Peninsula Papers

Information and news for the communities of , Hasguard, Robeston West, Walwyn’s Castle, Dale, St Brides and .

Snow in February 2010 at Orlandon Kilns FEBRUARY 2016

Produced by the Church in Parishes of Hasguard with St Ishmaels, St Brides with Marloes, Walwyns Castle, Robeston West and Dale

The Church in Wales Parishes of Dale, St Brides with Marloes, Hasguard with St Ishmael's, Walwyn’s Castle & Robeston West

Parish PriestsPriests: Fr. Andrew Johnson (Dale, Marloes & St Brides, St Ishmaels) Rev’d. Dr Rhiannon Johnson (Walwyns Castle & Robeston West) Lay Reader: Gaynor Ford 01646 693452 [email protected] Contact : 01646 636966 [email protected] Postal Address: The Vicarage, 172 Castle Way, Dale, , SA62 3RN Church Wardens Dale: Mil Reynolds 636671, Billy Bevan 636335 St Brides: Mary Lewis 636430, Peter Evans 636366 Marloes: Yvonne Evans 636251 St Ishmaels: Richard Neale 636802, Heather Phippen 636261 Walwyn’s Castle: Jayne Edwards 01437 781575, Kate Morgan 01437 781270 Robeston West: Gill Thorne 01437 890693, Geoffrey Harries 01646 692736 Baptist Chapels: Moriah --- Marloes and Aenon --- Sandy Hill The Revd Paul Bartlett 01646 692084

LOCAL SERVICES SHOPS: Marloes Village StoreStore: 01646 636968 Open: 8-5 Tuesday to Saturday, 8-1 Monday and 9-1 Sundays . The Taberna Shop and Post Office, : 01646 693498 Mon-Fri 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Sat 8:00-12:30, Sun 9:00 am-11:30 am Post Office: Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

MOBILE LIBRARY: Next dates Friday St. Ishmaels Burgage Green Layby - 10.50 am to 11.20 am Dale - Blue Anchor Way - 11.35am to 12.05am Marloes - Toilets - 12.15 am to 12.45 am Contact 01437 776126 or 07774 230200 (van)

MOBILE POST OFFICE: Tuesday: St Ishmaels 14:00—15:00 Dale 15:15—16:15 Thursday: St Ishmaels 13:00—14:00 Dale 14:15—15:15

FOR HIRE CONTACTS FOR HALL HIRE:

THE CORONATION HALL AND JUBILEE Marloes: Bridget Lister SUITE DALE 636274, Gina Smithies 636269, Sue Twidale 636687 St Ishmaels Memorial Hall: Yvonne Evans 01636 636251 St Ishmaels Sports & Social Club: BOOKINGS: WENDY KEHOE 01646 636721 Phil Devonald 01646 636546 or EMAIL– [email protected] Adrian Griffiths 01646 636752 Dear All,

I hope it is not too late to wish you all every blessing in 2016. A new year brings new challenges and 2016 brings a particular challenge for the churches of the Peninsula. We have been asked by the Bishop to form what is called a Ministry Area. It would be made up of Dale, Marloes, St. Bride’s, St. Ishmael’s, Talbenny, Walton West, Haroldston West, Wal- wyn’s Castle and Robeston West. The idea is that there are things we might be able to do better to serve the people of this area if we worked together and shared our strengths. Back on October 12 th we held a meeting about this and talked through our ideas about how this might work. Here are some of the things we came up with. If you want the full report please ask Andrew, Rhiannon or Gaynor. We want to work together to show hospitality. We want to create companionship, especially for those who feel isolated. We could organize non-religious social events to help the know itself and try and make sure that everyone is invited. We could try and support each oth- er’s events and fundraising and making sure everyone feels welcome in church. We want to work together to care for our communities. We want to find ways to reach out to people who feel isolated because of age or illness. We want to work together to communicate better. Peninsula Papers is great, but we also want more of an internet presence. We want to find ways of communicating better between the generations. We want to reach out more to tourists and pilgrims and wouldn’t joint outings to- gether be a good idea? We want to continue to be a presence for God in these communities. We want to keep the buildings open for everyone as long as we can. We could hold workshops or retreats. We would like to share more with Christians of other denominations. We would love for our young people to know the strength and peace faith can give them. We want to help one another grow in faith. Of course, this is our wish list. We don’t know yet if we have the strength for it, but we want to try. We need all the help we can get. So what do you think? Please let Andrew or Rhiannon or Gaynor know if you have something you would like to add to the wish list or you can see a way of turning these wishes into reality.

The church councils have to say formally that they want to belong together. Some have done so already. The Bishop will come and inaugurate the new Minis- try Area, but the real work is turning these wishes into reality and keeping on trying to serve these communities better. And what shall we call ourselves when we belong together? At the meeting we couldn’t agree unanimously but the majority favoured ‘The Puffin Peninsula Parishes’. And I should have reminded you that Lent is nearly on us but at least that means that Spring should be just around the corner. With best wishes to you all, Andrew and Rhiannon

Are we making the most of our churches?

Our churches are important to our communities not just for their spiritual role, but also as an historic building and keeper of many of the village records from times past, marriages, baptisms and burials. However, are they being used to their full potential.? Many of them are part of The Saints and Stones Highways and Byways Pilgrim route, but not many pilgrims visit, nor do all of those in the communities know about Saints and Stones to encourage visitors. An Open Evening is being held in Marloes Village Hall on Tuesday 9th February, under the guidance of Rev Dr Rhiannon Johnson where all aspects of how best we might promote our churches both as a spiritual resource and as an historic one. will be discussed Anyone who is interested should come along and pool ideas, and see if we can make our churches vibrant places of interest on many levels. The meeting is on 9th February 7.30pm in Marloes Village Hall. All are most welcome. For more information contact Rhiannon 636966 St. James Church, Dale, Altar Guild invite you to join them for a

ST DAVID’S DAY SUPPER

Tuesday 1st MARCH CAWL, WELSH CAKES, WELSH CHEESES Bring Your Own Bottle

RAFFLE, ROLL a POUND

CORONATION HALL, DALE 7.00pm

Cost £8.00 per head Under 12’s £5.00

Call Mil 636671 for Tickets

Marloes, St. Brides and Dale Mothers Union This month we are holding an open meeting to discuss the importance of our churches in our communities. Anyone interested is most welcome to attend on Tuesday 9th February when Rev Dr Rhiannon Johnson will be looking at the Saints and Stones route which includes the majority of our churches, as well as looking at other ways we might help to use our churches to the benefit of all the community. Mothers’ Union is a non-denominational group and welcomes all, and despite the name you do not have to be a mother! If you feel like popping in to see how we operate please do. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month in Marloes Village Hall at 7.30pm...Look forward to seeing you there! For any more information contact Harriet 636668, or Bridget 636274.

St Ishmaels Church News

A big thank you to all those who helped to support the church during 2015. Whether it was cleaning, mowing, arranging flowers, mending holes in the roof, maintaining the paths or any of the other jobs without which we would not survive ~ Thank You All! We have a very big year in prospect with our application well in hand for a Roof Repair Grant. We do have a financial challenge to fill and our fund raising this year will start with our Biannual Potato Challenge; see display notice in this issue. We are still looking for donations towards the roof repair. Note that St Ishmael’s 100 Club will be organised again by Eira Best 636403 A very Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. Richard Neale ‘Grand Potato Challenge ’ St Ishmael’s Memorial Hall 20th Feb 10 am till 12 noon Tea & Coffee, Raffle, Cake Stall & Bric a Brac Come and collect your seed potato & container (£5) to take part & register. Proceeds in aid of St Ishmael’s Church Roof Appeal.

On December 10th,11th & 12th COASTLAND PLAYERS presented their first production under their new name.

INSPECTOR DRAKE AND THE BLACK WIDOW, written by David Tristram, was re- ceived with great enthusiasm by audiences in St Ishmaels. This adult comedy had everyone rolling in the aisles and members of the group are still getting complimentary remarks in local shops and pubs. All the actors are residents, with most of them living in St Ishmaels, Her- brandston and Haverfordwest. The actor to travel the furthest comes from and is the newest member of the company. Because of the amount of learning involved in this production rehearsals started at the end of August mainly for the two main parts, Inspector Drake (played by Herbrandston resident Andy Rowlands) and Sergeant Plod by Adrian Duggan (who lives in Haverford- west). Both actors spent nearly two hours on stage delighting the audience over each of the 3 nights, ably assisted by the Barbara Harston, Lynne Gummage and Carol Strutt who made up the rest of the cast. The play was directed by Carol Strutt. A play of this nature with so many props, sound affects and lighting difficulties would not have been possible without the able assistance of Malcolm Smith-Gosling (Stage Manager & Sound Affects) and Peter Dunn (Lighting Engineer.) Coastland Players are a fun loving group who enjoy working hard to entertain local audi- ences. Please come along and give it a try. You don’t need to act if you don’t fancy it. We always need plenty of back stage help.

YOUR COMMUNITY THEATRE NEEDS YOU! Carol Strutt Community Councils DALE nity Councils to request that the UK- Community Council meeting 14 th Government extend the time for central December, 2015 & 11 th January, 2016: funding to be available to allow a re-located Among items discussed at these meetings: mast to be installed. Sewerage plant issues 4 staff from Coronation Hall Development Welsh Water attended the January meeting The contract dispute between the Trustees and reported in detail on progress. Odour and the builder continues. It is understood detectors have been installed, seals re- that the builder will not accept the adjudi- placed. Fault rectification and maintenance cation result, but will go to arbitration. A at this site has the highest WWDC priori- lengthier procedure. ty. It is planned to fit an air-handling unit Full Minutes of all recent Council (to prevent release of untreated air from Meetings are now available on the Council the plant) in 2016. WWDC will advise of section of the dalevillage.co.uk website. the plan, once the contract has been let. All The next meeting of the Community Council smell incidents should continue to be will take place on Monday, 15 th February, 2016 reported to WW/DC by phone to allow at the Jubilee Suite at 1900hrs – members of the most rapid investigation the community are encouraged to attend and, One way system abuse The police have with the permission of the Chairman, may agreed to attend a Council Meeting in 2016 address the meeting. to discuss the one-way system abuse and any other matters. The Clerk has been MARLOES & ST BRIDES requested to encourage changes to the Items under consideration at the Decem- road at Cemetery Corner that will make it ber 2015 & January 2016 meetings included easier for large vehicles to safely negotiate the following:- this narrow area. Highway Matters – At Jubilee, stream Slipway Floodgates - The floodgates clearance has been undertaken by the have been beneficially deployed on several landowner to minimise flooding. The occasions recently. There have been surface water problem remains to be problems with a build-up of debris prevent- rectified. Surface water flooding near ing the gates being closed. Mr Reynolds Crabhall, and near Orlandon have been agreed to monitor and clear noticed reported to the County Council via Cllr. accumulations. Shovels are to be obtained Owens. Cllr. Jessop met Ben Blake to allow manual clearing too. Signs are to (Highways) at Martins Haven to discuss be fitted to the gates. road signage to deter parking in front of the Pontoon Issues – Signs and hatched areas Deer Park gate – to maintain full access for at the head of the pontoon are to be re- emergency vehicles at all times. Mr. Blake introduced/re-marked to remind boat was also pressed to implement a 20mph operators that the “drop-off” area is NOT scheme for the centre of the village in time to be used for mooring. for the main visitor season. Planning matters – PCNPA have granted Exception Site – Problems with the permission for the rear extension to 81 barriers had been noted over the Christ- Blue Anchor Way, Dale. mas break, and a local resident had pushed Mobile Phone Mast, Dale Airfield them off the roadway. Work has restarted Representations have been made by the on site. Anyone who has a housing need local MP, AM, Pembs CC, all local Commu- for themselves or their families who may Community Councils wish to be accommodated in Marloes by the Chief Executive of the County should contact either the County Council Council, the National Park, and by Cllr Reg and/or Pembrokeshire Housing, who will Owens. Dale C. C. has also written, and it advise whether an application to the Com- was agreed that the Clerk now send a letter mon Housing Register should be made. from this Council to the Secretary of State. Marloes Post Office – Mr. & Mrs. Lucas Cllr. Owens had been advised that only £7 have advised the Council that their applica- million of the £150 million allocated to this tion to have the Post Office reinstated in project has been spent. The project in the the Village Shop has been successful after St. Ishmaels area is progressing, but the interview. It is hoped that the service will coverage is likely to benefit that village and resume shortly before Easter. Dale, but not Marloes. Planning Matters – Applications consid- National Park Officers – Mr. Tegryn Jones ered included the following:- (Chief Executive) and Ms. Jane Gibson NP/15/0658/FUL – Single storey extension (Director of Planning) attended the January to Orlandon Cottage, St. Brides – This meeting to answer questions on planning application was recommended for approval application and procedure. Members were – no impact on neighbours and not obtru- able to follow up issues with individual sive from the adjacent highway. applications. The officers confirmed that NP/15/0662/FUL – Replacement lean-to they will be undertaking the Local Develop- shed at Marloes Court Farm, Marloes – ment Plan in due course; that budget cuts National Park to be advised there would be will affect services, and that the Welsh no impact on neighbours, as the building Government is consulting again on National was in the middle of the farm complex and Park purposes. only partially visible from the adjacent National Trust Matters – Mr. Andrew roadway. Work required following storm Tuddenham attended the December meet- damage. (Since advised by National Park ing. He advised that they would be con- that planning consent was not required.) ducting the car registration process again in NP/15/0649/CLE – Certificate of lawfulness 2016. It is proposed to hold the registration for seasonal use as camping with car park – meeting in Marloes Hall – see notices. Slate Mill Lodge, St. Brides/St. Ishmaels. The Further information will be given on the Council agreed after discussion that Nation- proposed future use of the Runwayskiln al Park is advised to reject the application as buildings later in the spring. Pay and display the necessary conditions have not been met machines will be installed this year, also a – to demonstrate that there has been at new notice board at Martins Haven, and a least 10 years use as a camp-site for the new leaflet for the area. A planning applica- marked area. tion will be submitted for a third bird hide Mobile Infrastructure Project – Dale near Marloes Mere. It was noted local Airfield. Letters had been sent to the residents were involved in the new National County MP and AM, and copied to other Trust promotional videos for the area and relevant parties. The County MP, Stephen that there is a link to the videos on the Crabb has written to the Secretary of State Marloes website. for Culture, Media and Sport pressing for an Finance – Payment of £262.80 for the extension of the programme to enable Clock Tower annual maintenance was further schemes to progress. Letters of approved – VAT of £43.80 will be recovered, support for this action have also been sent and the Council was pleased to receive a continued on next page Community Councils contribution from Mr. Judge towards this Permission has been granted. expense. The precept for 2016/17 was set at NP/15/0601/S73 £2,325 at the January meeting – the increase Vary condition no.2 to allow amended of £275 over last year allows for an in- design. Remove conditions 4 & 5 of creased contribution to the Hall Committee NP/14/0473. Giddanmu, Musselwick Rd., St. to cover the insurance payment. The remain- Ishmaels. Permission has been granted. der will be allocated towards the annual NP/15/0490/S73 Clock Tower expenses. Further discussion Creation of two bedroom holiday let. will be needed to find funding to paint the Newfoundlands, St. Ishmaels. Permission has four louvres of the Tower, last painted in been granted. 2005/6. NP/15/0687/FUL Draft Local Government Bill – A letter Access track to consented telecommunica- was received from Cllr. Peter Stock urging tions mast. Land at Trewarren Farm, St. that Community Councils oppose the move Ishmaels. No objection was recorded. to “recreate the former local authori- Highways ty area”. The link is http://gov.wales/docs/ Sandyhill barrier still not repaired. This was dsjlg/consultation/151124-lg-bill-consultation reported in July 2015. -en.pdf Consultation ends on the 15 th Brookside flooding with evidence of sewage February 2016. to be reported to Environment Cllr. Owens advised that with Assembly Agency. elections in May, there is a possibility that Flooding was reported in Grove Road. the proposals may change. Agreed that no The council supports the campaign to say response is made at this stage, as it is not No to Dyfed. The consultation ends on clear what the local community views may 15/2/16. The link is: be on this matter. http://gov.wales/docs/dsjlg/ Next Meetings – The next meetings are consultation/151124-lg-bill-consultation- scheduled for Monday 8 th February and Monday en.pdf 14 th March at Marloes Village Hall, starting at There is also a petition on the Welsh 7.30pm. Local electors of Marloes & St. Brides Government petitions website. are welcome to attend these meetings, and may address the Council at the invitation of the The next meetings will be held Monday 14 th Chairman. March 2016 @ 1900hrs. Members of the community are welcome to ST ISHMAELS attend. Recently discussed items include: Clerk to the Council :- Lynda Thomas Tel: Pembs. National Park 01646 636 298. NP/15/0035/CLE Certificate of lawfulness for use as builder’s yard The Uplands, Burgage Green Rd. No objection was recorded. NP/15/0584/FUL New ground floor conservatory extension at rear of property and single storey bath- room/utility extension to west facing eleva- tion. Lower Mullock Farm, St. Ishmaels. February 2016 Diary FEBRUARY Mon 1 1900 for 1930 Coronation Hall Film Club Mon 8 1930 Marloes & St Brides Community Council, Marloes Village Hall Tue 9 1930 Saints & Stones and other aspects of church life with Rev Dr Rhiannon Johnson, Marloes Village Hall Mon 15 1900 Dale Community Council, Jubilee Suite Thu 18 1930 Marloes & St Brides Leaflet meeting, Marloes Village Hall Sat 20 1000 - 1200 St Ishmaels Potato Challenge, Memorial Hall Mon 22 1900 for 1930 Coronation Hall Film Club Thu 25 1930 Marloes Village Hall AGM. Marloes Hall Mon 29 1900 for 1930 Coronation Hall Film Club

MARCH Tue 1 1900 St David’s Day Supper, Coronation Hall, Dale Thu 3 2000 Dale Pay Area Association AGM, Dale Coronation Hall Fri 4 1030 - 1230 Dale Village Website Drop-in Session Fri 4 1930 Walwyns Castle St David’s Day Supper, Village Hall Sun 6 1430 - 1600 Mothering Sunday Snowdrop Tea, St Ishmaels Church Thu 10 “DADS Goes Caracas in Rio”, Dale Coronation Hall Fri 11 “DADS Goes Caracas in Rio”, Dale Coronation Hall Sat 12 “DADS Goes Caracas in Rio”, Dale Coronation Hall Mon 14 1930 Marloes & St Brides Community Council, Marloes Village Hall Mon 14 1900 St Ishmaels Community Council, Memorial Hall Mon 14 1900 for 1930 Coronation Hall Film Club

**** PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A VERY EARLY CLOSING DATE FOR THE MARCH PENINSULA PAPERS ON FEBRUARY 13TH ****

2016 St Ishmael’s Church

Refreshed and renewed by the recent festivities Mothering Sunday - Snowdrop Tea: I am free to resume my pre Christmas activities th But do I remember my New Year resolve Sunday 6 March, Or has it already begun to dissolve? 2.30pm till 4.00pm in

Remember, I tell me, those long healthy walks the Church. Tea will And needing and heeding educational talks be served with And do I abstain from those hasty retorts Barabrith and Welsh

And make them, if I must, after much longer thoughts? Cakes. And will I take thoughts just one at a time For surely such thoughts would be better than mine. A.C. CHURCH SERVICES FEBRUARY

11.00am HE and and HE 11.00am Messy Church

Wednesdays at Marloes 9am Short Morning Prayer (except school holiday weeks) 9.00am MP Imposi- 9.00am Ashes on of Imposion 6.00pm HE of Ashes HE 9.30am HE 9.30am HE 9.30am HE 9.30am HE 9.30am HE 9.30am February 10th Ash 10th February Wednesday 14th February 21st February 28th February

9.30am HE HE 9.30am HE 11.00am 11am HE HE 9.30 am HE 11.00am MP 11.00am HE 11.00am HE 11.00am HE 11.00am HE 9.30am HE 11.00am HE 11.00am HE 9.30am HE 11.00am

Eucha- - Holy HE rist - Morning MP Prayer Dale Dale Ishmaels St Brides St West Robeston Castle Walwyns Marloes 7th February Peninsula Papers Annual Report.

The Management Committee met on 11 th January to review what had been a very satisfactory year. There is however one aspect which is causing concern. That is the lack of volunteers to help with the supervision of the printing ma- chine.

The machine itself does everything but it needs someone to make sure nothing goes wrong and to fill it up with paper etc now and then. If you would like to know more about helping with this please contact Richard on 01646 636802.

Our very grateful thanks to all those who have helped to produce, compile, dis- tribute and contribute to PP during the year.

Notice is hereby given that the Marloes Village

Hall Pop-up Bistro

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & Auction of the (from the organisers) MARLOES & ST BRIDES Thank you to everyone VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE who came to and/or supported our really enjoyable fundraising will take place on event in December. THURSDAY 25 February 2016 In excess of £2,700.00 at 7:30pm was raised towards in Marloes Village Hall hall funds with dona- tions still arriving. Hall Committee EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND Pop Up Bistro (from attendees) A huge thank you to everyone in- volved in organising the Pop Up Bistro. It was a wonderful evening of good company, tremendous food and the ambience was brought back to our Village Hall. Thank you to all the Hall Commit- tee for their time and effort.. Richard and Marina (Titley) DALE PLAY AREA ASSOCIATION The first Annual General Meeting of the Dale Play Area Association will take place at 8pm on Thursday 3 rd March in the Coronation Hall, Jubilee Suite. All the Trustees - Nia Marshall, Sian Mathias, Anne Meeke, Jane Mason & Rosemary Mecklenburgh must retire at this AGM but they and/or other Trus- tees can be (re)appointed. YOU can become a member of the Association by expressing an interest in our aims. Then you can support us to get this exciting project off the ground over the next year. Please attend.

Dale Village Web Site

Drop -in session at the Yacht Club once a month starting on Friday 4 th March between 10.30 – 12.30 (Coffee and cakes available)

Kevin Rogers will be hosting this for anyone wanting to update the Dale village web site with news, forthcoming events, or simply assistance with a community page. Just bring along text or images on a USB stick or come along with your own laptop for tuition in maintaining your community page(s).

The midwinter Marloes Sands beach clean on New Year’s Eve was a great success, and we were amazingly lucky with the weather: three hours of sunshine, preced- ed by malicious rain and followed by malicious rain! We cleared the equivalent of 60 sacks, which was a marvellous effort by all concerned, and how encouraging that a walking group who got “accosted” in the car park gladly took some sacks, and later not only re- turned them laden but also hauled home a huge piece of trawl net all the way from the Churchill (south) end. Particular thanks to the young people who worked very hard all afternoon, and well done to Ned and Archie Smithies for their quad bike haulage, despite a major mechanical break- down (trailer bearing collapse!). Unfortunately, because time ran out we didn't manage to get a group photo; instead, if you look on the Marloes & St Brides website you will see pictures of the Mystery Object which came ashore on Dec 29 th . Chris Jessop St Ishmael’s PCC are plan- ning an Open Garden Day in Merlin Theatre and around St Ishmael’s Pembrokeshire during May. College Would anyone willing to Haverfordwest open their gardens for this For full programme notes see: event please contact www.haverfordwest-film-society.org.uk Heather Phippen. 4TH February THE BROKEN CIRCLE 01646 636261 BREAKDOWN 2013 BELGIUM Dir: Proceeds towards the Felix van Groeningen Lang: Belgian Church Roof Appeal. Elise and Didier fall in love at first sight. They bond over their shared enthusiasm for American music, but then tragedy hits 11 TH February FIREWORKS WEDNES- Walwyns Castle DAY 2006 IRAN Dir: Asghar Farhadi St David's day celebration Lang: Iranian supper On the last Wednesday before the spring solstice people set off fireworks. Rouhi, in Friday March 4th in a new job, finds herself in the midst of a Walwyns Castle village different kind of fireworks hall, 7.30 pm. 25 TH February IN BLOOM 2013 GEOR- GIA Dir: Nana Ekvtimishvili Lang: Geor- Homemade cawl, bread and gian cheese, bara brith and welsh Set in Tbilisi, the capital of a newly inde- cakes . £7.00 adults, £3.00 pri- pendent Georgia in 1992, friends Eka mary school age. Advance and Natia look to leave childhood be- booking only please. Call Wen- hind. dy Williams on 01437 781342 Adults £4.50 Students £2.50 to book. Show starts 7.30 pm Bar opens 6.45pm Coastlands Local History Group I am afraid we cannot report on the Victor Bomber search as the deadline is way before the event! However, we now have a new programme to tempt you to come and join us, with outings planed for the Italian POW camp at Henllen, and The Maritime Museum in Pembroke Dock. These are only available to members so come and join us and enjoy a pleasant day out! We also have talks on the Tudors, St Bridget, Ghosts and Legends of Pembrokeshire and a look at the archaeology of and those who lived on in the distant past. So a really well rounded programme with items of inter- est for all. Look out in Peninsula Papers for information each month as to where the talks are and on which date. It costs £5.00 a year to become a member. One project we hope to be running this year, with the help of PLANED, is to produce leaflets for similar to those we hold for St Ishmael and Dale. If anyone has items they feel might be of interest, or would like to be involved in the drafting of such a leaflet please contact Yvonne 636251. Update: This project is now underway and we would like to thank all those Marloes and St Brides residents who turned out on a very cold evening. Your suggestions have been noted - they were interesting and varied and form a good base from which to move forward. The next meeting will be in Marloes Hall on Thursday, February 18th at 7.30pm, when the content of the leaflet will be edited and agreed. All welcome - even if you did not attend the first meeting.

Harriet Bishop February is traditionally know as ST JAMES CHURCH, DALE “February Fill -dykes” but actually, In aid of the looking at rainfall records for the ROOF FUND last 30 years or so, that is just not true. For the month- ly average rainfall in millimetres is: ADVANCE NOTICE…… Jan 108 So the wet months EASTER WEEKEND Feb 75 are October and Compendium of Competitions! Mar 79 November - I knew Apr 65 there was a reason May 64 why we went on Easter Bonnets, Easter Cards, Jun 64 holiday at that time! Flower Arrangements, Quizzes, Jul 69 And just for infor- Aug 84 mation, the annual Easter Baking….. Sep 86 average is 1075 for Oct 130 Milford, 779 for WATCH THIS SPACE Nov 130 Southampton and a Dec 117 whopping 2612 for Capel Curig! MARLOES & DALE PUBLIC ACCESS DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP M&DPADS As a group, we were all shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of our chairman, Dr Hilary Nockels, in December. Hilary led the group with enormous enthusiasm and her “no non- sense” attitude achieved a great deal for the community during her time as chairman. The latest addition of defibs at and at the Old Light- house at St Annes, will be a lasting memorial to her efforts. We will, as a group, so miss her warmth of feeling and her sense of humour at our meet- ings. Donations in memory of Hilary may be made to M&DPADS : c/o Bridget Lis- ter (Treasurer) Driftwood, Marloes. In the meantime, Ellie Morgan has been appointed Acting Chairman until the AGM in November. Familiarisation sessions will be held in Dale in late Spring

Local Community Groups with regular meetings

The list below is a new idea - I wanted to represent those community groups which have regular meetings without putting each meeting in the diary separately, except where specifi- cally requested. Please let me have any comments or changes / amendments to this list.

Group Usual day/time Where Contact 1st & 3rd Tues Dale WI 7:30 Jub, Dale Ann Barkworth 636873 Community Choir Tues 7:30 MV H all Emma Halls 636932 Gentle Exercise Class Thurs 4:00 MV H all Glenys Cullen 636257 Welcome Club (Over 60s) Wed pm MV H all Vi Parsons 636380

Mothers Union 2nd Tues MV H all Bridget Lister 636274 Coastlands History Grp See Diary Various Harriet Bishop 636668 Table Tennis Thurs evenings DC Hall Anne Meeke 636716 Bowls Tuesday pm DC Hall Frogs, Gulls and Mice Rosemary Mecklenburgh Youth Group Friday evenings DC Hall 636643 Rosemary Mecklenburgh Film Club See Diary DC Hall 636643 Little Nippers Mon 1:30 - 3:00 School Alison Thomas 693838 Quilting Group Mon 2:00 - 4:30 Jub, Dale Carol Cawley 636447 Coronation Hall Film Club Films start 7.30 pm Doors open 7 pm Refreshments Showing in February and March Film Club members’ favourite films 1/2 1986 French classic set in Provence, starring Gerard Depardieu 22/2 1953 Ealing comedy about saving a local railway 29/2 1977 Romantic comedy starring Richard Dreyfuss 14/3 1949 Ealing comedy featuring the many faces of Alec Guiness

The Old Stables Heritage Centre The Old Stables Heritage Centre is open every Friday morning 10am - 12.00. Please come along if you want to use any of the archive for your own research. There are also second hand books for sale! If you wish to visit The Heritage Centre any other time please contact Margaret on 636295.

Seventy years of composting As spring approaches we begin to plan for the coming gardening year. Not one of the most sparkling of subjects but one of the most rewarding activities is to make compost. I find it is the powerhouse of the garden and provides both good exercise and leads to better vegetables and flowers. It has the advantages of improving soil structure, storing water during a dry spell and helping drainage during a wet time. It helps to keep all the micro -organisms happy and stores quantities of carbon dioxide, thus helping keep global warming in check. All this and its costs nothing! Well -made compost is a nice dark crumbly mix that, used as a mulch on top of your vegetable or flower beds will soon be processed by the helpful worms. It can also be used as a home - made potting mix. Compost bins are useful for small gardens but a large, purpose -built box or heap is necessary for larger areas. A sunny or part -shaded position, directly on turf or soil, away from a water- course is best. Insulation with straw, cardboard or old carpet will make quicker compost. Wire mesh under the bin will prevent moles having your treasured worms. Vermin will be deterred by fitting a secure lid and not adding any meat, fish or dairy products, but most oth- er things can be used. Do not include coal ash, cat litter, dog faeces, disposable nappies or plastics! As with most things in life, a healthy balance is the rule. Mix high and low nitrogen waste – together “greens” and “browns”. High nitrogen waste includes grass clippings, young weeds, nettles, comfrey leaves, well -diluted urine, kitchen waste, coffee grounds and tea- bags. Also any animal or poultry manure. The high -carbon, low nitrogen “browns” include cardboard, egg boxes, moistened paper, bedding from pets, wood shavings, chopped fresh woody prunings or clippings and bracken. Other additions such as natural fibres, hair, egg shells, wood ash (in moderation) and vacu- um cleaner waste can also be used. This carbon/nitrogen ratio is important for success, mixing the two groups together or plac- ing in thin layers as the heap progresses. Weed seeds will survive most composting unless you are able to maintain a high tempera- tures by adding large amounts together and turning and mixing frequently. If this is possible then good clean compost can be made in 6 – 8 weeks. In reality, most will take up to a year. Dig over the compost, mixing the outside to the inside once or twice. Try not to add any week seeds, celandine, ground elder, bindweed, Japanese knotweed or crocosmia corms as they will survive well in a cold heap. Instead of burning these horrors, put them in a thick black plastic bag with a mix of lawn clippings, tie securely, leave for few months, before adding them, when broken down, to the compost heap. Some things are best sent to the council as green waste, where the composting process runs at a high temperature, for example, infected prunings and diseased plants Mike Garlick

For Sale FOR SALE - DOG SLING - see be- Renault Clio wheel and unused tyre. low for picture. Suit quite large dog. Michelin Energy 165/65 R14 79T XTI 01646 636970 (any offer accepted!) No sensible offer refused ~ Cot Mattress. Nearly new To fit Standard 48” x 24” Cot 01646 636802

For Sale Bay Trees £2 each. Marloes. 01646 636962

Exercise Classes. A gentle exercise class for the over 50's is held in Marloes Village Hall every Thursday at 4pm. We welcome new members . Goosanders

On the Sunday before Christmas the unrelenting rain eased for a while and there was even a suggestion of sunshine so we decided to go out for a walk. But where to go? The footpaths had all turned into quagmires. So we set off for the Wildlife Centre at – a combination of hard paths and a decent café seemed inviting.

As soon as we arrived we went down the river viewpoint as there is always a chance of an otter sighting there. Not today though – the Teifi, which at this point is usually well below the path, and fairly shallow, running steeply down over rocks and stones into the tidal estuary at Cardigan, was today a roaring, raging torrent and almost as high as the path we were viewing it from. It was also a deep reddish-brown colour.

So we were very surprised to see three Goosanders fishing, apparently with suc- cess, near the far bank. They were in a bit of an eddy but the current was still very fast. However, they were able to swim against it and repeatedly dived for fish, though how they could catch anything in the murk I can’t imagine. There were two males and a female and in the sunshine they looked quite beautiful as they are very handsome ducks.

Goosanders are “sawbills” – they have serrated bills which enable them to hold the fish which they catch. The male has a dazzling white breast and flanks, often tinged with pink and when matched with a shining dark green head and red bill he is a very smart bird indeed. The female is grey with a reddish head and both birds have a shaggy crest. We do not often see them in this part of Pembroke- shire but there is a regular small wintering flock on the lily ponds as Bosherston, usually near the 8-arch bridge and also a few at Llys-y-fran. They breed on clean rivers with plentiful fish – they may well breed on the Teifi as they certainly breed on other similar rivers in Wales.

The Red-breasted Merganser is very closely related to the Goosander. The male is not quite so smart but the female is quite similar to a Goosander – we often see a Merganser in female/juvenile plumage at Pickleridge Pools during the win- ter. Rosemary Royle

ABSOLUTE COPY DEADLINE FOR THE March ISSUE IS a very early date Saturday 13th February 2016

This is your church & community publication - so why not contribute something?

Memories & Local Stories Gardening Tips Jokes Quotes Prayers Poetry Nature & Environmental Articles or anything else that you would like to share with our readers .

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Please submit all copy by email or hardcopy to:

Dale, Marloes & St Brides: Rosemary Royle: Orlandon Kilns, St Brides, SA62 3AP

[email protected] 01646 636970 St Ishmaels & Sandra & Steve Morrell: 2 Mabes Gate, St Ishmaels SA62 3TL

Hasguard: [email protected] Tel: 636 691

ADVERTISING --- Trade & Classifieds Rosemary Royle, Orlandon Kilns, St Brides, Haverfordwest, Pembs SA62 3AP 01646 636970 [email protected]

DIARY DATES IT IS THE RESPONSILBILITY OF EACH ORGANISATION TO INFORM THE EDITORS OF EVENTS FOR PUBLICATION IN THE DIARY

Management Committee: Reverend Andrew Johnson (Managing Editor), Harriet Bishop (Dale), Richard Neale (St Ishmaels), William Richards (Marloes & St Brides), Gillian Thorne (Robeston West), Rosemary Royle (Editor)

Copy Editor: Rosemary Royle 01646 636970 [email protected] Postal SecSec.: Christine Provan: Tel: 636 443 (For those who do not live in the parishes but would like to receive a copy at a cost of £8.00 per year)

Distribution OrganisersOrganisers.: Roger & Mary Owen (Dale) Mary & Geoff Wood (Marloes) Hilary Orton (St Ishmaels & Hasguard), Mary Lewis (St Brides), Gill Thorne (Robeston West)

ORANGE BAG AND FOOD COLLECTIONS: Every Thursday from 6:30am (check locally for actual times) BLACK BAG AND BOTTLES ON these Thursday dates: 11th and 25th February