Community

Call to restore fountain where Free Wales Army carving found

Published

2 months ago

September 26, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME to restore a west Wales town centre fountain, on which a historic carving said to relate to Welsh political activist and one-time leader of the Free Wales Army Julian Cayo-Evans has been discovered, has been submitted to planners.

Lampeter Town Council, in an application to Ceredigion County Council, seeks permission to restore the town’s Grade-II-listed Harford Square fountain after receiving funding from the Transforming Towns scheme.

The 1862-built fountain, a gift from J S Harford of Peterwell to the people of Lampeter, whose family lived at the Falcondale Estate, on the outskirts of the town, was built in 1862, and was previously restored in 1990.

The fountain provided the first drinking water for the people in the town and reduced the need for the local women to collect water from the local rivers, a supporting statement says.

The long list of works sought include cleaning and re-pointing the fountain, together with repairs and retooling of parts, the replacement of fox-mask mouths “removed by persons unknown,” and works to “once more allow the water to flow, bringing the fountain back to life”.

It adds: “The town council has been fortunate to have received funding from the Transforming Towns fund and as a result we are now able to put the restoration of the Harford Square at the top of our agenda. This enables us, to move forward with this project, to ensure that this monument will be preserved for generations to come.”

It says “the community is determined to retain the character of the town and attract vitality, by making full use of its existing assets, by ensuring that our town is attractive, and its resources are accessible to residents and visitors alike,” adding: “During our preparatory examination of the Fountain, a carving has been discovered, of the name of a famous Lampeter character, Julian Cayo-Evans, which is of local and national heritage importance.”

Julian Cayo-Evans, born in nearby Silian, is best known as the leader of the Free Wales Army, which had as its crest Eryr Wen, a stylised white eagle.

The FWA first appeared in public at a 1965 protest against the construction of the Llyn Celyn reservoir and the following year joined Irish celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Dublin Easter Rising.

In the run-up to the 1969 investiture of the-then Prince Charles, Cayo-Evans was convicted of conspiracy to cause explosions and other public order offences.

He died at Silian in 1995.

Detailing the works intended for the fountain the town council has said: “The obelisk is very dirty, due to its proximity to the main road and has evidence of lichen growing on the stonework. The Forest of Dean Stone requires cleaning, and the lime mortar joints on the fountain plinth and obelisk require cleaning out and replacing with the appropriate mortar. There are signs of poor historic repair, in particular, the central marble stone, repaired with a bonded resin, which needs to be removed, this will in turn enable the internal workings to be inspected.

“The lettering of the inscriptions has also worn and is almost illegible. The condition of the spigots is deteriorating and require some restoration, also the four fox-mask mouths which were installed during the 1992 renovation are missing and are no longer attached. It has been noted that the most recent versions were made by a local blacksmith and were not made from the original moulds.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

6 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!