Business

In Memoriam: Bessie Davies – The Heart and Soul of the Dyffryn Arms

Published

2 years ago

December 16, 2023

IN THE QUIET and picturesque Cwm Gwaun valley of Pembrokeshire, Wales, the sun rose on a somber day as we mourn the passing of a local legend. Bessie Davies, the beloved pub landlord of the Dyffryn Arms, passed away on Saturday morning (Dec 16) at 8am. She was 94 years old, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, tradition, and the finest beer in Pembrokeshire.

For decades, Bessie had been an integral part of the local community, serving not only her renowned brew but also her heart’s labour to visitors and locals alike. The Dyffryn Arms, nestled amidst the lush woodlands and winding roads of the valley, may appear unassuming from the outside, but inside, it was Bessie’s home and her heart.

Since the tender age of 20, Bessie had been tending to the pub’s patrons from a hatch in her front room, upholding a tradition that has been in her family since 1840. Her commitment to the Dyffryn Arms was unwavering, and her dedication to preserving the traditions of her community was evident in her daily life.

Those who had the privilege of crossing her threshold would find a room full of cheer and a warm welcome, no matter the season or the occasion. Even in her eighties, Bessie was a lively presence, lighting the fire and showing genuine interest in the lives of those who entered her establishment. Her son-in-law would dutifully serve drinks from the hatch, pouring from a jug filled with the exceptional beer that Bessie was known for. She once quipped, “I’ve got lovely beer here, proper beer. Not these other pubs—those drinks are 60 per cent fizz.”

Bessie’s beer was like amber, not ice-cold like the modern palate has grown accustomed to, but refreshingly unique, with minimal bubbles. Its flavor was a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness that left an indelible mark on the taste buds of all who sampled it.

The Dyffryn Arms, affectionately referred to as “Bessie’s” by the locals, was more than just a pub; it was a hub of tradition and community. As a testament to the enduring gratitude and admiration of her patrons, the walls of the pub were adorned with notes from visitors who had come from far and wide to savor Bessie’s hospitality.

Bessie’s warmth extended beyond the walls of the Dyffryn Arms. She was known for her fluency in the Welsh language and delighted in hearing it spoken by her visitors. Her dedication to preserving the traditions of her community was evident in her daily life, whether it was making a hearty Cawl for her guests or accepting gifts of fresh produce from those who held her in high esteem.

While the Dyffryn Arms may not have been everyone’s idea of a modern establishment, with its unchanged wallpaper and hand-washed glasses, it possessed an enduring charm that few could resist. The fire was always stoked, and tales of old and new were ever-present, making it a place where stories unfolded as naturally as the seasons.

The Dyffryn Arms, was not just a pub; it was a living, breathing testament to the spirit of Welsh hospitality and tradition. Bessie’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to experience her warmth and the exceptional beer she served.

Bessie Davies’ memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but the legacy of her hospitality and the Dyffryn Arms will continue to welcome those who seek the authentic charm and tradition that defined her remarkable life.

Business

Tenby sailing club works approved by national park

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for works to Tenby’s listed building sailing club to improve energy efficiency for the community organisation has been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Harrison Richards of Tenby Sailing Club sought permission for replacing 24 timber windows at the Grade-II-listed Tenby Sailing Club, Penniless Cove Hill, with new Accoya timber double-glazed units.

The application added: “An energy survey conducted by Dragon Energy Consultants highlighted the existing single glazing and rotten window frames as a significant contributor to the club’s energy consumption.

“Tenby Sailing Club is a community organisation which seeks to organise activities year-round but faces significant energy costs being housed in a historic building. The current windows are beyond repair, with cracked glazing, decay, water ingress, and poor energy efficiency.

“The two windows at balcony level are not included, as they were previously replaced and remain in good condition. All new units will replicate the existing profiles, dimensions, glazing patterns, and overall appearance, ensuring no visual change to the building’s character.

“The neighbouring three-storey harbour stores occupied by Tenby Sea Cadets have previously replaced the building’s windows with double glazing. This like-for-like replacement in appearance will improve durability, weather resistance, and thermal performance while preserving the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.”

An officer report recommending approval said: “The Sailing Club was built as a warehouse c. 1825, abutting the C17 sluice. Originally wine stores, it was later used by the local fishermen for stores and is now the home to Tenby Sailing Club, established in 1936.”

It said no adverse comments to the proposals had been received.

It added: “The proposal is to replace the majority (24 total) of windows in painted timber, double-glazed with face-mounted glazing bars of traditional scale and profile. Whilst a modern practice of glazing, the proposal involves no loss of historic fabric, provides an obvious visual improvement and addresses concerns as to heating costs.”

It finished: “The scheme is considered to be in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

Business

Taxi fare shock in Milford Haven as drivers switch to meters

Published

8 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TAXI passengers in Milford Haven are facing a sudden jump in fares, as drivers increasingly switch on their meters and charge full council-approved rates.

One Herald reader said a short return trip from Milford Haven to Neyland cost £30 — around double what he expected to pay.

But drivers insist the prices are not new — they are simply the official tariff now being applied.

Under Pembrokeshire County Council rules, the standard daytime fare starts at £4 for the first mile (£5 after 6pm), rising by around £3 per mile thereafter. Waiting time is also charged, meaning even short return journeys can quickly add up.

Higher rates apply in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

End of the £3 taxi

Milford Haven has long been known for cheap taxis, with short in-town journeys often costing as little as £3 — far below official rates.

That was down to competition, older vehicles, and the need to keep prices low in a town where many rely on affordable transport.

Drivers say those days are now over.

One local driver told The Herald: “People got used to cheap fares, but that was never the real price. Now we have to use the meter or we’re losing money.”

Fuel costs biting

Most taxis run on diesel, now around 170p per litre locally. For drivers covering long distances each day, the increase has hit hard.

Global tensions in the Middle East have pushed up oil prices, feeding directly into higher fuel costs in the UK.

With fare increases requiring a lengthy council process, many drivers say they have no option but to charge the full tariff.

Vulnerable hit hardest

The change is being felt most by those who rely on taxis the most.

Elderly residents, people on low incomes and those without access to a car are now facing higher everyday travel costs.

There has been no recent increase in Pembrokeshire’s official taxi fares, which have remained broadly unchanged since 2022.

The difference is simple: drivers are now charging them.

As one put it: “We’re not putting prices up — we’re just finally charging what we’re supposed to be charging.”

Business

Cardiff Airport expects Easter passenger surge as demand rises

Published

9 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CARDIFF AIRPORT is preparing for a busy Easter getaway, with more than 46,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport over the holiday period.

The figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting growing demand for both sunshine destinations and European city breaks.

The busiest routes this Easter are set to be Alicante, Dublin and Málaga, with flights operated by airlines including Ryanair, Vueling and TUI Airways.

Travellers heading for warmer weather can also take advantage of direct flights to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, alongside popular destinations such as Faro and Palma.

The airport says the increase builds on a strong start to 2026, with passenger numbers continuing to rise.

Chief executive Jon Bridge said the airport is approaching the one million passenger mark and expects the summer season to be its busiest since the pandemic.

He said: “It’s been an incredibly positive start to the year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers over the Easter period.

“Our teams are working hard to ensure travellers can start their holidays smoothly.”

Passengers travelling over Easter are being advised to allow extra time for their journey and check with airlines for the latest updates.

A total of 46,158 passengers are expected to pass through the airport between March 27 and April 12, with arrivals and departures almost evenly split.

Cardiff Airport said it continues to expand its range of destinations, including the addition of a direct service to Toronto, as it looks to strengthen its role in connecting Wales to international travel.