Community
Ambleston Community Council discusses local projects, and future improvements
AMBLESTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL convened on Monday, July 29, at the Ambleston Memorial Hall, addressing a variety of local issues and planning for the future. The meeting, held at 7:30 pm, was attended by Councillors Dai Ambrey, Carly Skyrme, Kevin Morris, Julian Harries, Gareth Owen, County Councillor David Howlett, and Clerk E Forrest. Apologies were received from Rosie McDonald.
The minutes from the previous meeting on 24th June 2024 were approved and signed. A key update concerned the ongoing situation at Withyhedge Landfill, where a decline in reported incidents on social media was noted. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) is continuing with its prosecution efforts, with a court appearance scheduled for mid-September.
The council also discussed the upcoming litter pick events scheduled for September, which will cover the areas of Woodstock, Wallis, and Ambleston. Councillor Gareth Owen will coordinate the collection of necessary equipment from Fishguard Leisure Centre, and details will be shared on Facebook.
Councillor Ambrey provided an update on the “Working Better Together” seminar held on 23rd July. The seminar included a discussion on the Boundary Commission report and a separate session for clerks, though attendance for the latter was low.
Two planning applications were discussed, both involving alterations to local properties. The first, application 24/0088/PA, sought to alter the roof height and install photovoltaic features at 9 & 10 Nant yr Eglwys, Ambleston. This application was refused due to the absence of a required bat survey. A similar issue was noted with application 24/0366/PA, a resubmission for a rear extension and conversion of a side barn, which was also previously refused due to the missing bat survey.
A significant discussion took place regarding the Wallis Pond project. Councillors Ambrey and Eirian Forrest recently met with representatives from Nestlé and others to plan the works, which are expected to commence at the end of August or early September, weather permitting.
In other business, the council is progressing with plans to develop an Ambleston Community Council website. A training session with PCC is scheduled for 24th September, with further work to be conducted later in the year. The website is expected to be operational by the end of March 2025.
Councillor Carly Skyrme and Councillor Ambrey also explored the potential for applying for an Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant. However, the Chapel in Ambleston was deemed unsuitable as a venue for development due to its size and lack of facilities. Meanwhile, initial research into solar panel grants has begun, though more work is needed.
Councillor David Howlett shared information on the planned decommissioning of non-compliant streetlights in the area. Four lights in Wallis and one in Woodstock are set to be turned off as part of cost-saving measures.
Additionally, a community issue involving a swarm of bees settling in the Wallis post box was brought to the council’s attention. Despite attempts to resolve the situation, including the placement of a bait box by Howard Prior, the bees remain. The matter will be reported to Royal Mail for further action.
Training opportunities for councillors were discussed, with Councillor Skyrme expressing interest in attending sessions on New Councillor Induction and Understanding the Law. Clerk Forrest will apply for a bursary to cover these training costs.
The meeting concluded with the scheduling of the next council meeting for 23rd September 2024 at 7:30 pm. The council continues to focus on addressing local issues while planning for future improvements in the community.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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