Issue 20 November 2016

September 10th 2016

Red Bull Cliff Diving at Abereiddi – for one EPIC day only, as the weather closed in!

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Red Bull Cliff Diving in Abereiddi Giant mirrored letters towered over the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddi for a week in September. Visit was using the art installation to draw people's attention to some of Wales' most spectacular places. And it was also certainly an epic day in Abereiddi on Saturday 10th September for those lucky enough to have tickets to watch the return of Red Bull Cliff Diving. This year, women as well as men were spectacularly flinging themselves into the Blue Lagoon from ridiculous heights. The sun shone on the divers, and the stunning aerobatic display was performed in almost perfect conditions. But as the afternoon drew on, the wind and the swell were already picking up, and Sunday‟s forecasts for strong gusts forced the decision to cancel all diving the next day, and the event was completed in just the one day. There were many disappointed people who had acquired much sought-after tickets for Sunday‟s final, with some travelling long distances, and all expecting to witness the eagerly anticipated event, only to be thwarted by southerly gales. Quote from one spectator...Wings? No, Red Bull gives you Wind!!

Fun too in .....

Pirates in Porthgain - ‘Pirate’ Graham Hurd-Wood on what keeps them playing... One of those very special nights took place at The Sloop, Porthgain, on the last Bank Holiday of summer 2016. There is always celebration and jollification at these events. This photograph of the Ukulele Pirates, taken outside the inn, is a timeless portrayal of an eclectic group of locals thrashing out good old rock‟n‟roll, with lamenting ballads and classic sea shanties thrown in.

Photo: Dave Davies

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The atmosphere on this particular night was magical, with a crowd just as diverse as the band. From the iconic Jonathan Lloyd with his poetic, flamboyant humour, to the young generation of fisherman with their vociferous banter without a hint of animosity. To me this highlights the warm of the Pembrokeshire peninsula, where all sides of life are embraced. Our first set was followed by a stunning firework display with the historic, monolithic brick quarry buildings silhouetted against the Pembrokeshire sky. This was followed by our electric second dance set, enabling folk to hoof it with an invigorating circular motion. With ages ranging from fifteen upwards, the ethos of the Pirates is 'all welcome', from the novices to the pros, and above all to have an enormous amount of fun. Importantly, all the proceeds from our performances go to charity, the main recipients being Paul Sartori and the very deserving local hospice, Shalom House. Most of us have lost someone to a terminal illness, whether friends or family, and to witness how the staff at these hospices help relieve this suffering is awe-inspiring. This drives the Pirates forward each year to raise funds and awareness.

And another memorable day....

A Special Day and a Wonderful Evening - the Pale Moon cricket game and charity concert wow the crowds again: For the third year running the Pale Moon rose again, managing to surpass all expectations, and then some. The glorious late summer‟s day started with another highly spirited cricket match between the Legends and The Flynn Allstars in which it would be fair to say the Allstars got their younger hinds well and truly whipped by a grisly yet highly determined mixture of old timers, part timers and young guns, captained once again with typical wiliness, by the sleek and evergreen „Morgan the Moon‟ Miles. This year there was a steeliness to the local legends that evoked memories of the glory days when touring teams from Kentish climes would come away with precious little except the certainty of a damned good night out. Some Allstars have since said that it was the sheer excellence and volume of the teas that caused their batting performance to be so painfully lacking in.....batting. (Thank you all tea makers, absolutely amazing!)

The sentiment and purpose of the Pale Moon Day has always been about the celebration of our wonderful Community, a gathering together in the spirit of love and generosity, whilst raising money for those in need. This year the cause was one that hit a particularly strong chord locally, raising funds to support the Willington family who so tragically lost Gareth and Daniel off our coast in the spring. Right from the doors opening, there was an air of sweetness and excitement. This year‟s event was an enormous leap in scale, made possible by the massive marquee, donated by the huge-hearted Ian Griffiths from Celtic Camping, who gave his time, his property, his wonderful team and a lot more to making it such a successful Big Night Out. Indeed the generosity from throughout the community for the making of this event was very considerable and heartening to say the least.

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From humble beginnings three years ago serving snacks and BYO, to this year‟s team of around 20 people, the event has clearly made a big impact on all involved, both volunteers and guests alike. We were served a wonderful vegetarian curry made by Andy Holcroft, followed by sumptuous brownies made by the lovely Sophie Wellan. The atmosphere was electric, with over 400 people from our local communities, as well as those who had travelled long distances to hear the bands. With the sun setting on the sea behind her, the returning Jodie Marie opened with her exquisite soulful tones lulling our hearts into submission. Then our own living legend, Rob Rees, graced us again with his deeply moving folk songs, followed by another highly admired home-grown boy, Johnny Flynn, who along with sister Lillie and the brilliant makeshift band, wowed us with a special brand of modern folksey magic.

In the midst of this musical feast we had a phenomenal auction, a long hour of hilarity and serious moneymaking hosted by Pembrokeshire's favourite compère, the newlywed Andy Houghton, who between bantering and bartering in tandem with Jerome Flynn, brought the crowd to their feet by appearing in his underpants to do a spot of ironing on stage - all this to bravely honour a pledge from last year‟s spontaneous auction. It was the champagne moment of the evening- thank you Houghtie!

Then, prompted and cajoled by his evil brother, Jerome found himself pledging a similar scantily clad scenario, with a song thrown in (you would think people would pay for that not to happen! ).....but bid they did! (It is rumoured that he has since claimed diminished responsibility due to welsh vodka consumption and is trying to find loopholes in the agreement.) After much flowing generosity, the auction ended and musical treats continued with Holly Holden and Y Su Banda getting everybody swinging with their unique calypso jive .Then Johnny and Lillie joined everyone and the joint was really jumping. But when at around 11pm the wonderful and highly energetic Irish jigsters, Trabba, came on, all those who thought they were flagging suddenly got a second wind….. the dance floor was packed, grand craic was had and we all jigged and jived to the early hours…It was one of those truly memorable evenings which curiously can be quite hard to remember!

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Huge thanks go out to the many who gave of their gifts, their time, their cash and their hearts....it all felt like one big heart. And special thanks to the amazing core team of wonder women, Amanda, Shayne, Belle, Penny, Clare and Kate who gave so much of their time to pull it all together. We are still counting all the various amounts, but so far, we know we are going to be able to give Alice and Gail Willington over £13,000. A testament to the good will and love flowing through our wonderful community. See you all there for the next one!

And now for the serious cricket.....

Clwb Criced Llanrhian Cricket Club The Llanrhian First XI saw their four year stint in the top division of Pembrokeshire cricket end after a difficult year where the squad struggled with injuries and player unavailability. Having been promoted to the top flight in 2012, the side defied all odds to stay up in 2013, 2014, and 2015, becoming the first Llanrhian side in history to survive more than one season in Division 1. However, the loss of key bowler Dominic Wright for much of the summer was compounded to an early season injury to another pivotal player in Matthew Bennett – which contributed to a tough start that saw defeats to Narberth, , Johnston and Whitland. There were then promising signs against the likes of Cresselly, , Lawrenny, Carew and – but the side failed to convert good positions into wins. Indeed, it wasn‟t until then return fixture with Neyland on July 23rd that the side avoided defeat for the one (and only) time this season, playing out a draw with the then leaders in a much improved display. Sadly, the inevitable relegation was confirmed in August, but all was not lost with youngsters like Karl Davies and Ryan John gaining First XI experience, while Sam Kurtz joined the ranks from and fitted in well. Luke Jones bowling for the First XI

Geraint Morris led the batting stakes with three half centuries – and there will be plenty for the side to be positive about as they look to rebuild in Division 2 next season. Meanwhile, the Second XI secured remarkable back to back promotions, and will now play in Division 3 next season having finished second in the table for the second consecutive campaign. They started the season with wins over Narberth 2nds and Pembroke 2nds, and built on those results to be second at the midway point behind leaders Johnston 2nds.

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And although it was the latter who ran away with the league title, Tony Kitchell‟s side secured promotion as early as August 6th with a big win over Carew 3rds. The seemingly ageless RV Jones was the backbone of the side‟s success, scoring the bulk of the runs from his position as opener, while his son Ben made a welcome return to the fold – scoring a magical century at home to .

RV Jones was top run scorer for the club in 2016, and instrumental to the Second XI getting promoted.

Kitchell himself continued to take vital wickets with the ball, as did youngster Tom Clarke, who promises to be one of the stars of the Llanrhian future. His highlights included a five wicket haul on the opening day. Off the field, there was plenty more for the club to celebrate. The annual Porthgain World Cup proved another roaring success, with visitors again flocking from afar in their fancy dress costumes to play on the hallowed turf outside the Sloop. There were successful friendly T20 matches with St Davids RFC and , while the club played host to the local „Primary School Cricket Festival‟ – which unearthed some talent for the future. A big thank you to all players, committee members, supporters, sponsors - and Sloop bar staff members, of course - for helping us throughout the season. Back next year! Fraser Watson - [email protected]

And, by the way......

.....What exactly were these two doing on a tandem outside the Ship in back in 1994?

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Porthgain Rowing Club With autumn approaching, Linda Evans looks back on another fine season of rowing - from Porthgain and beyond: As summer comes to a close and the evenings draw in, the chances of getting a Monday night row down at Porthgain rowing club also become rarer. But not to worry! We can spend our autumn evenings reminiscing on a mixed and varied spring and summer season. Our early spring training culminated in the annual trip to the always lovely Isles of Scilly, where despite the weather (wind, rain, sun and fog) both crews improved on last year‟s results, with the „Ralph Bird‟ crew managing 34th and the „Ella Rose‟ crew coming in 111th (that‟s one hundred and eleven, not „ill‟! ). Out of a field of over 150 gigs that‟s not half bad, so well done all! Obviously, along with all the rowing, there were the obligatory activities of..... cake eating, hymn singing, sea swimming and even a chance for some bee lifesaving, but sadly (or not, depending on your leanings) no dolphin spotting this year. Back on the correct side of the Landsker line, Monday evening rows commenced. A couple of great club excursions followed, including a fabulous row out from Broad Haven for a boat blessing and beacon lighting ceremony. The club also managed a row out to (and back!) and one around Ramsey, in calm, if not always clear, conditions. One of the highlights of my summer was the thrill of taking the gigs out not to row, but to sail. The sight of a gig under full sail in bright sunshine is something to behold and is only slightly marred by the terror of knowing that Tom doesn‟t know his buntline from his Blue Peter. Luckily, Ella and Kath are very proficient sailors. The end of the summer brought a visit from a couple of other gig clubs as no fewer than 9 gigs were counted out from Porthgain. Shock and awe were registered on the faces of a few locals who had thought that only a rare few were silly enough to row a wooden hand-crafted gig. It turned out that down in the West Country and Cornwall, there were literally thousands of us idiots! We all enjoyed a bimble out to Abereiddi to spy on the preparations for the Red Bull cliff diving. And then, that evening, Porthgain hosted our club Ceilidh at East Farm, where said idiots spent a really lovely evening catching up, dancing and generally enjoying themselves. As always, the club couldn‟t function without the unbounded generosity of time, patience and effort from Tom and Kath, and indeed Ella and Ben, so a massive 'thank you' from all at Porthgain gig club to them. To find out about the rowing club, visit the Porthgain Rowing Club Facebook page, email: [email protected] or phone Tom Sutton on 01437 720026 7

Mary Harries, Porthgain - Rob Morris remembers Mary:

The village of Porthgain mourned the loss of one of its favourite residents earlier this year when Mary Harries sadly passed away on the 21st of April. Mary lived at No1, Y Stryd where she and her late husband, Davo, had lived since the end of the 1990‟s, after moving back to the village from Whitland. My first memory of Mary was meeting her in the Sloop where she worked as she put it “to get me out of the house”. Rob Jones and I were fishing at the time and we would call in most days on our way home. If we had had a bad day, the both of us were soon cheered up by Mary‟s infectious charm and wit. Her first question was always “Any news? Any gossip or scandal?” Each time Mary greeted someone, there was always a kiss and a hug. She developed the most sophisticated style questioning strangers who within five minutes would be chatting away with her as if they had known each other for years. Mary also had a wicked sense of humour. One story of their time in Whitland was when Davo, who was working at the Dairy, had asked could he have a change of sandwich filling. The next day at break time, Davo opened his lunch box and started eating his sandwich. His new filling turned out to be piccalilli spread on cotton wool balls! Another episode of her devilment was when by chance she met Kenfor Richards at the checkout of Marks and Spencer. Mary had purchased some new underwear. She was happily winding up the young girl on the till by saying she would be modelling the said garments later that evening for Ken, who had by now turned bright red with embarrassment. One Halloween, Mary dressed up as an old lady in a black dress, long coat and hat. After calling in on several friends in the village she headed for the Sloop. She explained in a croaky voice that she was raising money for the local school. No-one recognised her that evening much to her amusement. There are so many other stories to tell but most are best left to the memory rather than committed to paper. Mary was a fantastic cook and her homemade cakes were out of this world. Each Saturday in the summer, cakes were sent down with Davo to Llanrhian Cricket Club for their tea. At the cricket club Fun Day, held on the green at Porthgain, Mary and next door neighbour, Iris, decided to sell tea and cakes outside their houses. Iris did the waitressing whilst Mary baked. By early evening the two ladies had sold £250 of tea and cake. All the money raised was donated to the club. Mary loved animals and over the years shared the cottage with Arnie the Yorkshire terrier and her two cats, Hettie and Beckett. Over the past few years, clearly suffering with ill health, Mary would always be cheered when her family came down on holidays. Her sons, Albert and Andy, and their lovely wives, the two Sues, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a great shock and heartfelt sadness for me when I heard that this lovely lady had died. Mary and Davo had shown great love and kindness to my family and me, something that I will never forget.

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On the day of the funeral, Mary, the drover‟s daughter from , left Porthgain in style.

Her wishes were granted, as Albert and Andy had arranged a traditional East End funeral for their mother. Two stunning jet-black horses majestically pulled the hearse around the harbour and village, and every single household stood outside to pay their respects to this wonderful lady as she left the village for the last time.

Abercastle Boat Owners The summer season is drawing to a close, and a few boats remain on their moorings hoping for a few more fishing trips before the winter weather sets in. harbour was busier than ever this summer, with many visitors, kayakers and coasteering groups all using the facilities in addition to our club members. New car park and visitor information signs helped keep everything under control, and voluntary beach cleaning by club members – by hand and with a JCB – kept the beach weed and stone free for everyone to enjoy. The August sun shone on us for the annual fishing competition, and BBQ on the beach. After a well-attended, great day‟s fishing and a superb BBQ afterwards, there were prizes awarded for the biggest fish, most species and the most interesting fish, nearly all of which were photographed and returned to the sea. If you would like to join our club, or for more information about our club‟s activities and moorings, please call Martyn (Secretary) on 01348 837476, or Nev (Harbourmaster) on 07970 552908.

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The Harbours of North Pembrokeshire and the History of Coastal Charts – Extensive research into the harbours, railways and airports of North Pembrokeshire has been undertaken by local rural chartered surveyor, Edward Perkins, and Martin Roberts. Here we reproduce some of the history of our local harbours and the charting of our coastal waters that, today, all seafarers take for granted. (Railways and Airports are for future issues of Llais Rhian...... )

Until the 18th century there was very little detailed information on the position and adjoining areas of the coasts of Great Britain and . Although individual mariners knew the details from experience, until the 1680‟s very little had been written down. The first serious coastal charts were surveyed and drawn by Grenvile Collins, a British Naval Officer, who in the 1680‟s was engaged by the Navy to draw up coastal charts. The loss in 1707 of Admiral Cloudsley Shovell and ships of his fleet on the rocks of the Scilly Isles, showed the necessity of such information. As a result, Grenvile Collins produced a book of pilot maps for the coast of the , called “The Great Britain‟s Coasting Pilot”.

Later in the 18th century, two leading chart makers were active, namely Lewis Morris, originally from Anglesey and with a good knowledge of Welsh coastal waters, and Murdock MacKenzie, who was born in the Orkney Islands. MacKenzie saw the result of ship disasters and eventually, like Morris, was given a contract by the British Navy to chart the western waters of the UK. 10

In addition to a full chart for Wales, Lewis Morris also chartered the individual harbours, so that we have records of the harbour approaches from Anglesey to . His Welsh chart was also republished in 1800 by his son William Morris and remains one of the early accurate maps of Wales and its sea coast. In France, particularly under Louis XIV, who reigned until 1714, there was a very advanced land and sea survey office. The office Mariteme Francaise was responsible for making many charts, not only of French, but also other coastal waters. One of the charts they made was of the Bristol Channel and the example available to the author is dated 1797. It is thus quite possible that Commodore Castagnier and his French invasion fleet of February 1797 would have had a copy of this chart on board with them. The chart is of the Bristol Channel and does not show Pembrokeshire and the western approaches to Cardigan Bay. As we know, the expedition eventually landed at Carreg Wastad, west of , but could well have been carrying such a chart from the French Mariteme office.

The harbours of north Pembrokeshire had been busy for hundreds of years until the railways basically took over their trade. Newport, Fishguard and were the main ports, with both trading and ship building facilities. We know that quarried limestone blocks were transported all around the coast to the lime kilns of ports and all the small beaches. This lime kiln activity could not have taken place without further imports of coal in order to burn the lime. We also know that Fishguard had a particular trade in herrings and that Squire Lewis of Manorowen, in the period 1650 to1680, was heavily involved in developing the Port of Fishguard, now called Lower Town, and the export of fish. At one stage he was accused of exporting too many fish, to the extent of 30,000 measures of herrings, contrary to regulations. Each measure of herring contained 520 fish making 15,000,000 herrings in all.

In Newport there were cargos of lime, coal and stone imported, and exports of agricultural products, particularly grain. In the 18th and 19th century there was also a thriving shipbuilding business. Solva, too, was heavily involved in imports and exports and once inside the harbour, it provided a very safe anchorage. However, the ships had to avoid the large rock which still today guards the entrance to Solva harbour. Sailing ships from Solva took passengers across the Atlantic for a modest fare, but you had to provide provisions for yourself for an estimated two to three month period.

Lower Town Fishguard reached a peak of 100 ships a year in the 1850‟s, but the coastal shipping trade eventually died out as the railways took over. The last trading ship in Newport was in September 1934.

Edward Perkins - [email protected] Martin Roberts - [email protected]

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Porthgain on the Big Screen The cover of our November 2015 issue featured Porthgain transformed into a 1940‟s film set for the shooting of scenes from a romantic comedy about the lives of propaganda filmmakers in WW2 Britain. The film, now titled „Their Finest‟, was screened last month at the London Film Festival, where its stars, Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy turned out in their finery. „Their Finest‟ is scheduled for USA release in March 2017, so fingers crossed it comes to Theatr Gwaun before too long!

Digging up the Past – fascinating discoveries among the dunes at Whitesands. It‟s easy to miss a small marker stone in the dunes near the car park at Whitesands, telling passers-by that they are standing on the site of an early medieval chapel and its cemetery. Due to coastal erosion, which has accelerated in recent years, the dunes are being gradually washed away, and the cemetery, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is in danger of being destroyed before it can be properly recorded. May 2016 saw the third annual excavation of the area by Dyfed Archaeological Trust. Visitors to the site were able to watch the work in action, as the experts and volunteers painstakingly removed the sand from skulls and skeletons being uncovered daily. Experts believe these graves date from the 5th - 11th century AD. The bones have been taken to the University of Sheffield, some for scientific analysis. Amazingly, it has already been possible to establish that some of the people buried at Whitesands were born as far away as North Africa! When the dig came to an end for this year, the site was covered with a membrane and then the sand and turf was replaced, leaving little evidence of all that history lying just beneath the surface.

Going Underground in Porthgain Plans have been approved to put unsightly power lines underground in Porthgain. Throughout Wales, Western Power Distribution has been tackling overhead power lines that are considered to be the most damaging to protected landscapes. These areas of outstanding natural beauty include Gower, the Wye Valley, and the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks.

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In Pembrokeshire, successful undergrounding has already been completed at , West Angle, Martins Haven, St Nons, Caerfarchell, Treginnis and Dinas Head. And now, the latest project will be in Porthgain, where the scheme will see 295ft (90m) of overhead wiring replaced with underground cables. It is anticipated that the work will be carried out in the first part of 2017, obviously avoiding busy periods, and Western Power will liaise closely with the National Park, villagers and local businesses to ensure that the work causes as little disruption as possible.

The electricity substation (right) has been identified as having a ‘significant detrimental visual impact on Porthgain.

INNS....Invasive Non Native Species – Ian Meopham from the National Park feels he just might be starting to win the battle: You may be fond of Himalayan Balsam - lovely pink flowers (attractive to bees), with a striking red stem and dark green serrated leaves. Or you may not have heard of it - I wish I hadn‟t! For the last 3 or 4 years, we have been fighting our way through stinging nettles, blackthorn and brambles in a race to pull or cut this highly invasive non native species before it releases and sets seeds. To be honest I have wondered many a time if this is a fight we can win, but thanks to a small army of volunteers and targeted cutting by contractors, we are making progress. This year we have had two sweeps up both the Aberfelin and Llanrhian valleys, once in June and again in August, pulling and cutting tons of balsam. So what next? Well at worst we are certainly containing the spread, but this will need to be a long term commitment - just one plant can produce hundreds of explosively propelled seeds which can remain viable for several years. Spraying is not an option so close to rivers, so in the words of the Terminator “I‟ll be back” - diary dates already pencilled in for 2017 to carry on the fight!! As a local, if you see the plant and want to help then please pull or cut it, taking care not to spread the seeds and please think twice before introducing it into the garden because that‟s how the problem started in the first place. Ian Meopham - [email protected]

...and the National Trust campaign against Japanese Knotweed: Late this summer, the National Trust began eradicating the very large patch of knotweed on NT land near the stream at Aberfelin, Trefin. A contractor has been engaged to tackle the plants growing on the banks of the stream. This involved injecting 2ml of glyphosate into each stem, giving the rhizome a very good sized dose indeed. Early effects should be seen within a week or two. Follow up treatment will be required over the next 2 to 3 years. 13

More News from the National Trust

Red Bull Cliff Diving at the Blue Lagoon We were so proud to see our beautiful Blue Lagoon in the spotlight again, and equally thrilled to be part of a global event that generates so much local enthusiasm, involvement and community benefit. Red Bull managed the weekend smoothly and safely and put on a really great show. If only the weather had been more accommodating on Sunday. The event‟s popularity was confirmed, as the cliffs were lined with a sell-out of crowd of 2,500 people, while in small boats and sea kayaks, more spectators jostled for position on the water far below. All were treated to a visual treat. High overhead, the Red Bull aerobatic flying team complemented stunning displays of mid-air bravery and agility by the highly skilled divers. Despite the torrential rainfall on the Friday, the Blue Lagoon‟s footpaths and the rocky viewing areas happily held out well, but there was some trampling and poaching of the wonderful maritime grassland above the Blue Lagoon. Happily this has now been rectified through applying a light roller, with kind help from Ynys Barry farmer, Meurig Raymond. We were again impressed by how carefully Red Bull managed the event, including their rapid response to the unfortunate change of schedule. If you purchased Sunday tickets from the National Trust shop in St Davids please call in for your refund, and bring your tickets with you. More details: http://win.gs/2dm3ad8

Footpath closure at The foul wet weather, which dominated much of last winter, highlighted a problem with the popular bridleway path which runs around the bottom edge of the field at Pen yr Allt Woods. The incessant rains led this path to become ridiculously wet and muddy. It was pretty much impassable by foot for much of late winter and spring – the sort of place where you can lose your wellies (as we know from direct experience). We‟ve arranged for work to be done this autumn, to install drainage channels and a proper surface to the path. This will unfortunately necessitate the path being cordoned off and closed for a few days; although the alternative route through the field will remain open. We‟ll make sure there are signs up while the work proceeds to keep everyone informed. I hope the newly restored path will prove wet weather proof, and make winter walks in these wonderful woods even more enjoyable for the many visitors.

Anyone like to join our volunteers? Our small based National Trust team looks after many miles of wonderful coastline, woodland, and inland heaths and bogs in Pembrokeshire. You can find us at our widely spread special places, which stretch from Ceibwr Bay, in the north of the county, along the coast to the heaths and commons around Fishguard and , past Abercastle, Porthgain and Abereiddi, and on around St David‟s Head and Treginnis, down to the Marloes Peninsula and the Little Milford woods on the Cleddau estuary. 14

There‟s no way we could care for the places without invaluable help from our hard- working volunteers. We have full time volunteers working for us as Rangers, and a weekly volunteer team who come in to help us every Thursday. This diverse group gets involved in a range of countryside management tasks – installing gates and fencing, resurfacing tracks and car parks, clearing scrub and cutting gorse, and also helping organise and run our special events. We‟re on the lookout for more people to join us on Thursdays. So if you‟re keen on working in some wonderful outdoor places whatever the weather, or making new friends, or learning more about the natural world around us, please get in touch. For more information on joining us, you can contact me, Howard Jones, on 07785 576737, or follow us on twitter (@NTNorthPembs) and facebook (NTPembs) to see what we get up to.

The Cable Hut, Abermawr In July this year, a plaque was unveiled at Abermawr to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first successful message to be sent on the underwater cable from Abermawr to Wexford and across to America. This cable was 63 nautical miles long and had been laid 4 years earlier in 1862. The end of the cable was at the Cable Hut in Abermawr. In this corrugated hut were two rows of wooden benches along two sides, on which the telegraph instruments were placed. Messages received from Ireland were re- transmitted over lines to the London office of the cable company from where they would be sent on to their final destination. A three tier bunk at the rear of the hut provided the sleeping quarters for the telegraph clerks. In the first World War, because of its importance in providing a link to North America, the station was guarded by a small unit of soldiers, who used the road outside as their parade ground. As well as the garden walls, the two buildings were surrounded by a wall of sandbags, which villagers from St Nicholas had been employed to build. In 1922 or 1923, a storm washed away the road above the beach at Abermawr and with it the shore ends of the two cables. Following this, the station was abandoned and the hut and cottage were returned to the Tregwynt estate, on whose land it stood. From this it can be assumed that the hut and cottage were not built when the first cable was landed but were rented from the Tregwynt estate, and were most likely a cottage and storage for a tenant farmer. Following its abandonment it was used as a bathing hut, mainly by GPO employees and former employees. In 1951 Les and Nora Lane from London visited the area on holiday with their children and took a fancy to the hut, though at the time it was derelict. They approached Lt. Commander Harries Burrington, who at that time owned the estate, and were able to rent the hut at £15 a year. Subsequently they bought it and

15 renovated it, turning it into a residential property and using it for holidays and family occasions. It is now let out as holiday accommodation. (Information from www.atlantic-cable.com)

The Wilson family from Cheshire were expecting a quiet stroll on the coast path one day last July, but soon became important participants in the unveiling ceremony of the plaque at Abermawr. Kate Wilson explains:

During our annual holiday to Felindre, we decided on the morning of 27th July that it would be a nice day for a walk from the Woollen Mill to Aberbach and Abermawr beaches along the coastal path. Our family of four plus grandparents who also holiday with us, set off from the Woollen Mill with snacks to eat along the way. On the way to the cliff path we met a smartly dressed gentleman coming in the opposite direction who asked us if we were going to the unveiling ceremony. We replied that we were heading for a cliff walk and didn't know anything about a ceremony. He explained that a plaque was being unveiled at the Cable Hut at Abermawr beach at 12 o'clock and we were very welcome to attend if we wanted to. Apparently, 27th July marked the 150th Anniversary of the first successful cable message sent on the underwater cable across the Atlantic to Newfoundland. The end of this cable was at the Cable Hut on Abermawr beach. We told the gentleman that if we could walk round in time for the ceremony we could attend. We carried on our walk as normal, throwing stones in the sea at Aberbach and then walked around the cliffs to Abermawr. Instead of walking to the beach we turned back to the road and there is the only building, the Cable Hut. Waiting there was a small group of people with the plaque under a Welsh flag. After listening to a short history of Brunel's intentions for the local area and how the task of laying the cable used his ship, the

Great Eastern, the unveiling ceremony began. It was explained that the plaque had been jointly sponsored by the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) and ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) but there was no representative from the IET present. At that point our family pointed to Paul, my husband, because he is a chartered member of the IET as part of his profession. He was then promptly invited to join the photographs and unveil the plaque on behalf of the IET. A rather bemused and embarrassed husband is therefore on all the official photographs of the occasion. The kind people there then invited us all back to the Woollen Mill to share in a toast and lunch to celebrate the unveiling of the plaque. It was such an interesting morning to find out all about the history of an area we have so often walked and passed by without ever realizing the significance of such a small building to the beginning of modern communication which we all take for granted now. The children found it fascinating and we were deeply grateful to be so warmly welcomed. Such an unexpected treat.

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A Haven for our Hearts – Sue Trythall and Jacky Long explain how a little bit of Porthgain has moved to Cheltenham: We first came to Porthgain 17 years ago, desperately in need of some respite. I had, purely by chance, seen an advertisement in a magazine in our local doctor‟s surgery for Felindre Lodges and decided to book. That first visit was when we fell in love with the place that we now think of as our second home – “the place that we come to when living takes its toll”. Although we come here twice each year, we miss it when we are back at home, so much that we have turned part of our back garden into our little corner of Porthgain. Our special thanks to Morgan at the Sloop who generously donated a couple of old fishing floats to add to our growing collection of beachcombing and car boot sale finds.

Abereiddi in the 1960’s - Geoff Bridgman, from Chippenham, visited Abereiddi in the 1960’s, and looks back now at some of things that he can remember from those happy holidays: Back in the 1960‟s, we lived in Cheltenham where my father was a police inspector based at the central police station, and my mother worked for Liverpool Victoria insurance company. Her boss was George Watkins whose family owned Beach Cottage in Abereiddi. We stayed there twice, in 1965 and 1966, when my sister and myself were aged 11 and 9. The beach then was very similar to how it is now becoming, only back then there were cows on the beach!

We loved the rock pools, and the cottage itself was cute - the toilet had the old information papers from the Sunday Times magazine on the wall, and we had to 17 bury our waste in the garden. Bet it has been well and truly groomed now for growing things! In the top cottage was Granny Rees, who was a typical welsh lady and loved seeing us kids. Her son lived with her and I can remember him driving a tractor - one of the old Ferguson ones - flat hat and a collie dog too. They had geese who cackled and wandered about. We explored the beaches and local area, including Porthgain. When we went to the Sloop Inn, we kids were able to sit in the back room and watch TV with our glass of lemonade and packet of crisps. A couple of things stick in my mind - a particular rainy and stormy Sunday night when a fisherman, who had his boat in the Blue Lagoon, came to our door with fresh mackerel, and then my mum gutting the fish for supper . The other one is of the World Cup in1966, and hearing that on the radio. And something else - my sister, Jane, getting pleurisy. We walked over the cliffs to the beaches - great fun - and went to see the „Sunderland‟ at , which I later saw again in the RAF Museum. Something else I remember is a teacher who used to park her VW Beetle, marking books etc. Funny how little things come into your mind! I also remember walking around Haverfordwest and seeing the loss of the „Darlwyne‟ pleasure boat in Cornwall. These are some of my memories of those days .....and oh yes, finding wool for my great-gran for her bunions! Fast forward to 2002 when I decided I wanted to show my family some of the childhood visits I had had with my mum and dad and sister. We ended up staying at Caerhafod Lodge which was the start of a friendship which has carried on to the present day. We got to know Carolyn and Sion, who owned and ran Caerhafod, and watched the kids growing up. When Sion sadly died, I was at his funeral in St Davids Cathedral. It was an honour to be there and have Carolyn as a great friend. She continues to run Caerhafod Lodge today.

Nursing through the years- Anne Williams, Abernant Lodge, looks back over her long career... In 1963 I started my nursing career in at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. After one year pre- nursing, I went on to complete my State Registered Nurse training in just 18 months. I then came back to do my S.E.N. training at the old County War Memorial Hospital in Haverfordwest. Like many girls in those days, I left nursing when I got married in 1966, and it was 12 years later that I returned to hospital life after having my family. 18

Now I was nursing in the new Withybush Hospital, on Ward 10, which at that time was a long-stay ward caring for the elderly. They were very happy days. We had plenty of staff for the 25 beds. The work was hard but rewarding. Nobody was allowed out of bed except with the help of two nurses – back then we had no such things as mechanical hoists.

Later, Ward 10 changed to an Oncology Palliative Care ward, where the work could be upsetting but was rewarding too. Once, with just an hour for us nurses to prepare, a hastily arranged wedding service was held on the ward. Hurrying to the linen room to get a nice nightdress for the bride to wear, my nurse colleague met a domestic cleaner. Hearing what she was looking for, the cleaner led her to a staff nurse‟s locker where a wedding dress was hanging up. The dress was draped over the bride as she lay in bed, and another nurse did her make-up. Very sadly, it was only another two days before she died, leaving two small children. On a lighter note, there was an occasion when a patient asked me where she could get a trout, as she had a hankering for one. I asked the doctors – could she have it? They said „Yes‟. Next, I went to the kitchens to see if they would cook it – „No problem‟, they said. The following morning, as I arrived at work for my 7am shift, I met a hospital colleague who asked me what was in the bag I was carrying. When I told her it was a trout, she couldn‟t get over it, and forever after remembered me as the „trout lady‟! I‟m happy to say that the patient thoroughly enjoyed her trout lunch.

We had time for some fun and practical jokes in those days too – I remember arriving for another early shift to find that the some of the nurses had „borrowed‟ an elderly patient‟s alarm clock, wound the emergency call bell cord around it so it would go off just after midnight and then put it in a bed next to a „dummy‟ patient constructed out of sheets and pillows. Bear in mind that no-one was allowed out of bed, so when the alarm went off, it was a big shock for the night nurses...one of the girls who never usually smoked had to have a cigarette, and was still shaking hours later when I arrived for work!

Last month, after 38 years of uninterrupted service, I gave in my notice to retire. I have enjoyed working with everyone, especially all the patients I have nursed. I took pride in my patients, and liked to see them looking clean and well fed. I will never regret my nursing years, and can‟t thank everyone enough for being so kind.

Today, we are living in a world of nursing where it is all paperwork and computer work – yet the patients are still there, needing care and personal attention.

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Newyddion Ysgol Croesgoch School News

School Council 2016 – 2017 At the beginning of the school year, pupils of Ysgol Croesgoch voted for their new School Council. During their first meeting the Council elected their officers from Year 6 pupils:

Chairman - William Phillips Vice Chair – Freddie Jones Treasurer – Ella Willis Secretary – Carwyn Evans Vice Sec – Thomas James

Representing Year 1 pupils - Poppy Jenkins Representing Year 2 pupils - Rhinedd Morris and Ollie Montgomery. Representing Year 3 pupils - Reuben Gibbs and Rhiannon Nicholls. Representing Year 4 pupils - Osian Harries and Victoria Horne. Representing Year 5 pupils - Chloe Beynon, Holly Reason and Dionne Kingston.

Cofio Aberfan On Friday, 21st October a special assembly was held with invited guests, friends of the school and parents, to commemorate fifty years since the establishment of the school on its present site, as well as marking a half century since the Aberfan Disaster. Junior pupils presented readings and songs and performed a piece of music composed by themselves to remember the events of fifty years ago. After the assembly, pupils planted daffodil bulbs, one for every life lost, in the school grounds, as a lasting memorial to the community of Aberfan.

Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative We are delighted to report that the school was successful in the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative, winning £750 for its work in promoting Welsh heritage and in recognition of the contribution made to it by families and communities. Almost thirty primary schools were shortlisted for awards across Wales with the ceremony taking place in Swansea Waterfront Museum. Ysgol Croesgoch was awarded the runner- up prize. We would like to thank families for their support with Year 6 pupils‟ individual history project and Grŵp Treftadaeth Croesgoch Heritage Group for their contribution to the success of the project. Llongyfarchiadau mawr i bawb ar y cyflawniad arbennig hyn.

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Heritage Cup 2016 The winner of this year‟s Grwp Treftadaeth Croesgoch Heritage Cup was Henry Raymond for his excellent project on Penfeidr Farm. Henry was presented with the cup during the Year 6 leavers‟ assembly by Mr. Martin

Roberts, Chairman of the Group.

A visit to Wildlife Centre

Pictured are pupils from Years 3, 4 and 5 who visited Cilgerran Wildlife Centre on Monday October 10th. The pupils had a very enjoyable day taking part in a minibeast safari and various craft workshops.

Dates for your Diary

Friday, Nov 25th - Christmas Fair with Father Christmas, from 3.30 pm Tuesday, Dec 6th - Nursery, Reception - Year 2 Christmas Concert, 9.30 am Tuesday, Dec 6th - Reception - Year 2 Christmas Concert, 7.00 pm Monday, Dec 12th - Dress Rehearsal for Junior Christmas Concert, 1.00 pm Wednesday, Dec 14th - Junior Christmas Concert, 7.00 pm (all in the School Hall)

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Cylch Meithrin Cylch Meithrin Croesgoch have just achieved their gold award for the 'Design to smile tooth brushing scheme'. Before their snack, the children in the Cylch brush their teeth for 2 minutes to a Welsh tooth-brushing song, which they all thoroughly enjoy. We are also delighted to be in the final three for a Mudiad Meithrin outdoor play award, for which we will be attending the ceremony at the end of October. The children now have a new play area - Dewin‟s Magical Garden - where they can play in the mud kitchen, build bug hotels, grow and cut grass and have lots of fun in the outdoors.

Cylch Meithrin is open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 12 noon, term time only. Please contact Emma on 07551 832783 for more information.

Ti a FI Ti a Fi is a Mother and Toddler group held on Monday mornings, term time only, in the Chapel Vestry Croesgoch from 9 to11am. £1.50 per child to include snacks and a drink for the children and tea or coffee for parents. Everyone is welcome. Please contact Sarah Phillips on 07772 304648 for more information.

St Davids and District Pony Club Members of St Davids Pony Club enjoyed a busy summer with many weeks of tuition received for dressage and show jumping at Llanwnwr Farm, with its stunning views over Strumble Head. This was in preparation for the Area Competitions, where particular success was attained in dressage with our Mini Team (Erin Turfery, Holly Owen, Daisy Anne Richards and Sasha Richards) coming 1st, the Junior team (Erin Turfery, Lily Owen, and Megan James) coming 3rd and a further Junior Team (Molly James, Fern Evans-Harries and Lottie Wilson) coming 4th. The Mini Show Jumping Team (Erin Turfery, Molly James, Megan James and Fern Evans-Harries) came 2nd as well as being awarded 6th for the Tack and Turnout competition. Lily Owen was placed 9th individually as we had no team in the Junior section. Ella Sutton represented the branch at Area Eventing. Rallies were also held at Trecoed Farm, , by kind permission of Mr and Mrs William Miles. Following the area competitions came the long awaited highlight of the Pony Club year in the form of Pony Club camp, held again at Abernant, Croesgoch by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Mefin Thomas. This was run over four days where members received intensive instruction in riding and stable management, completed achievement badges and took part in a competition on the final day. Amongst evening activities, members were fortunate to be provided with a fantastic boat trip 22 courtesy of Falcon Boats and a visit to the Icelandic Stud near Solva where everyone was given the opportunity to ride an Icelandic pony and experience their unique gaits. We were invited by Pembrokeshire County show to provide runners for the Main Ring and Horse Ring and we are very proud of the way those youngsters represented St Davids Pony Club. Hendrewen, Manorowen was the venue for our fundraiser at the end of the summer holidays (by kind permission of Mr Idris James). As a change from a show we held an arena eventing competition, which had very positive feedback and we hope to make this an annual event. We are now looking towards the autumn and winter with plans to hold Riding and Road Safety tests and rallies at Mallards Reach and Nolton. New members are always welcome and we offer a first rally as a free trial. Should anyone be interested in finding out more about the Pony Club please contact Robert Harper on 01437 741216.

Local enterprise......

Farmers Food at Home Farmers Food at Home will be at many seasonal fairs and events over the next two months and has now greatly increased the number of outlets across Pembrokeshire where Anne-Marie's jams, jellies, chutneys and pickles are available. Christmas will soon be upon us, so order your gift hampers and baskets from us, starting from just £9. We have also organised a Craft Fayre in Mathry Hall on Friday 9th December, 5-9pm, with twenty local producers displaying their unique creations. Check us out at www.facebook.com/farmersfoodathome Email [email protected] or phone Anne-Marie on 07960093716

Crefftiau MelinTrefin After a busy summer, we are preparing for the Christmas season with new, handmade products and local art, as well as our premium Welsh goods from purveyors including Clogau, Welsh Crystal and Rhiannon. Mari-Anne has created a range of naturally scented soy candles and vegetable soaps inspired by the local area. Jackie has been expanding her range of jams and pickles and she is now also available for weaving and spinning lessons. Open Tuesday to Sunday next door to the Ship and Mill Cafe or contact [email protected] or 07968 080523.

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MT training Registered training centre in Trefin or bespoke courses at your premises at a time to suit you. We offer courses in Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and the award for personal licence holders. Contact Jackie on 07968 080523

Porthgain Farm Shop – over the summer, the Porthgain Farm Shop arrived, and now some of the best locally produced food is available right on our doorstep. Adam Vincent of Trehale Farm explains: Situated down at Porthgain Harbour, we are a small family run farm shop offering for sale all the best local produce, with an emphasis on our own home-produced free range rare breed pork and lamb products as well as the best, freshest, locally landed fish and shellfish - some landed just a few metres away in Porthgain Harbour. And our 94% gluten free sausages and organic dry-cured bacon make the best breakfast! We also stock well hung and incredibly tasty rare breed Dexter beef, local artisan cheeses, freshly picked fruit and veg from local farms, locally baked bread and cakes, handmade fudge and much, much more! In the run up to Christmas, we will be taking orders and stocking our incredible local cyder-cured hams, Pembrokeshire turkeys, free range geese, locally shot wild game, smoked salmon, gift hampers and even Christmas trees! We are open afternoons only, seven days a week in the summer, down to Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the autumn and winter but closed in January and February. We also offer a top quality bespoke catering service and mobile bar facility, utilising all the best local produce and ales and cyders from around the county...... and we are hoping to open an outlet in St David's for next season.

Book us now for your event - from Christmas parties to barbeques, hog roasts and posh wedding nosh! Call Adam to order anything - or check Porthgain opening times in bad weather: 07896 794451 www.trehalefarm.co.uk

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Square & Compass Filling Station and SPAR Convenience Store Along with our sister store in Letterston, we are committed to matching Tesco and Morrison’s petrol and diesel prices, making both our garages very competitively priced. Here at the Square, we stock lots of local produce such as jams and chutneys, pure welsh honey from Clunderwen, beers from the Mantle Brewery of Cardigan, Briscwm free-range eggs and Daioni organic milk, cream and yoghurt. You will be able to find cheese from Caws Cenarth and the Snowdonia Cheese Company, along with „Joes of Swansea‟ ice cream. We are pleased that our hot-plate is proving a success with pasties and sausage rolls etc, and also our in-store microwave which you will find beside the „coffee to go‟ machine. We also have a range of fresh meat and sausages delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by Preseli Bluestone Butchers of Carmarthen. Please let us know if you would like something special like a joint of meat and we can arrange that for you. Apart from the fresh bread and croissants we bake in-store, JK Lewis of Crymych deliver a varied range of bread, cakes and pies daily. Again, please let us know if there is something special you‟d like, for example an iced and decorated birthday cake. We have fresh sandwiches delivered daily, made by the Orange Tree in Fishguard, which you will find in our chiller by the door. Also, we have the National Lottery, Health Lottery, Paypoint, free-to-use cash machine, newspapers and magazines, stationery, a wide selection of wines and beers and an extensive range of greetings cards alongside our usual supermarket fayre and regular competitive promotions. And with Christmas just around the corner, we now have a large selection of confectionery and snacks to munch away on, on those long winter nights. Your Community Defibrillator is in its green box by the front door and we are all pleased to continue supporting the Wales Air Ambulance as our chosen charity. Open daily from 6am to 9pm. Christmas opening times will vary so please look out for them on the door nearer the time. Telephone: 01348 837766

Angharad’s Health & Beauty Salon Come and enjoy a beauty treatment at Angharad‟s Health & Beauty Salon in Croesgoch, where you can choose from a variety of treatments such as a relaxing facial or energising massage. Perhaps a pedicure to awaken those tired feet? Gift vouchers also available. Tel: 01348 837998

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Sam Cox - Somatic Exercise Coach & Reflexologist I am a fully qualified Somatic Movement Coach and Reflexologist. I work from home in Mathry, „Wholefoods and Healing‟ in Fishguard, and „The Ark‟ in Haverfordwest. I also teach in St Davids. Somatic Movement This is a simple, gentle and effective movement technique. It works by releasing muscle tensions, which can increase mobility and flexibility and ease aches and pains. I am running weekly classes in St Davids, Fishguard and Haverfordwest, and also a series of workshops throughout the year as follows: Release you Muscles.....Relax your Mind / Walk with Ease / Move with Ease / Movement for Mums Reflexology Reflexology is a very relaxing holistic therapy using reflex points and massage on the feet to help bring about a feeling of balance and well-being. For further information on any of the above or to make a booking or appointment, please call Sam Cox on 07966 732142.

Aruna Yoga Classes, Yoga Therapy, Retreats and Reiki with Karen Classes: Karen holds small, friendly weekly classes at Awelfan, Square and Compass Monday evenings: 6.15 to 7.45pm Wednesday mornings: 10 to 11.30 am Thursday evenings: 7 to 8.30 pm. Yoga Therapy and 121's: If you have specific needs (anxiety, back problems etc) or would like to develop some aspect of your Yoga practice, or maybe you are unable to commit to classes , then Yoga therapy or 121's could be for you. Reiki: Deeply relaxing and healing, Karen is an Usui Reiki Master. Christmas Promotion: Buy one get one half price (Yoga therapy, 121, Reiki session or a combination of any 2) Offer open until the 24th Dec to be redeemed by the end of March 2017. A therapeutic experience is a special gift, either for yourself or for friends and family. Please contact Karen on 07780 933634 or 01348 837858 email: [email protected] www.aruna4u.co.uk

Bethan James Jones - Aromatherapy and Reflexology Working from her home in Trefin, Bethan is a fully trained and qualified therapist with over 15 years practical experience. She is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). Gift vouchers are available - a wonderful way to treat someone special. Please contact Bethan on 01348 831169 or 07811 499162. Maes y Graig, 18 Ffordd y Felin, Trefin, SA62 5AX 26

Caerhys Organic Community Agriculture ( COCA) – looking back over the summer: After bustling with people all summer, Caerhys seemed much quieter in September, as several of our longer term volunteers moved on to pastures new. Farewell and thanks to Emma, Janny and Josie, who finished their time at Caerhys after putting in a fantastic amount of work while they were here. September marks the start of autumn, and so the time has come to begin a new phase of planting. After planning it out in August, Caz, Gill and Agnès have begun taking out the old plants to make room for the new. This month saw the last of the courgettes (probably, a few plants were kept back, just in case), and there'll be fewer tomatoes from here on out. Some new salads have been sowed, and we've had the first of our turnips. And with Halloween approaching, it'll soon be time for the squashes!

The core group members being given a guided tour of the field by Caz

Outside of the veg itself, toward the end of the month some vital maintenance was carried out on our straw building, so soon it'll be ready to act as the new store shed, providing us with a new place to store and collect the veg. The building has of course already been put to good use, hosting a variety of talks and the local Pembrokeshire Ukelele Pirates over the summer. If anyone would like become a member of COCA then contact Dave Thomas on [email protected] or visit www.coca-csa.org

Torth y Tir At Torth y Tir we are planning to expand our activities and we need your help. We have launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise £6,000, which, if successful, will be matched by another £6,000 from the 'A Team Foundation'. With this funding, we will be able to grow more heritage wheat, and mechanise our production, processing and storage facilities at the Bug Farm, where we are moving to this autumn. We will also be able to fund the initial costs of a bespoke wood-fired bakery at Treginnis „Farm for City Children‟. This includes architects drawings, building surveys and planning application. 27

Help us to become the first bakery in the UK growing all our own heritage grain, milling and baking wood-fired, sourdough bread for our community and sharing our learning. We have until November to reach our target and we hope you can help! Go to www.buzzbnk.org/torthytir

For more information about us and to join our mailing list, go to: www.torthytir.co.uk [email protected] 07955 387614

WiRE Pembrokeshire WiRE Pembrokeshire – a networking group for Pembrokeshire women in rural enterprise. Are you are looking for a group of business women who share expertise and knowledge, who help you build new skills, who boost your confidence and support each other to build better businesses? Then WiRE is the business support network for you. The Pembrokeshire branch of WiRE meet frequently in venues across the county. Email [email protected] , look for us on Facebook or visit the main WiRE website at www.wireuk.org

Babi â Fi - Baby & Me A friendly and relaxed group that helps introduce your child to the Welsh language through songs, stories and craft activities. Croeso i rieni â babanod hyd at flwydd oed. A „Baby & Me‟ group for parents with babies up to 12 months. Y Twr, Oriel y Parc, Ty Ddewi (The Tower, Oriel y Parc, St Davids) Dydd Llun / Mondays 1.00pm – 2.15pm, term time only. Contact details: [email protected] And on facebook: Babi a Fi Sir Benfro

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Seren Bach – Baby Massage and Early Years Consultant, Julie Morgan. Having spent 30 years of my life caring for premature and traumatised babies and their families, I found myself having to think about what to do next after the Special Care Unit at Withybush closed in 2014. I decided to start a new venture, doing something I am very passionate about - early years support via baby massage. My massage course is of 6 weeks duration, during which time parents are taught how to give their babies a full body massage via Indian and Swedish Effleurage and Reflexology. We talk about sleep, crying and what babies need to develop into a happy, healthy child – a happy healthy safe brain that is nurtured and built right from the start. It‟s not easy, but parents need to realise that all they need to do is to look, listen and learn from their fantastic, unique babies who are their greatest teachers. One of my many passions is Neurology and although I have studied the brain for over 17 years I still know so little. But what I do know I want to share. The brain must feel safe to survive and this is achieved by parents responding, cuddling, relaxing, talking and playing with their babies. So if any parent- to-be or parents who have babies from about 10 weeks to 6 months, would like to join one of my groups please check out my website at www.serenbach.org.uk

Croesgoch Farm Stores Croesgoch Farm Stores is a small family run business dealing in all your agricultural merchandise from animal foods, including sugar beet and barley, to wood shavings and sawdust, and from protective clothing, wellingtons and boots to silage wrap and net. Our aim is to provide the highest standard of service to the rural community, supplying to farming, building, plumbing and domestic shoppers. We sell a variety of pet foods together with coal, and household cleaning products. Also a large amount of fencing materials, including electrical fencing equipment, galvanised and wooden gates and ironmongery, and the full range of Plasson pipes and fittings.

We also stock cement and lime for local builders. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, and Saturday mornings www.croesgochfarmstores.co.uk Tel: 01348 831777

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Llanrhian Community Council Council meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, except for August, in Trefin Village Hall at 7.30pm. Members of the public are very welcome to attend. Contact details, agenda and minutes are available online from www.pembstcc.co.uk/llanrhian-community-council NB.The council has recently undertaken to check up on our community defibrillators each month. (see inside back page for details of their locations.)

News from Gwelliant Trefin Improvement Our summer started with the annual duck race, which was held over the May bank holiday, at Aberfelin, in Trefin. The weather was superb, with blazing hot sunshine, and due to the crowd, we actually held two duck races, and there were some side attractions, which included „Hook a Duck‟, „Hit a Duck‟, a large Connect Four, and a giant Jenga, to name but a few which kept the crowds entertained during the events. This was followed by a barbeque, and entertainment at the Ship Inn, where everyone had a good time and enjoyed the rest of the day. Allotment fever struck next, and at the end of May, the allotments were officially opened and allocated. During the summer, they were the scene of much activity as various vegetables were grown and a lot of success has been achieved and a lot learnt. The allotments appear to be a focal point as ramblers make their way to and from the coast path, with much advice and help given. If anyone is still interested, please get in touch via email [email protected] or ring 01348 837385

Flowerbeds have been installed throughout Trefin, as well as a „flower boat‟ at the entrance to the village. Many of the villagers have been tending these flowerbeds during the summer with various plants, which have enhanced the profile of the village for both residents and visitors alike. Bowls is up and running with great success. During September, we have joined the St Davids bowls club on a Tuesday night, and due to the winter light, we also intend to hold a bowls meeting on Saturday/Sunday mornings at approx. 10:30am (depending on the weather) at the bowls court in the Trefin park. Again if anyone is interested in playing please get in touch on 01348 837385. The tennis and football courts are also being used. Upcoming events in Trefin;  St Martins Fair on Sunday 13th November  Christmas Fair  Christmas Carol Service Please see our Facebook page for further information or e-mail us at [email protected], alternatively you can ring 01348 837385 30

Friends of Trefin Chapel The Friends of Trefin Chapel have had a quiet 2016. Four services have been held throughout the year with a final one for 2016 to be held on Sunday 4th December at 6 pm. In addition, the book sale continued to be held in the chapel. Both services and book sale raised additional funds. This winter and spring remedial work will be carried out to the interior plaster and lighting. We aim to have more concerts next year including a return visit in August from Vox Cantab to delight us again with their beautiful singing.

Mathry Community Forum Thank you to all who attended and helped with Mathry Fun Day this year. Not only was the day great fun and dry but we managed to raise £120 towards our various community projects and towards insurance for the Youth Club. You may have seen the colourful planters around the signposts at the entrances to the village, which are being kindly maintained by community members. These are by no means finished and we will hope to add to the current displays in the future to make the village as homely and welcoming as possible, for the benefit of all. We are awaiting talks with the Community Hall with regards to re-starting the Youth Club. The first week after half term has been earmarked, but this is yet to be finalised - please „like‟ our facebook page to receive updates. We are still looking for volunteers to help run the club and to run special events/activities. If you have a talent that you feel that our young people would enjoy to learn/experience, please do contact me. There will be a fundraising car wash day again to help pay for insurances and new start up costs so again view facebook, or keep an eye out for roadside signage.

We will be hosting a carol-singing event around the village Christmas tree on 19th Dec at 6.00pm - more details to follow.

The community forum is open to all members of the parish and help and ideas are always welcome. Should you have any thoughts or ideas that you feel would benefit our community, please come along to our next meeting on Monday 14th November at 7.30pm in the Farmers Arms, Mathry.

Mathry WI- Linda Parker gives us details of their packed programme..... We started this year with speakers on topics such as Scams and Frauds, Dowsing, Matches and Despatches. We tried our hands, or should I say feet, at Scottish Dancing, which was very well attended. In fact the evening went on so long I thought we would need to issue sleeping bags! Then we had an entertaining evening at Priskilly Golf Club - unfortunately the weather intervened and only 5 brave souls tried the golf, but the meal and chat was excellent. We were visited by a police dog handler who brought three of her dogs with her - another long evening, as it was so interesting. Pat Rogers from Letterston talked to us about the Street Pastors in Haverfordwest. Our summer trip took us to The Welsh Folk Museum and for once the weather was perfect. 31

June is the month when we host a Quiz Night with Pimms and cream scones. I‟m not sure quite what brings in the teams, but they come from all over the county. The Marmaladies from St Dogmels were the winners from a record twenty-seven teams. September saw our Centenary Fair take place when members show off their produce and crafts. This year was a huge success with over one hundred and ten entries, the overall prize being won by Susan Jenkins. The AGM takes place in November and our Christmas meal this year is at the Square and Compass in December. We have enjoyed activities such as „Anything Goes‟ in the Torch Theatre, a visit to see an amazing collection of dolls houses, dolls and dolls prams and also to an NGS garden, and by the time this is printed we will have had a Glass Workshop in St Davids. We had success in the Fishguard show coming first in the WI section.

Our crochet and knitting group „yarn bombed‟ Mathry for the Queens 90th birthday

celebrations, with the help of Croesgoch and WIs.

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of Mathry WI, the first branch in Pembrokeshire. We are planning celebrations that we hope will involve the community, as well as a trip on the Gwili Railway for Sunday lunch where we can all dress for the occasion. We meet in Mathry Community Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome, come and give us a try – WI might be just the thing you‟re looking for!

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Churches and Chapels

North Benefice The Parishes of Llanrhian, Mathry, St Nicholas, Granston and Jordanston. Regular Sunday Services 10am: Holy Communion Services rotate on the four Sundays in the month in this order: St Nicholas, Granston, Jordanston and Mathry 11.30am: Holy Communion Service at Llanrhian Church (2nd Sunday Morning Worship, a more informal, all-age service) On a 5th Sunday in the month, the Joint Service is at 11am either at Llanrhian or Mathry. Remembrance Sunday 13th November 10.50am Llanrhian: Service of Remembrance in Church 11am St Nicholas: Act of Remembrance at the memorial followed by service in Church 11am Mathry: Act of Remembrance at the memorial led by the Community Council Advent & Christmas 2016 Sun 27 Nov 6pm Llanrhian: Service of Light to mark the beginning of Advent Sun 18 Dec 7pm Jordanston: Carol Service Wed 21 Dec 7pm Llanrhian: Carol Service Christmas Eve 4.30pm Children's Nativity Service at St Nicholas Church - for all the family - come and get dressed up and join in the Nativity Story with some songs and fun! 11.30pm Midnight Communion at Llanrhian Church - we welcome the Light of Christ Christmas Day 10am Christmas Day Communion at Granston Church - all the family welcome You are all most welcome to come to any of our services.

Vicar At Home By request, the vicar, Revd Don, is making a time each week when he will be at home and the kettle will be on for anyone who wants to drop in on Mondays 3- 4.30pm. Come and have a chat! (Revd Don MacGregor, 01348 837750, [email protected]. The vicarage is just inside the Llanon & Penparc fork to the right on the way from Llanrhian to Trefin.)

Mathry Church We are expecting Mathry Church to be re-opened soon. The new barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling is up, including insulation, the electrics have been upgraded and the concrete base for the new oak floor with under-floor heating is laid. The new floor and heating and redecoration will be happening soon – and then we can finally re- open the church! Watch this space!

St Nicholas Church Meanwhile, an application has been put in to the Heritage Lottery Scheme for funding for a major overhaul to the roof and walls of St Nicholas Church. We should find out if that has been successful in December. 33

Change in church policy re communion The Church in Wales has made a major change in policy regarding receiving the bread and wine. Confirmation is no longer a requirement, only that you are a baptised Christian. This came as something of a surprise to most of us, but is a welcome change as it goes back to the early practice of the church and removes what can sometimes be seen as a slight barrier for some. So if you are a baptised Christian, you are welcome to receive the bread and wine during the Holy Communion service. If you are not baptised, you are still most welcome to come to the altar rail for a word of blessing.

Llanhywel Church Sunday service at 9.30am. Llanhywel Church is under the care of the clergy at St Davids Cathedral. For information about service times, contact the Deanery Office Tel:01437 720202

Friends of Llanrhian Church Llanrhian Church has a thriving and lively congregation that meets every Sunday morning. There are also midweek activities and other events organised by members of the congregation. All these activities are open to both members of the congregation and members of the wider community. Many people outside the usual congregation attend special services in the church, especially at Christmas, Harvest and Remembrance. Others use the church for baptisms, weddings and funerals. We also seek to support those in any kind of need in our area. Many members of the community, whether they attend services or special events or not, value the church and the services and facilities it offers and we are now hoping to establish 'Friends of Llanrhian Church' and would like to invite all who live in the parish or care about Llanrhian to help by joining. This would mean that we would keep you informed of events and other news through a regular newsletter and you would have opportunities to become involved, for example in helping with our annual fete or attending our Advent Service of Light. You might have practical skills that you would be willing to use as the need arose to help maintain the building, or you might feel able to contribute financially. We will shortly publish a leaflet about our Friends initiative and deliver one to each house in the parish. Please take a moment to look at it and let us know if we can help you or you can help us.

Like some company? Llanrhian Church Hall - weekly on Thursdays 5 - 6.30pm, a community social group gathering to play table tennis, board games, chat or just have a cup of tea. Dreading the winter? Then come and join us as and when you can. This is an all age activity, so children will need to be accompanied by an adult. Want to know more? Speak to Gill Leese 01348 831434

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Llanrhian Vintage Festival with Flowers Hundreds of visitors from near and far enjoyed the festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend. A tremendous £1,600 was raised through donations, which was shared between Diabetes UK, PATCH and Llanrhian Church. Thank you to all who worked so hard to fill our beautiful parish church with flowers and with memorabilia from the 1950‟s, especially to Rose Tilley, the organiser and inspiration behind it all.

Here‟s just a selection of comments from the dozens in our visitor‟s book:

This is stunning! Almost unbelievable. A great deal of thought has gone into this – congratulations!

Absolutely joyful – brings back memories!

Breathtakingly beautiful! What a delight! So joyful! Thank you for your amazing inspired work!

We have thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition. Thank you for all your hard work. It had a lovely feeling and made us smile! (Harrogate)

The most original, inspiring and beautiful church festival I have ever seen. It has been a joy and a privilege. (Cambridge)

God Bless you all in your efforts to keep this lovely church going! (Narberth)

Llanrhian Community Lunches Why not come and join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12.30pm for a good two-course meal, plus tea and a raffle, all for only £4 per person? The lunches are open to all and a good way of meeting local people and enjoying a tasty lunch together. Our Christmas meal this year will be on 14th December (2nd Wednesday!). Please be sure to book if you wish to come in December, no need to book in other months. Dates for 2017 are - 18th January, 15th February, 15th March, 19th April, 17th May, 21st June. Please contact Sally on 01348831454 if you‟d like further details.

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Croesgoch, Berea, Rehoboth

Dathlu Deucanmlwyddiant Capel Croesgoch Daeth cynulleidfa luosog i Oedfa Ddathlu Deucanmlwyddiant Capel Croesgoch ar y Sulgwyn. Braf oedd gweld aelodau o gapeli eraill yn y cylch wedi dod i ymuno yn y dathliadau. Yn ystod yr Oedfa cafwyd seremoni arbennig o gloi ac ail-agor drysau'r Capel, fel arwydd ein bod yn agor pennod newydd yn hanes a thystiolaeth yr Eglwys. Buodd gof lleol yn neud allwedd newydd ar gyfer y seremoni. Cyflwynwyd yr allwedd newydd i'r Gweinidog gan Drysorydd gweithgar y Capel, Mr David Price. Pregethodd y Gweinidog, Parch Geraint Morse neges bwrpasol yn seiliedig ar hanes y Sulgwyn cyntaf yn Actau 2 – byw ar ffin y disgwyl, ymestyn ffiniau'r deyrnas, amddiffyn ffiniau dyfalbarhad a gweledigaeth o'r Eglwys ddi- ffiniau. Buodd nifer yn brysur iawn, o dan arweiniad Mr Alun Thomas, Ysgrifennydd diwyd yr Eglwys, yn paratoi llyfryn ar hanes yr Eglwys, a lansiwyd hwn yn ystod yr Oedfa.

Roedd arddangosfa hynod o ddiddorol a manwl o hanes yr Eglwys yn y Festri, o dan ofal Mr Martin Roberts a Grŵp Treftadaeth Croesgoch. Cafwyd cacen flasus a hyfryd wedi ei chyflwyno gan Mrs Wendy Owen, Caerdydd, merch yr Ysgrifennydd . Cynhaliwyd Cymanfa Ganu yn yr hwyr, o dan arweiniad medrus Mrs Amanda Lawrence, Abergwaun. Casglwyd £800 yn ystod y Gymanfa Ganu, rhodd i Uned Bro Cerwyn yn Hwlffordd. Tystiolaeth pawb, yn ddiwahân oedd ein bod wedi cael Sulgwyn cofiadwy a bendithiol.

Cymanfa Bedyddwyr Sir Benfro. Cynhaliwyd oedfaon y Gymanfa yng nghanol mis Mehefin pan ddaeth y Gweinidog, Parch Geraint Morse yn Llywydd y Gymanfa. Braf oedd croesawu'r Parch Euros Jones Evans (Cwmllynfell) i bulpud Croesgoch i bregethu yn yr oedfa agoriadol. Roedd wrth ei fodd yn pregethu yn y capel lle bu ei fam yn aelod am flynyddoedd. Traddododd y Llywydd newydd ei anerchiad ar y nos Wener ar y thema "Y gorwelion yn canu". Cafwyd adroddiad ar waith cenhadol y BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) ar brynhawn dydd Sadwrn ac oedfa Gymun Undebol ar fore Sul. Roedd pawb wedi gwerthfawrogi cynhesrwydd y croeso a llawenydd yr oedfaon, heb sôn am fwyd hyfryd Crug Glas. 36

Clwb Haf Rhwyd y Brenin. Unwaith eto eleni, cynhaliwyd Clwb Haf Rhwyd y Brenin a braf oedd gweld nifer wedi dod i fwynhau'r gweithgareddau. Bu'r plant a'r bobl ifanc yn brysur gyda gwaith crefft, arlunio, crochenwaith, chwaraeon, caneuon a storïau Beiblaidd. Clo ar y cyfan oedd yr Oedfa Deulu yng Nghapel Croesgoch.

Y Beibl Byw. Cynhelir dosbarthiadau Beiblaidd yng Ngwesty Bae Abergwaun bob dydd Llun yn y prynhawn o 2:00 – 3:00 ac eto yn yr hwyr o 7:00 – 8:00. Dosbarthiadau Cymraeg yw y rhain ac mae'n braf gweld rhai dysgwyr yn dod ac yn cyfrannu! Cysylltwch â'r Gweinidog, Geraint Morse am fwy o wybodaeth.

Parch J. Geraint Morse Gweinidog Eglwysi y Bedyddwyr Croesgoch a Harmoni Gweinidog Eglwysi Annibynnol Berea a Rehoboth Cartref:- 01348 840976 Symudol:- 07805 617555

Pembrokeshire Cystic Fibrosis Trust With a spectacular £9,000 raised by members of the Pembrokeshire branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and their supporters in their summertime Three Peaks adventure, Christmas is now in focus. Our annual Christmas Hamper Coffee Morning takes place this year at the Picton Centre, Haverfordwest on Saturday 12th November. A range of stalls will offer Neal‟s Yard cosmetics, Christmas cards, books, art work and home made cakes - plus the opportunity to win one of a number of splendid Christmas hampers. There is also still time to book a sales stall £5) for your own special charity. Admission £3.50 includes tea/coffee and a cake. Open 10am -12.30pm. Contact Sybil 01348 837147 or Caroline 01437 720619 37

Time on your hands this winter? - Why not Knit for Peace? Knit for Peace is a charity which believes that knitting is good for people in all sorts of ways. As well as being fun and therapeutic, knitting gives a way of helping others in need. Based on the experience of Knit for Peace over the last few years, they have learned that knitting is very important as an activity that can be carried out right into extreme old age and helps improve long-term health. They now have over 11,000 knitters and regularly distribute knitted garments and blankets to over 80 outlets, including hospitals, women‟s refuges, refugee drop-in centres, prisons, community groups, and hospices as well as overseas to developing countries. All types of knitted garments are welcome, as well as blankets made from knitted or crocheted squares. Pattern suggestions and a list of the most urgently needed items can be found on the Knit for Peace website www.knitforpeace.org.uk Or you can get further details from Helen Aspden on 01348 831841

PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal – for Pembrokeshire children in need. We are hoping to collect new toys/gifts for children aged 0-17 for both genders. Apart from main toys/gifts we also give books, a cuddly toy, art material and sweets/chocolates. We do also try to give wrapping paper and sticky tape. We don‟t wrap the gift as that is for the parents to do so they know exactly what their children are receiving.

This is our 7th year of the Toy appeal and we 100% rely on donations. We have less funds than ever to do the toy appeal this year. Last year we gave toys for over 500 children and with your help we will probably give to even more this year.

To donate in cash, or give brand new toys, books, etc, your gifts may be brought to Llanrhian Church on November Sundays after morning service – about 12.30pm, or to the community lunch on Wednesday 16th November.

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Our Locals

Artramont Arms, Croesgoch Good Real Ale and Real Good Food cooked to order. Wednesday to Saturday 5pm - 8.45pm. Artramont Chip Shop - using local potatoes, house-battered top quality fish and home-made curries. Eat in or takeaway. Pub is open seven days a week with BT Sports shown in the bar. Children and dogs welcome. Post Office in the Artramont Tuesday 2 - 4 pm, Fridays 12.30 - 2.30pm. Phone for more details 01348 831309

Farmers Arms, Mathry

Serving Good Food 7 Days a Week. Sunday Lunch 12-3pm booking essential. Regular live music. Sky Sports. Tel 01348 831284 email [email protected] or facebook Farmers Arms mathry.

Ship Inn, Trefin A warm welcome awaits you at the Ship Inn, Trefin, open every day. We do very good food and we have lots of good real ales. For special seasonal events, find us on Facebook Ship Inn Trefin or please call 01348 831445 or message us at [email protected]

Sloop Inn, Porthgain Quiz last Thursday of every month throughout winter and spring - 8.30pm start.. Christmas Quiz - 29th Dec, 8.30pm. Christmas Bingo - 27th Dec, 3pm - 5pm Christmas menu available throughout December.

Check out the Sloop Inn facebook page for our latest news! Tel: 01348 831449 Email: [email protected] or www.sloop.co.uk

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Square and Compass Inn Tel: 01348 831420 Traditional family run pub. Accommodation & Function Room (available for hire) Dogs welcome. Sky Sports. Friday Steak Night Two 10oz rump steaks and a bottle of our house wine, only £30.00 Sunday Carvery Every Sunday from 12.00pm Traditional homemade vegetarian and vegan options available weekly. Gluten free customers also catered for. One course £8.95 Two course £12.90 Please phone to reserve a table. Bar Meals served (including vegan and gluten free options) Monday- kitchen closed out of season. Tuesday-Thursday 6.00pm-8.00pm Friday and Saturday 6.00pm-9.00pm Sunday Carvery 12.00pm-2.30pm Closed Sunday evening.

Mill Cafe and Gallery, Trefin

Open 7 days a week during the winter, 9am - 4pm every day. (Closed 23rd Dec to 27th Dec) Tuesday – Post Office day and over 60‟s special lunches.

Delicious Christmas menu for groups and parties - not to be missed! Take your pick from: Traditional roast turkey, Sea bass with sweet chilli and king prawn butter or Mushroom, brie and cranberry wellington....plus all the trimmings. And a selection of tasty starters plus irresistible desserts! Booking essential.

The Christmas Craft Fair will be held at Mill Cafe, the Ship Inn and Crefftiau Melin Trefin on Sunday 11th December between 10am and 4pm – come along and enjoy a free glass of mulled wine!

Tel: 01348 831650, [email protected] Facebook: TheMillTrefin

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Siop Fach, Mathry Winter opening hours 9.30am – 4.30pm, Closed Mondays. Serving Breakfasts 9.30am - 12.00pm, Lunches and main meals throughout the day. Afternoon teas from 2.30pm, booking advisable. We offer a wide variety of sandwiches, baguettes, baps, paninis, puddings, cakes and ice creams, including gluten free options. Teas, coffees, milk shakes, soft drinks, bottled beers, ciders and wines available. Afterwards, enjoy browsing in our interesting antiques and collectables shop. For bookings, please phone Stephanie or Richard on 01348 831104

The Shed, Porthgain - a relaxed and informal fish & chip bistro. Opening times for November and December : Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - lunchtimes and evenings. Sunday – lunchtime only. Closed on Tuesdays. …..but please phone to check on weekdays! (For Christmas and New Year, see website or signs nearer the time) www.theshedporthgain.co.uk Tel: 01348 831518 or email: [email protected]

Trefin Arts and Craft Society It‟s sometimes hard to believe that there is so much talent in the village and surrounding area. The society has been holding Craft Fairs in Trefin Village Hall for some years and they seem to be getting more popular all the time. Our twenty-five members produce many varied crafts including pottery, art, wood turning, cards, driftwood, jewellery and so much more. We hold four fairs per year, around the Easter, May and August bank holidays, and during October half term. You‟ll see the signs around the village and beyond. We are developing an active social side and invite visiting craft makers to demonstrate their techniques to our members. If you have a talent or craft related hobby that you would like to share and sell at our fairs, please get in touch. Secretary Rob Smith can be contacted on 01348 831497, or talk to any of the members at the fairs.

Re-choired If you feel like a good sing, come along and join Re-choired Community Choir! Singing for all - men, women and children, whatever your ability..... Wednesday evening for an hour or so, in St Davids Rugby Club at 6 o‟clock (term time only). email: [email protected]

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Congratulations to... Aled Meredith-Barrett, from Croesgoch, whose musical career we featured in Llais Rhian a couple of years ago. Aled is now studying Tuba at the Royal Academy of Music in London – the only entrant for that instrument this year. He has also been Principal Tuba with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, culminating in a concert in August at the BBC Proms Both are considerable achievements, which we are sure reflect many years of hard work. Well done, Aled!

Congratulations also to... Gabi Sinnott from Fishguard, who is currently serving a two-year apprenticeship with „The Hair Studio', and was recently awarded HB Training Academy‟s 'Best Newcomer' to hairdressing. Pictured here is Gabi with her employer, Victoria Jones of Croesgoch, who commented, „Her dedication and enthusiasm have shone through - well done Gabi!‟ The award was presented to Gabi at a Gala dinner in Wolfscastle Country Hotel.

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Fishguard Farmers Market Saturdays 9am until 1pm Venue : Fishguard Town Hall Eggs, bread, cheese, honey, butter, poultry, meat, trout, herbs, vegetables, plants, soft fruit, preserves, baked goods, cakes, chutneys, organic produce, herbal soaps and sheepskins Contact : Dave Annis email: [email protected]

Fishguard Weekly Market Town Hall Thursday 9am - 3pm Tim Bullock Tel: 01437-775878. E-mail: [email protected]

St Davids Country Market „Home made for the freshest & best‟. 8am - 1pm Thursdays, Cross Square. Large range of home-made sweet and savoury baked goods, fresh vegetables in season, jams etc, knitted goods and assorted craft items. Tel: 01437 890032

Learn to play the piano with Sue Hood, Old Cartlett House, Trefin Sue is an enthusiastic and experienced piano teacher offering piano tuition for beginners and more experienced pupils of all ages. Lessons are tailored to your requirements – study for ABRSM exams or simply play for pleasure, both classical and modern music. Students learn to play on a beautiful baby grand piano. If you‟ve ever wanted to play, it‟s never too late to learn. Over the years,Sue‟s pupils have ranged in age from 6 to 84! For a trial lesson, phone Sue on 01348 837476 or email: [email protected]

Farming Community Network

Help with business, farm, family or health issues FCN has strong links with the farming community and agriculture throughout England and Wales. Our volunteers are all farmers or are associated with farming and understand the problems facing agriculture today. Calls to our confidential helpline will be answered in person from 7am to 11pm every day of the year by a sympathetic person who understands farmers and rural life: Helpline number is 03000 111 999

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Save your Stamps for Combat Stress Please trim stamps leaving no more than 1cm of envelope is left around each stamp, then leave in the box at the back of Llanrhian Church Funds will be raised for Combat Stress, the charity that specialises in military veterans‟ mental health. Stamps we can use: GB or foreign, used or mint, on or off paper Everyday 1st class and 2nd class are OK, although special issue commemoratives are best.

Post Office Services in Croesgoch and Trefin Full postal services available at the Artramont Arms Tuesdays 2 - 4 pm, and Fridays 12.30 - 2.30pm. Mill Café, Trefin, Tuesday 11am - 1pm.

Strumble Shuttle Winter coastal bus service 404 runs Thursdays and Saturdays between Fishguard & St David‟s. Llanrhian to St Davids 12.09 17.19 St David‟s New Street to Llanrhian 09.10 13.50 Llanrhian to Fishguard 09.42 14.20 Fishguard to Llanrhian 11.10 16.20 Operators: Richard Bros tel: 01239 613756

Morgan’s Taxis Local taxi service - 6 seater vehicle. Local journeys, airport runs, lifts to or from train or ferry, etc. Tel: 07788 292976

Recycling Recycle all your household plastics at St Davids Civic Amenity Site. Special bags are available to buy from Croesgoch Farm Stores - £6 for a roll of 10 big sacks. Please remember to wash all plastic food wrap items, and not to include any polystyrene. Otherwise, the whole bag has to go to landfill.

Winter opening times for our civic amenity centres: 1 October- 27 March St Davids SA62 6BY Wed-Sun 10.15am - 4pm, Closed Mon -Tues Manorowen SA65 9QE Mon-Tues, Fri-Sat, 8.30am - 4pm, Sun 10am-4pm Closed Wed-Thurs

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St Martin’s Fair. Trefin

Join in all the fun in Trefin on Sunday 13th November 2pm onwards as the village celebrates St Martin‟s Fair. Watch the Mock Mayor ceremony and then sample some of those famous Trefin oggies and a warming cup of homemade cawl at the Ship Inn. There‟ll be mulled wine and a fireside Welsh sing-song too – da iawn!

We’re sure you have your own favourite family cawl recipe – but just in case – here’s one from the five-time cawl- making world champion Sue Jones – see what you think......

Traditional Welsh Cawl Ingredients – 1 onion, 1kg lamb best end of neck, cut into 5cm chunks, 1kg swede 2 carrots, 3 potatoes, 2 parsnips, 3 leeks, salt and pepper.

1. Boil 2 litres water and 2 tspns salt in a large pan. 2. Add whole peeled onion and the lamb. Bring to the boil then skim surface with a spoon. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove meat from pan and leave to cool, then strip meat from the bones and return meat to the pan. 3. Peel and cut swede into 1cm chunks add to the pan and boil 15-20 minutes until swede is tender. 4. Peel carrots and slice at an angle into 1cm chunks, add to the pan, boil for 15- 20 minutes with the lid on until tender. Meanwhile, peel potatoes and cut into quarters, when carrot is softened add potatoes to the pan and repeat the process. 5. Peel parsnips, strip and discard the outer leaves from the leeks, then cut into 1cm slices. Add parsnips and most of leeks to the pan. Bring to the boil, simmer for 10 minutes with lid on, or until tender. Taste, season, then add the remaining raw leeks. Place lid on then pop in fridge to chill overnight. 6. To serve, gently reheat cawl. Ladle into serving bowls and serve with black pepper, a wedge of good Welsh cheese and a slice of bread and butter.

-45- Carry on Canine!

Dogs and their owners are a frequent sight as they enjoy some exercise along our beautiful coastal path. On a stretch of the path near to Nine Wells this summer, we were amused to meet a rather unusual canine visitor to the area. Bob the dog was loving his walk – from the vantage point of his master‟s backpack!

Bob had recently had surgery for a leg injury, so long distance walking was off the agenda.

However, nothing was dampening Bob‟s enthusiasm for our glorious coastline as he took full advantage of his high position to enjoy the views!

Get well soon, Bob!

From the editors... Thanks to all the people who have contributed to this issue. We are particularly pleased to have a really good spread of interesting pieces from all over the area that we cover – Porthgain, Llanrhian, Croesgoch, Trefin, Abercastle, Mathry, Square and Compass and Abereiddi. Well done, you’ve all hit the headlines! As always, if you have something to say please get in touch – contact details on the back page.

Wrth y golygyddion... Diolch I bawb sydd wedi cyfrannu i'r erthygl hwn. Ma ni wedi cael darnau diddorol o ardaloedd - Porthgain, Llanrhian, Croesgoch, Trefin, Abercastell, Y Sgwar, Mathri ac Abereiddi ac yn falch iawn o hynny. Da iawn, dych chi wedi taro'r penwadau! Cofiwch gysylltu os wes rhywbeth gyda chi I ddweud, mae manylion ar y dudalen gefn.

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Defibrillators – Here’s where to find the five public access defibrillators in our area.

Square and Compass Garage Porthgain Counting House in the porch under the big gun!

Mathry – Phone box at the Old Stores.

Trefin – Ship Inn

If someone you are with is having

chest pains, call 999 and fetch (or get someone else to fetch) a defibrillator. Pull open the protective box, the

defibrillator is inside in a padded carry case.

Once the defibrillator is switched on, its Croesgoch Chapel Vestry voice will tell you exactly what to do - just follow the recorded instructions.

The defibrillator will decide if the person needs a shock or not, so it‟s not possible to hurt someone or do the

wrong thing - and it really could save their life.

Ring Gerard Rothwell at Welsh Ambulance Service if you have any questions or if the defib has been used

Tel: 029 2093 2917 mob: 07734 716766 47

Regulars Taxi 44 Abercastle Boatowners 9 Trefin Arts and Crafts 41 Angharad‟s Health & Beauty 25 WiRE 28 Aromatherapy/Reflexology 26 Women‟s Institute 31 Caerhys COCA 27 Yoga 26 Community Council 30 Community Lunches 35 Features Churches and Chapels 33 Red Bull Diving 1 Croesgoch School 20 Pirates in Porthgain 2 Croesgoch Farm Stores 29 Pale Moon Cup 3 Cylch Meithrin 22 Mary Harries 8 Defibrillators 47 Harbours of N Pembs 10 Gwelliant Trefin GTI 30 Digging up the past 12 Llanrhian Cricket Club 5 Porthgain Electrics 12 Markets 43 Cable Hut, Abermawr 15 Mathry Community Forum 31 A Haven for our Hearts 17 National Park 13 Abereiddi in the 1960‟s 17 National Trust 14 Anne Williams nursing 18 Pony Club 22 Porthgain Farm Shop 24 Porthgain Rowing Club 7 Torth Y Tir 27 Post Office Services 44 Babi a Fi 28 Pubs and Restaurants 39 Seren Bach baby massage 29 Recycling 44 A led Meredith-Barrett 42 Somatic Exercise 26 Gabi Sinnott 42 Square and Compass Garage 25 Bob the Dog 46 Strumble Shuttle 44

We try to deliver Llais Rhian to as many households as possible, and it is also available from Square and Compass Garage, Croesgoch Farm Stores, Llanrhian Church and the Mill Cafe, Trefin.

Ryn ni'n ceisio dosbarthu Llais Rhian i gymaint o dai a phosib. Mae'r papur ar gael o Garej Sgwar, Stores Croesgoch, Eglwys Llanrhian a Caffi y Felin, Trefin.

Editors: David and Helen Aspden 01348 837070, Sheila Craft 01348 831220, Brigit Thurstan 01348 837102 or email us at: [email protected]

With our thanks to Caro Flynn for her sketches.

Printed by of Goodwick right price print

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