Community

Get the most from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer

Published

3 months ago

July 19, 2024

FROM local craft markets to artist-led workshops, bat walks and a planetarium session, residents and visitors can look forward to a delightful variety of ways to enjoy Britain’s only truly coastal National Park this summer.

Situated just a stone’s throw away from St Davids Cathedral and stunning beaches, Oriel y Parc National Park Discovery Centre is the perfect starting point for any summer holiday adventure. Free to enter, it offers a wealth of information on where to find your best experiences in the National Park – along with the chance to hire an e-bike and explore the picturesque but hilly St Davids countryside with the aid of an electric motor. The Centre is also home to Amgueddfa Cymru in Pembrokeshire and features a changing programme of exhibitions, along with a packed schedule of activities and events throughout the school holidays.

The main exhibition during this period will be Courage and Community – RNLI 200, celebrating 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution saving lives at sea. As well as plenty of exhibition games and activities for the whole family, Courage and Community also features an Arancia-class inshore rescue craft and some RNLI equipment to offer a taste of a rescue at sea.

For an extra charge, younger visitors can participate in a Legends of the Sea Trail, where they’ll become a member of the RNLI crew and complete the missions on the islands and sea around Oriel y Parc to rescue those in danger and earn a reward.

Discover a unique array of handmade crafts at Oriel y Parc’s Summer Craft Market on Saturday 10 August between 10am and 3pm, or at one of the Handmade Craft Fairs, hosted by Makers Bizarre. The Handmade Craft Fairs will take place in the courtyard every Tuesday, from 23 July to 27 August, between 10.30am and 4.30pm. Perfect for adding a touch of local charm to your home or finding one-of-a-kind gifts, entry to all markets is free.

Wednesday Club! sessions will run throughout the summer holidays, offering a wide variety of art and craft activities for creative young minds.

The first is scheduled for Wednesday 24 July, with a drop-in Make your own Sea Trinket Workshop between 10am-3am. The next four sessions will be led by local artists and include: Ocean Navigation Chart Making with Hannah Rounding on 31 July; a Stars & Story Stones Workshop with Kerry Curson on 7 August; Fantastical Boat Collages with Kate Evans on 14 August; and a Beach finds – Drawing and Mark Making session with Kate Freeman on 21 August.

All artist-led Wednesday Club! sessions take place between 11am – 12pm and 1.30pm – 2.30pm and booking is essential.

The final Wednesday Club! workshop of the holidays will be a Seaweed Printing Workshop. This is a drop-in event and booking is not required.

Further information about Oriel y Parc’s exhibitions, summer activities and e-bike rentals can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk.

There will be plenty of opportunities to learn about different areas and aspects of the National Park through the Authority’s exciting programme of summer events.

Tickets are still available for three Ranger-led walks through the spectacular Preseli Hills, taking in the history, legends and wildlife of this magical landscape.

The Craig Talfynydd Walk to the heart of the Preseli Hills will take place on Wednesday 24 July and Tuesday 13 August, and there are still places to join the Carningli Circular on Friday 23 August. Anyone interested in ancient history should consider joining the Foel Drygarn Walk, which takes place on Friday 9 August and Tuesday 27 August and visits one of the best archaeological sites in the Park.

Some fabulous historical walks with knowledgeable guides are also scheduled for the summer, providing opportunities to learn more about your favourite places – or discover new ones. A Nevern – Castles and Pilgrims walk will take place on Friday 16 August, while on Friday 30 August, the Porthgain, One Village, Three Industries walk offers the chance to explore one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic stretches of coastline.

The Park Authority’s popular Bat Walks will continue at various locations throughout July and August, which is generally the best time of year to observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures. The availability of bat detectors is guaranteed to make this a memorable experience.

At Manorbier’s Giraldus Centre, visitors will be able to enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the night sky in the middle of the day on 10 and 11 August. Several Planetarium Shows are scheduled over the two days in a state-of-the-art, high-resolution 360° planetarium. Those attending will be able to embark on a virtual journey through the solar system, land on other worlds, fly through Saturn’s rings, and marvel at Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. Each 45-minute show features expert commentary and is suitable for visitors aged 5 and up.

Please note that booking is essential for all walks and activities around the Park. Further information is available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Angharad, the Park Authority’s Summer Ranger will also be out and about throughout the holidays, with plenty of advice and information about places to visit and things to do. If you’re looking for some activities for the children this summer, Angharad will also be delivering some family favourites such as rock pooling and bug hunt sessions. Why not stop and say hello?

Community

Special RNLI concert for choir member Dorothy’s 90th Birthday

Published

16 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SPECIAL concert was held in Pembrokeshire to honour a long-serving member of the Neyland Ladies Choir, Dorothy Beckett, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

The event took place at St Mary’s Church, Hakin, where Ms Beckett, who has been a dedicated member of the choir for many years, was celebrated for her longstanding commitment to both the choir and her 74 years of fundraising efforts for the RNLI.

The concert drew a large crowd, with Ms Beckett’s family and members of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI among those in attendance. The church was filled to capacity, and all proceeds from the event were donated to the RNLI, a cause close to Ms Beckett’s heart.

Choir president Simon Hancock welcomed attendees and spoke warmly about Ms Beckett’s popularity, not only within the choir but also throughout the local community. During the evening, she was presented with a birthday cake, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

In addition to performances by the Neyland Ladies Choir, the Milford Haven Junior Town Band provided musical entertainment. The band performed a variety of pieces, much to the delight of the audience, and received enthusiastic applause. Solo performances from young talents Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia were highlights, while Faith and Nia offered support from the main band.

A former member of the Hakin Point RNLI group, Jan Mathias, paid tribute to Ms Beckett, thanking her for over 50 years of dedication and support to the charity. Representatives of the Angle Lifeboat RNLI, dressed in full uniform, presented Ms Beckett with a long service medal and flowers in recognition of her remarkable contribution.

The choir’s repertoire for the evening included a range of much-loved pieces, with a special performance of ‘Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers’, in which Ms Beckett reprised a solo part, once again moving the audience with her heartfelt rendition.

A presentation entitled “This is Your Choir Life” was delivered by Noreen Hadfield, offering a touching reflection on Ms Beckett’s 30 years with the choir. Sheila Griffiths curated a slideshow of photographs, showcasing memorable moments and amusing stories from various choir tours and events over the years.

The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ led by the choir, with Ms Beckett’s son, Adrian, expressing heartfelt thanks to both the choir and the Junior Band for providing such a wonderful beginning to his mother’s birthday celebrations.

The concert was a fitting tribute to Ms Beckett, whose commitment to her community, both through music and charity, continues to inspire.

Community

Milford Haven Town Council’s remembrance events in November

Published

20 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN is set to honour the fallen with a series of events in connection with the annual Remembrance period this November.

Organised by Milford Haven Town Council, the events will include several services and moments of reflection to commemorate those who served and sacrificed during conflicts.

The remembrance events will begin on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, with a Dedication Service at the Memorial Gardens. The service will commence at 10:30am, with the main ceremony at 11:00am. Crosses will be placed in a special area in front of the First World War Memorial Plaque following the service.

The Annual Remembrance Day Service will take place on Sunday, 10th November 2024, at 11:00am at the Cenotaph on Hamilton Terrace. A parade will assemble at the Town Hall at 10:30am, stepping off at 10:45am, before proceeding to the Cenotaph for the service.

On Monday, 11th November 2024, members of the Royal British Legion will lead a two-minute silence at 11:00am to mark the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month. The gathering will take place outside Milford News/Best One on Charles Street, with participants assembling at 10:45am.

These solemn events provide an opportunity for the community of Milford Haven to come together in remembrance and respect for those who have given their lives in service.

Community

Milford Haven gears up for Halloween extravaganza to benefit charity

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN a bid to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and the community’s access defibrillator fund, the Milford Haven Business Circle is hosting a Halloween Market and a Medium & Music Night this October 31st, promising an array of activities for all ages.

The Halloween Market will kick off at the Pill Social Centre from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, delightful treats, and unique gifts, perfect for the festive season.

As dusk falls, the focus shifts to the Milford Haven RFC, where the Medium & Music Night will commence at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available for £5 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The evening will feature Nathan Roberts, a gifted medium who will offer spiritual insights, and Chris Didcote, whose musical prowess is set to provide an enchanting backdrop.

Jaimie Gurney, Secretary of the Milford Haven Business Circle and a local photographer, expressed the importance of the events: “All proceeds will aid vital medical research and ensure our community is equipped to handle medical emergencies. We are counting on the generous support of local media, businesses, and individuals to help promote these worthy causes.”

The community is encouraged to support by sharing event posters, spreading the word, and participating in what promises to be a memorable day for a noble cause.

Halloween Market

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven

The Halloween Market will feature a delightful array of festive goods and activities for the whole family. All stalls will be local, offering a diverse range of products including handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts.

Medium & Music Night