Community
Protestors rally against closure of Pembrokeshire adult day care centres
CAMPAIGNERS demonstrating against the closure of council-run adult day care centres in Pembrokeshire have accused the local authority of “putting pounds before people”.
A demonstration was held outside County Hall in Haverfordwest, urging Pembrokeshire County Council to reconsider the proposed cutbacks affecting the Anchorage centre in Pembroke Dock, the Lee Davies Day centre in Narberth, and the Bro Preseli Day centre in Crymych.
The protest drew users of the centres and their families, many of whom voiced concerns over the impact of potential closures. Among the demonstrators was Georgina Knowles from Templeton, whose daughter Sapphire, 28, attends the Bro Preseli centre.
“She loves it there,” Ms. Knowles said. “It’s brilliant and the only centre in Pembrokeshire suitable for her, with all the equipment and qualified staff that she needs. They’ve told us it’s going to be open until April, and they’re talking about a social enterprise taking it over, but we’re keen on seeing the council continue to run it. Please don’t close it down. We’ve been very stressed.”
Pete Welsh, 73, from Pembroke Dock, whose daughter Abi, 32, has been attending the Anchorage centre for 14 years, echoed these sentiments. “Living with somebody with additional learning needs is a 24/7 job,” he said. “So it’s both a lifeline and a form of respite for us as well.”
Mr. Welsh criticised the council, claiming it was “putting pounds before people, not least vulnerable people at that who can’t speak up for themselves”. He called for the authority to reverse its decision, alleging there had been no consultation with families and service users.
Kate Scourfield, who introduced the petition to maintain day centres at the Lee Davies centre in Narberth and Crymych, expressed her “grave reservations” about possible alternative service delivery models being considered.
In response, Tessa Hodgson, the council’s cabinet member for social care, assured that no changes would be made to adult day care centres until September, when the cabinet meets to discuss the issue. She highlighted that the Anchorage centre was in a poor state of repair, requiring maintenance work totalling £370,000.
Ms. Hodgson explained that the decision to opt for a 12.5% council tax rise, rather than a 16.3% rise, necessitated savings. She noted that numbers using the Anchorage centre had declined from 35 to 22 since the Covid pandemic, and the authority was striving to maintain frontline services amidst a “dire financial picture”.
She further added that additional funding had been secured to keep the Lee Davies centre in Narberth open until next spring, while discussions were ongoing about the potential takeover of the Bro Preseli centre by a social enterprise. No final decisions will be made about the three centres until the matter is reviewed by the cabinet in December.
Council Leader Jon Harvey acknowledged the tough choices facing the authority, citing a funding gap of £32.3m for the current financial year (2024-5).
Ms. Hodgson was not available for an interview, and the council has been asked to comment on the matter.
More than 3,000 people have signed online petitions calling for services to be retained at the three sites, underscoring the community’s determination to safeguard these essential facilities.
(Cover image: BBC Wales)
Community
West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque
A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.
In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.
The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.
Community
UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby
NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.
A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.
Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.
In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.
Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year.
Community
Poignant Lancaster Relic donated to Heritage Centre, honoring local WWII hero
A WARTIME Pembrokeshire airman is especially remembered in this the 80th anniversary year of D-Day thanks to a unique and poignant donation to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
Trevor Hordley of Pembroke Dock was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber shot down over France in July 1944, soon after the D-Day invasion of Occupied Europe. A section of metal from his aircraft was secreted away from the occupying German forces and in 2013 was given to members of Trevor’s family attending commemorative events held annually in the French community of Serifontaine, near Beauvais.
Five of the Lancaster’s crew, including Trevor, are buried in a Beauvais cemetery.
Now, 11 years on, Trevor’s daughter, Christine – who was born after her father was killed – has donated the relic to the Heritage Centre.
Trevor’s niece and nephew, Pauline Cole and Peter Hordley, were joined by family members when they presented the metal section to the Centre’s team on Christine’s behalf.
Efforts are already underway to try and identify where the piece came from on a Lancaster. Plans are to exhibit it alongside an existing information panel telling Trevor Hordley’s story. He was one of over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew lost on operations in World War II.
The family have also donated the wartime suitcase and other items belonging to Pauline and Peter’s father, Roy Hordley – one of the three brothers who went to war from their home in Pembroke Dock. Only two returned.
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