News

Lottery Heritage Fund award to create interactive discovery centre at Haverfordwest Castle

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2024

IT has been announced this week (Aug 5) that Pembrokeshire County Council and community partner Haverfordwest Castle CIO have received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project called Haverfordwest Castle: Pembrokeshire’s Heritage Gateway.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to transform the disused Grade II Listed County Gaol building at the heart of the site into a state-of-the-art interactive discovery centre, telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past, and its potential future in a fun and engaging way.

Development funding of £368,525 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help the partnership progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant next year to deliver the scheme.

As well as developing the Old Gaol building, the project aims to complete a full re-fit and re-interpretation of Haverfordwest Town Museum in the adjacent Governor’s House, new outdoor interpretation in the castle, new branding, website and marketing strategy.

An activities, events and education programme is also planned with pilot workshops and public focus groups commencing autumn 2024 to help shape this. Volunteer and work experience opportunities will also be available.

The County Gaol and Governor’s House were first built within the walls of Haverfordwest castle in 1779. The gaol housed over 400 French prisoners of war in 1797 following the failed last invasion of Britain at Fishguard. The gaol was rebuilt in 1820 and in 1878, it was converted into the headquarters of Pembrokeshire Constabulary.

PCC acquired the castle in 1963, when the gaol became home to Pembrokeshire Records Office and Museum and since 2013 when the archives relocated to Prendergast it has stood empty, until now.

Commenting on the award, Paul Miller, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The Castle has been the heart of Haverfordwest and indeed Pembrokeshire for well over 900 years and it’s wonderful to know that we are one step closer to preserving it and reinventing it for future generations.”

The creation of a flagship heritage attraction in Haverfordwest was first conceived over 10 years ago and has been driven by a loyal and committed group of community stakeholders.

Haverfordwest Castle CIO the new, not-for-profit, independent charity that has emerged from this stakeholder group, will run the castle, museum and visitor attraction for the benefit of the community.

The new charity has worked very closely with Haverfordwest Town Museum, which, in due course will legally become part of the new entity, so that the two attractions can function as one.

Ted Sangster, Chair of Trustees for Haverfordwest Castle CIO said: “We are delighted to be a partner with Pembrokeshire County Council on this important regeneration project. We’re very optimistic that the attraction will provide a new focus for visitors to come to Haverfordwest and lead to a much needed economic boost for this historically and culturally rich community.”

Andrew White, Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: “It is exciting to be able to award initial funding for this project that we know will bring the culture, history, and heritage of this part of Haverfordwest to life. It is encouraging to know that the Castle will continue to play a role within the community for years to come.”

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over alleged Cardigan cocaine and cannabis supply

Published

8 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

Court Reporter

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to Crown Court to face a series of alleged drug supply offences in Cardigan.

Harrison Casey, of Harebell Way, Brownsover, Rugby, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He faces six charges relating to alleged offences at Bridge Street, Cardigan, between April 7 and April 24, 2023.

The charges include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Casey is also accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply THC edibles, and possessing flualpazolam, a Class C drug.

There were no pleas to the charges at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Casey was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Climate

Floating wind demonstration project off Pembrokeshire coast granted marine licence

Published

56 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

The Llŷr project could see up to ten floating turbines installed 35km off the coast, with power brought ashore at Freshwater West

A MARINE licence has been granted for a floating offshore wind demonstration project off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Natural Resources Wales has approved the licence for Llŷr Floating Wind Limited, allowing the Llŷr Floating Offshore Wind Farm Project to move forward.

The test and demonstration facility is proposed around 35km off the Pembrokeshire coast, off Linney Head, and is among the first demonstration-scale floating wind projects in Wales.

The scheme could include up to ten turbines, each reaching up to 300 metres above sea level, together with floating platforms, mooring lines and anchors.

Up to two offshore export cables, around 50km in length, are planned to bring electricity ashore at Freshwater West.

Ruth Jenkins, Head of Planning and Permitting Services and Marine Operations at Natural Resources Wales, said the organisation had a role to play in supporting the move towards clean energy while ensuring projects were developed responsibly.

She said: “At Natural Resources Wales, we have a unique opportunity to tackle the climate emergency across a range of sectors and industries. This includes using our licensing powers to support Wales’s transition to clean energy.

“As a regulator and advisor, we ensure energy projects are developed sustainably and with respect for the environment and local communities. At the same time, we play a vital role in enabling innovation in green energy, helping projects move forward safely and responsibly.

“Wales has enormous potential as a leader in renewable energy, and we’re committed to supporting the benefits that can come from these projects as we move towards net-zero targets.”

Natural Resources Wales is the Marine Licensing Authority on behalf of Welsh Ministers.

Full details of the marine licence granted for the Llŷr Floating Offshore Wind Farm Project are available on the NRW public register.

News

Free Pembrokeshire woodland event to explore language, landscape and belonging

Published

10 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE woodland event in north Pembrokeshire will invite people to reconnect with the Welsh language, local landscape and cultural traditions through storytelling, creativity and time spent in nature.

Dod yn ôl at fy nghoed / To Return to My Trees will take place on Friday, July 17, from 10am to 4pm, at Canolfan Llwynihirion and Allt Tŷ Canol, near Brynberian.

The event is being hosted by Cwm Arian as part of the Preseli Woodlands Project and will be led by Welsh Druid, author and celebrant Deborah Rose Hālani.

Participants will spend time in the ancient woodland of Allt Tŷ Canol, exploring how Welsh language, landscape, folklore and local traditions have shaped one another over generations.

Organisers say the day is open to everyone, including those reconnecting with their own heritage, people learning about Welsh culture for the first time, or anyone who wants to build a deeper connection with the place they call home.

Sophie Jenkins, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Cwm Arian Renewable Energy, said: “Conservation isn’t only about protecting species and habitats. It’s also about nurturing our relationship with the places we live.

“The Welsh language, our stories and our landscapes have evolved together over centuries, yet many people feel disconnected from one or all of those things.

“Whether someone is rediscovering a part of their own heritage or beginning a relationship with Cymru for the first time, we hope this day creates space to connect more deeply with the land, with culture and with community.”

The Preseli Woodlands Project brings together nature restoration and cultural heritage through activities designed to help people experience, understand and care for Pembrokeshire’s woodland heritage.

The project is a partnership between Cwm Arian Renewable Energy, the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

It is funded through the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales Landscape Scheme 2025–2027 and administered by WCVA.

The event is free, but places are limited and advance booking is essential.

To book, email [email protected].