerance of racial inequality.”

The government is reviewing submissions to ensure policies are inclusive across all sectors.