Business

Glorious weather marks first day of Pembrokeshire County Show

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2024

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW, Wales’ largest and most celebrated agricultural event, opened its gates today to a bustling crowd under glorious sunshine. The first day of the two-day event saw thousands of visitors flock to the Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest, eager to soak up the rural atmosphere, enjoy the varied attractions, and take advantage of the perfect weather conditions.

This year’s show is particularly special, marking the 240th anniversary of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS). The Society has worked tirelessly to create a show that honors its rich history while embracing modernity. This year’s show has something for everyone, from livestock competitions and food stalls to live entertainment and interactive displays.

***There were large crowds on the first day of the Show this year (Pic: PAS)***

Among the distinguished guests was Wales’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, making her first official visit to Pembrokeshire since being elected. Ms. Morgan spent the day touring the showground, expressing her admiration for the event’s organisation and its return to pre-pandemic vibrancy. “It’s a really lovely day this year. Things have been building back up to pre-pandemic levels. It’s been wonderful. Lots of people are here from Pembrokeshire and beyond. It has been brilliantly organised,” she remarked.

***Sunglasses and flags at the Principality Building Society stand (Pic: Herald)***

The First Minister was particularly taken with the livestock exhibitions, a cornerstone of the show. “One of my favourite parts of the show is seeing the livestock. It’s amazing to think about all the work that has gone in over generations to ensure an animal is in peak condition,” she added. Her visit underscored the show’s significance not only as a local tradition but as an event of national importance.

The weather played a key role in the day’s success, with many show-goers arriving early to make the most of the sunny conditions. Traffic began to build up as early as 7:30 a.m., as eager visitors made their way to the showground. “It’s nice to see the sun and it’s certainly brought out the crowds,” said Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, who officially opened the show from the main ring.

***Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell was at the Show (Pic: Herald)***

Mr. Thorne, an arable and beef farmer and the third generation of his family to hold the office of society president, reflected on the vital role of volunteers in making the show possible. “We’ve got 200 voluntary stewards across all the sections, and the show just wouldn’t be possible without them,” he said, emphasising the community spirit that underpins the event.

Show director and trustee Delme Harries echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the event has evolved over the centuries. “Before the pandemic, we had eight full-time show staff, and that’s now down to two, so we are lucky to be able to rely very heavily on volunteers and are conscious that we must involve the next generation as well,” he explained. Mr. Harries also pointed to the show’s ability to adapt, embracing social media and the growing demand for quality, locally-made goods while staying true to its agricultural roots.

***Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ‘s tent at Pembrokeshire County Show (Pic: Herald)***

One of the show’s standout attractions was the presence of Aquarius, a magnificent White-Tailed Eagle with a two-metre wingspan, brought by the British Bird of Prey Centre. Aquarius has captivated visitors with her impressive size and grace, serving as a symbol of the effort to reintroduce these majestic birds to Welsh skies. Alongside Aquarius was the Centre’s newest addition, a baby Snowy Owl, which charmed the crowds with its sleepy demeanor.

This year also saw the triumphant return of the poultry competition, which had been absent in recent years due to the pandemic and avian flu concerns. The competition attracted 600 entries, ranging from individual birds to crafts and eggs, delighting both participants and spectators. “Although this year’s entries are half of what they used to be, they are double what we expected because we went ahead at the last minute,” said poultry show secretary Bethan Clarke, expressing her satisfaction with the turnout.

Food lovers were treated to a feast at the Welsh Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell. The Hall showcased over 40 local producers offering everything from cider to cheesecake, along with regular cookery demonstrations that drew large crowds. This celebration of Welsh food and drink has become a highlight of the show, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage and innovation.

The showground itself was a hive of activity, with the Country Market shopping area featuring 60 stalls selling unique, artisan products. Families and children enjoyed a range of activities, including rugby skills sessions with the Scarlets, Little Legs Football, and the always popular Panic Circus Big Top, which offered free fun and games for all ages.

The Countryside Park was another popular area, where visitors could engage with the British Bird of Prey Centre’s exhibits, including talks on Eagle Reintroduction Wales and the chance to meet some of the Centre’s residents up close. The Ferret World exhibit and the gundog display team led by Wales’ top handler, Meurig Rees, also drew large audiences, offering a glimpse into traditional country life.

The show’s success was further boosted by the live entertainment provided by Pure West Radio, which broadcasted live from the event. The radio station’s stage featured live music, competitions, performances, and special guests, ensuring that there was never a dull moment.

As the first day drew to a close, attention turned to the forecast for the second day of the show, which looks uncertain. However, the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society remains optimistic that visitors will turn out in force, rain or shine. Thursday’s schedule includes the much-anticipated judging of sheep and pig classes, concluding with the supreme horse championship at 5 p.m.

Thursday will also see the Ladies Day reception in the Members’ Marquee, where guests will don their finest attire and enjoy Prosecco, all while raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The Pembrokeshire County Show, with its blend of tradition, community, and entertainment, has once again proven why it is a cornerstone of Welsh rural life. As visitors look forward to the final day, the show’s organisers are confident that it will be another day to remember, whatever the weather may bring.

Business

Local site managers triumph in prestigious House-Building Awards

Published

1 day ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE and Cardigan site managers have been celebrated for their exceptional dedication to quality house-building, earning top accolades in the industry’s most esteemed competition.

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf and Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, representing Cardigan and Pembroke respectively, were among the prominent winners at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) Pride in the Job Awards 2024. The prestigious event, held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport on Friday, 13 September 2024, recognises the very best in the industry.

In the Small Builder category, Gareth Davies clinched the top honour for his outstanding work at Maes Y Dderwen in Cardigan. His exceptional commitment to raising standards was further acknowledged with the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. Meanwhile, Mike Thomas was awarded the Seal of Excellence for his work in Pembroke, demonstrating the high standards upheld by builders in the region.

Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales was also a major winner on the night, securing the Large Builder category award for his work at Parc Y Coleg in Newport. Like Davies, Coyle was awarded the Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence, marking his dedication to quality construction.

The Pride in the Job Awards, now in its 44th year, are regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the house-building industry, setting the benchmark for exceptional site management. The competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which assesses entrants across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.

This year, eight site managers from across Wales received the Seal of Excellence, having first earned a Quality Award in the initial round of the competition in June. The full list of Seal of Excellence recipients includes:

Gareth Davies of T I Davies A’I Fab Cyf, Cardigan
Matthew Coyle of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Dave Jones of Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Wales, Swansea
Paul Oakley of Bellway Homes Wales, Cardiff
Nick Powell of Redrow Homes South Wales, Newport
Nick Rumble of Persimmon Homes West Wales, Pontyclun
Mike Thomas of South Meadow Homes Ltd, Pembroke
Daniel Williams of Taylor Wimpey South Wales, Penarth

Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, extended his congratulations to the winners: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the UK’s top site managers, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. Winning site managers demonstrate dedication, passion, and leadership to ensure new homes are delivered to exacting construction quality standards.”

The regional events, taking place throughout the UK, aim to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the recipients of the Quality Awards. Mr Davies and Mr Coyle will now progress to the next stage of the competition, vying for the ultimate prize in house building at the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, set to be revealed at a gala ceremony in London in January 2025.

Business

Specsavers expansion ‘shows confidence in future of Haverfordwest’

Published

1 day ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS’ decision to expand into larger premises in Haverfordwest is further proof of the confidence of businesses in the future of the County Town.

That was the message from Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller to news that the leading optometry company will move to larger premises at the Riverside Shopping Centre.

Specsavers has signed a lease with the Council to expand into the building previously occupied by Boots and Poundland.

The additional space will allow for 14 examination rooms fitted with state-of-the-art technology that will enable Specsavers to provide more enhanced sight, contact lens and audiology services for its customers.

Cllr Miller, who is also the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to support Specsavers in expanding and investing significantly in Haverfordwest.

“This shows confidence in both the present and future of Haverfordwest which is undergoing major regeneration by Pembrokeshire County Council.

“Through taking control of the Riverside Shopping Centre we have been able to secure investment and tenancies in the town while also recovering the Council’s investment to purchase the site.

“Alongside the great news that leading food and drink company Loungers is moving into our Western Quayside development, I am confident further businesses will be drawn to the town centre.

“The work we’re doing will ensure Haverfordwest is an attractive place for businesses to operate and a great place for people to live, work and visit.”

Andy Britton, one of the partners of the locally owned store, said: “We are so pleased to be making the move into larger premises. The additional space will allow us to better accommodate the increasing demand for eye tests and audiology clinics in the area and help take some of the pressure off the NHS.

“The new store will open later this year and we look forward to celebrating its launch with customers old and new.”

Pictured top of article: Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council (centre) with Andy Britton (left) and fellow partner Wayne Jones at the Riverside store which will be home to an expanded Specsavers.

Business

Former Cleddau Bridge Hotel site up for sale for £1.2m

Published

2 days ago

September 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FORMER hotel site in Pembrokeshire is now on the market, having received planning permission for a new care home. The site, previously home to the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, is listed for sale at £1,200,000.

The Essex Road location, which spans 2.45 acres, has been granted outline planning permission for the construction of a care facility accommodating between 55 and 70 beds, as well as six retirement bungalows. This significant development is set within Pembroke Dock, lying just 120 metres from the A477, and is encompassed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The area boasts convenient access to amenities such as a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés, hotels, a pharmacy, sports clubs, and recreation grounds.

***The fire was in March 2019 (Pic Herald)***

Planning consent for this project was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council in February 2023. The approval was given for the “Demolition of Hotel and Siting of Residential Care Home and Linked Bungalows,” marking a new chapter for the site that has remained derelict since a fire in 2019.

The Cleddau Bridge Hotel has been out of operation since March 2019, when a blaze caused extensive structural damage, leading to the collapse of several sections of the building. This incident thwarted earlier plans to convert the hotel into a 48-bedroom care home, a project that had been green-lit following a change of use application in 2018.

Due to the damage incurred, a new application was submitted for the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a new care home. The planning proposal also included provisions for the six retirement bungalows, intended to be occupied by elderly residents who could assist with activities at the care home.

The fire that devastated the former hotel required a substantial emergency response, however, an investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police concluded there was insufficient evidence to identify a suspect.

This site is now poised for a new beginning as a care facility, providing much-needed services to the local community. Interested parties can find more information about this listing, handled by Christie and Co, on Rightmove.