Peninsula Papers

Information and news for the communities of , Hasguard, , Robeston West, Dale, St Brides and Marloes.

DECEMBER 2013 & JANUARY 2014

A Happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers

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

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

Parish Priest Contact Alan Chadwick, Area Dean 01646 600227 Postal Address: The Vicarage, Llanstadwell SA73 1E1EBB Church Wardens Dale: Mil Reynolds 636671, Billy Bevan 636335 St Brides: Mary Lewis 636430, Peter Evans 636366 Marloes: Yvonne Evans 636251 St Ishmaels: Richard Neale 636802, Heather Phippen 636261 Herbrandston: Josie Owens 697658, Sylvia Davey 695843 Robeston West: Gill Thorne 01437 890693, Geoffrey Harries 01646 692736

Baptist Chapels: Moriah --- Marloes and Aenon --- Sandy Hill The Revd Paul Bartlett 01646 692084

LOCAL SERVICES SHOPS: Marloes Village Store : 01646 636968 Open: Mon-Sat 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sun 9.00 am - 2:00 pm The Taberna, Herbrandston: 01646 693498 Mon-Fri 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Sat 8:00-12:30, Sun 9:00 am-11:30 am Post Office: Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

MOBILE LIBRARY: St. Ishmaels, Marloes, Dale and Herbrandston Dec 19th 2014: Jan 30th 2015 (see article for locations and times) Contact 01437 776126 or 07774 230200 (van)

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

FOR HIRE CONTACTS FOR HALL HIRE:

THE CORONATION HALL AND JUBILEE Marloes: SUITE DALE Nesta Watts 01646 636411 Herbrandston: Mavis Steer 01646 694780 St Ishmaels Memorial Hall: Yvonne Evans 01636 636251 St Ishmaels Sports & Social BOOKINGS: CLAIRE GARNISH 01646 636836 Club: Phil Devonald 01646 636546 or EMAIL- [email protected] Adrian Griffiths 01646 636752 Church News

News of the next priest moving on to the Peninsula was received with joy when the following announcement was made in the churches on 9 th November: “The bishop is pleased to announce that after consultation with the Church Wardens he has decided to appoint The Reverend Andrew Johnson as your next Parish Priest. Andrew has accepted this appoint- ment and he with Rhiannon and Méabh look forward to living amongst you from 1 st February, which is the feast of St Brigid. The Bishop continues to pray for you all as we embark on this new beginning.”

Andrew is currently incumbent of the parishes of Walton West, Talbenny and Haroldston, so he and his wife Rhiannon know and understand the area and are familiar to many in our communities. They will move into the Vicarage in Dale soon after the New Year, and the licensing service will be at St Brides at 2pm on Sunday 1 st February 2015.

Rhiannon herself is ordained. However, she has a full-time job running the Diocese’s training programme for self supporting ministers and she will continue as priest in charge of Walwyn’s Castle, so we need to let her work out what time she will have to give to parish ministry on the peninsula. Some of the details are not finalised, but the future is certainly bright!

The announcement in Herbrandston was slightly different, because they see their future more looking towards Hubberston, Milford and Steynton when it comes to the formation of Ministry Areas. With formal votes having been passed in the Parochial Church Councils of both Herbrandston and Hubberston, it is anticipated that by the end of January, or soon afterwards, Herbrandston will be under the care of Revd Andy Bookless, Rector of Hubberston.

I hope that with the future known, there will be added reason to celebrate the joy of Christmas, and we are hugely indebted to the retired clergy and lay readers who are continuing up to the end of the January to provide consistently caring and thoughtful worship in church: Michael Ryall and Gaynor Ford in Dale and St Ishmael’s; David Reed and Bill Morse in Mar- loes and St Brides; Bill Lewis & Steve Traynor in Herbrandston and Robeston West. There are others as well whom we will need to thank (there have been extra responsibilities for our church wardens for example) but that can wait for another time. continued over page Please resist the temptation that some of you will feel to contact Andrew Johnson now about parish matters (or weddings or christenings). I know that some of you will want to talk to him about plans for next year, BUT please do not do that before 1 st Feb. It is only fair that he is able to devote himself to his current parishioners until he leaves them, and the family will need a bit of time to move and settle in. So, up until midnight on 31 st January, please direct any such queries to me.

May you know this Christmas the peace of the presence of Christ both in the joys and, perhaps for some, in the struggles and even sorrows that are part of life: “to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord”

God bless. Alan Chadwick Area Dean of Roose 01646 600227, [email protected]

Marloes, St. Brides and Dale Mothers Union

Dates for the Diary. 2nd Dec. Advent Service 2.30pm at St. Katherine's, , followed by tea. 9th Dec. Christmas Lunch, Green's Restaurant. 12 for 12.30pm. 10th Jan. 2015 Festival of Light. Fishguard. 2pm 13th Jan. 2015 Our branch AGM and "Bring and Share " supper. Jubilee Suite. Dale. 7.30pm

Harriet, Heather and Marina wish all our members a very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, and we thank you all for your support each month at our meetings.

Marina Titley (Sec) LIFE'S JOURNEYS BISHOP WYN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

What are you doing for Christmas this year? Are you perhaps travelling to see family? Or maybe they are they coming to visit you?

Whatever it is, Christmas is a time of journeys for many of us. And indeed it has always been so. Moreover, where they take us - and what lies at their end - is not always entirely certain.

I wonder what thoughts went through the minds of Mary and Joseph as they set out on their journey to Bethlehem two thou- sand years ago. The travelling itself must have been daunting enough - eighty miles of bad road, Mary heavily pregnant and riding on a donkey.

But can they have imagined the awesome sequence of events that would stem from that moment, even knowing what they already knew?

I too have been journeying extensively as I continue my pilgrim- age in the footsteps of Dewi Sant around our diocese. And I am constantly being surprised - and impressed - by what I find.

I have seen so much variety - in both the places I have been and the people I have met. Dedication too, and joy. And all of it connects directly back to that epic journey that ended in the stable in Bethlehem; a journey that, for us as Christians today, marks the beginning.

So, wherever your journey takes you this Christmas, let us always remember that it is but a step on our life's journey; a journey that leads us towards the light that shines in the love of Jesus our Saviour.

And He is walking alongside us, every step of the way. Of that we can be certain. A Prayer at Christmas A Prayer for Children We thank you, Father, Thank you Lord Jesus for Christmas: Giver of all good things, for presents and parties, For the joy of this season of for secrets and surprises, Christmas, for Christmas trees and coloured For all the good news of a Savour, lights, And for the wonder for Crib Services and Nativity Plays. Of the Word made flesh, In all this excitement, Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. do not let us forget Amen that we do it in honour of your birth- day. Amen

The Story of Christmas

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. All went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord shone round them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Councils DALE South Hook Terminal – planning Dale Community Council – meeting enquiry – the Community Council has 3rd November, 2014: noted that the Secretary of State (in Among items discussed at this meeting: Westminster) has granted consent for the Sewerage plant issues – following the development of a combined heat and meeting between the Community Council power plant at the South Hook site – and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) overlooking Dale Bay. The document is on 6 th October, 2014 (reported in the available from the website November Peninsular Papers), DCWW http:// infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk have reported that they have made some or from the Clerk (636 668). upgrades to the equipment and Disappointingly, the consent seems to be maintenance / cleaning regime at the more or less on the terms requested by sewerage treatment plant. However, the developers and, although the detailed investigations are continuing developers have undertaken to use their (residents will be aware of the road best endeavours to minimise the impact closures in Dale on 4 th and 5 th November of their structure on our horizon, the caused by drain inspections) and they are planned structure would become a large not yet in a position to make plans for the lump. Also the Secretary of State has long term future of their plant. DCWW declined to make any order requiring have undertaken to make a full report of power to be transmitted from the site to their findings and proposals before the the National Grid without pylons – this end of November 2014 and to attend a will be the subject of a further Planning further meeting with the Community Enquiry if, as and when the developers Council to discuss the way ahead towards decide to go ahead with this development. a solution to this long standing problem. Shoreline Management Plan – the Floodgate issues – the Community Community Council noted that following Council reviewed and agreed the terms of alarmist TV coverage of this matter in a new formal agreement with Natural October, 2014, a copy of the relevant Resources Wales (NRW) under which part of the County NRW will provide and install a Council Shoreline Management Plan for replacement (swing) gate at the top of the Dale has been requested/received from slipway and a new pedestrian access and the County Council. The Plan indicates (swing) gate to provide access to the that there may be a requirement at some pontoon and under which the Community future time for a “managed realignment” Council will undertake the responsibility of the shoreline in and around Dale, but for erecting/demounting, keeping and that this will be the subject of maintaining the gates. NRW have consultations and further studies and indicated that the works will start on or investigations. It is stated that such a about 24 th November, 2014 and that, “managed realignment” may impact on once the new gates are in position, NRW some properties (unspecified) at some will hold an induction session to explain time in the future (unspecified) but the how the new equipment should be studies / investigations are expected to erected/demounted and maintained. last 0-20 years.

continued on next page Community Councils FREE 65+ driver refresher courses are The next meeting of the Community available now in . Contact Council will take place on Monday, 8 th Road Safety Team on 01437 775144. December, 2014 at the Jubilee Suite Highway Matters - Coastlands School at 1900hrs – members of the community Road markings outside school and are encouraged to attend and, with the overhanging trees in Trewarren Rd. have permission of the Chairman, may address still not been addressed. the meeting. Concerned Villager Thank you for bringing your complaint to the attention of ST ISHMAELS the community council. This will be Recently discussed items include: discussed at the next community council Pembs. Coast National Parks - meeting before any decision Planning applications to be considered at is made on whether to take further action. next meeting; NP/14/0554 - Single storey extension to The next meeting will be held on th east elevation & revised siting & design of Monday 8 December, 2014 at stables (stables approved under 1900hrs. Members of the community are NP/12/0549). The Old Dairy, Butterhill welcome to attend. Grange. Clerk to the Council :- Lynda Thomas Tel: NP/14/0627 - Installation of Openreach 01646 636 298. Broadband Cabinet. Outside, Yr Hen Ardd, Trewarren Rd. MARLOES & ST BRIDES NP/14/0598 Demolition of existing storm Marloes & St. Brides Community Council damaged agricultural building and provision Items under discussion at the November of a replacement single storey agricultural meeting included:- building for calf rearing. Monkhill Farm. Planning Matters – NP/14/0526 – NP/14/0473 Proposed erection of 2 Openreach Broadband Cabinet – storey extension to side of property Application now withdrawn. incorporating loft alterations and general NP/14/0461 – Exception Site – Noted that property modernizations. Giddanmu, an archaeological survey has recently been Musselwick Rd., St. Ishmaels. Permission undertaken. The application will be has been granted. considered by the National Park Update on Local Development Plan Development Committee in due course. Land Allocations - MA733 Adjacent to NP/14/0499 – Extension to Finns Loft, school (Manse Field). Submission of Marloes – Form D consent received. planning applications to develop the site Members reported on their attendance at anticipated before end of 2014. the National Park meetings on review of Sandy Haven Crossing - Replacement of priorities. Agreed that a formal response stepping stones with box culvert sections: needs to be made by the Community Provisional start date for this project is Council. Cllr. Jessop to find out when the now 2 nd February 2015. Welsh Government consultation on Pembs County Council - Are you an Designated Landscapes closes. older driver? Do you want to update your Highway Matters – Noted that there is driving skills and improve your confidence? ponding just beyond West Hook farm continued on next page entrance. Clerk to bring this and other will arrange for the animal to be collected. matters to the attention of Mr. G. Codd To provide details of the exact location you (PCC). Cllr. Owens had reminded Highways can use Gridfinder on-line to provide a map that a traffic survey had been completed reference number. earlier this summer, as he and this Council Children's Notice Board – The Board have requested a limit of 20mph without near the Clock Tower will be taken down speed humps. shortly to be refurbished over the winter Financial Matters – The meeting months, and then re-erected next Spring. approved the payment of £255-60p to Coastlands C. P. School – It was noted Smiths of Derby for the annual maintenance that following the appointment of Mr. Paul of the Clock mechanism. VAT of £42.60 will Harries as Headteacher of Stepaside School, be reclaimed in due course. The Council has the Governing Body had appointed Mr. asked Mr. David Howells (Builder) to quote Jeremy Evans to take over as Acting for the repair of the two broken windows, Headteacher from January 2015. and also for painting of the louvres and the New Vicar – The meeting was informed windows. Financial appeals have been that the Rev. Andrew Johnson, presently received from the various Eisteddfods, the Vicar at Walton West, Talbenny and Stroke Association and the Bobath Haroldston will be inducted as Vicar of the Children's Therapy Centre. parishes including Marloes & St. Brides from Village Postman – A thank you letter has the 1st February 2015. been received from Martin Sholbrook. Up Forthcoming Events – The meeting was to present no one postman has taken over reminded that their support at two events the round. in late November to support Coastlands Road Safety Team, County Council – School and the M&DPADS Defibrillator Free driver refresher courses for drivers Scheme would be welcome. over 65 are being offered. The one day Next Meetings – The next meeting will be course is held at the Fire Station, Merlin's held on Monday 8th December, and it is Hill, Haverfordwest from 9am to 4pm – to likely that in New Year it will be held on include a free lunch. Applications to apply or Monday 12th January – both at Moriah for further details by phone to 01437 Chapel, Marloes. Members of the 775144 or by e-mail to Community are welcome to attend, and [email protected] may address the meeting at the invitation of Dead Badgers – Please contact the Animal the Chairman. & Health Agency on 0300 303 8268 who ______

Martyn & Julie Ryder wish everyone a very happy Christmas and New Year. A donation will be given to charity in lieu of Christmas cards and stamps. ______DECEMBER 2014 & Diary JANUARY 2015

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH ORGANISATION TO INFORM THE EDITORS OF EVENTS FOR PUBLICATION IN THE DIARY.

NOVEMBER Fri 28 1930 Dale Village Xmas Party, disco 60’s to 00’s, £8 a ticket Sat 29 1200-1500 Coastlands School Christmas Fayre (Santa 1300 - 1400) Sun 30 2000 Quiz night at the Lobster Pot, fundraising for M&DPADS

DECEMBER Mon 1 1930 Dale Community Forum Annual General Meeting, Jubilee Suite, Dale Sun 7 1600 Family Christingle Service at St Ishmaels Church, Monk Haven Mon 8 1900 Dale Community Council, Jubilee Suite, Dale Mon 8 1900 St Ishmaels Community Council, Memorial Hall, St Ishmaels Mon 8 1830 Christmas Bingo at Herbrandston Church Hall Mon 8 1930 Marloes & St Brides Community Council, Moriah Chapel, Marloes Thu 11 1930 Johnston Country Players, “Natural Causes”, St Ishmaels S&S Club Fri 12 1930 Johnston Country Players, “Natural Causes”, St Ishmaels S&S Club Sat 13 1930 Johnston Country Players, “Natural Causes”, St Ishmaels S&S Club Sun 14 1600 Landsker Singers Christmas Concert, St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest Wed 17 1900 Carols, Mince Pies and Mulled Wine at St Ishmael’s Church, Monk Haven Ladies Choir will be joining us Wed 24 1600 Crib Service, St James Church, Dale Wed 24 1600 Crib Service, St Peters, Marloes Wed 24 1600 Crib Service, St Mary’s, Herbrandston Wed 24 1830 Carol Service, St Brides

JANUARY Mon 19 1930 Coastlands History Group, “Pirates and Smugglers” by Simon Haycock, Dale Coronation Hall Mon 12 1930 Marloes & St Brides Community Council, Moriah Chapel, Marloes

FEBRUARY Sun 1 1400 Induction Service for Rev. Andrew Johnson & St. Brides Patronal Service

CHURCH SERVICES DECEMBER St Ishmael’s 7th December 4.00pm Family Christingle Service 14th December 9.30am Holy Communion 17th December 7.00pm Carols, Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. Neyland Ladies Choir will be joining us 21st December 11.00am Holy Communion 24th December 11.15pm Midnight Service 28th December 11.00am Joint Holy Communion at Dale.

St. Peter's – Marloes Dec 7th No Service Dec 14th 9.30am Holy Communion Dec 21st 2.30pm United Church/Chapel Carol Service followed by tea at The Lobster Pot provided by Church parishioners Dec 24th 4pm Crib Service 11.30 – Midnight Service Dec 28th 9.30am Holy Communion Wednesdays 9am Short Morning Prayer (except school holiday weeks)

St. Bridget – St. Brides Dec 7th 11am Morning Prayer Dec 14th 11am Holy Communion Dec 14th 5pm – Friends of Dec 21st No Service see St. Peter's National Park Carol Service Dec 24th 6.30pm Carol Service Dec 25th 9.30am Holy Communion Dec 28th 11am Holy Communion

St Mary's, Herbrandston Sun 7th: 6pm Informal service Fri. 12th: 7pm Herbrandston Hall Bring & Share Supper & Carols Sun 14th; 9.30am Morning Prayer 6pm Carol Service Sun 21st 9.30am Holy Communion 6pm Evening Prayer Xmas Eve, 24th 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Sun 28th 6pm Evening Prayer

Robeston West Sun 7th: 11am Holy Communion Sun 14th; 11am Holy Communion Sun 21st 11am Holy Communion Xmas Day, 25th 9.30am Xmas Communion Sun 28th 11am Holy Communion

St James, Dale Dec 7th 9:30 Holy Communion 4.00pm Joint Family Christingle Service Dec 14th 11:00 Holy Communion at St Ishmaels Dec 21st 6pm Carol Service Dec 24th 4pm Crib Service Dec 25th 10:00 Eucharist of the Holy Nativity Dec 28th 11.00 Joint Holy Communion with St Ishmaels at Dale. JANUARY CHURCH SERVICES

St Ishmaels Robeston West 4th 11.00am Holy Communion 4th 11am, Holy Communion 11th 9.30am Holy Communion 11th. 11am Holy Communion 18th 11.00am Holy Communion 18th 11am Holy Communion 25th 9.30am Holy Communion 25th 11am Holy Communion

St. Peter's – Marloes St. Bridget – St. Brides 4th No service 4th 11am – Morning prayer 11th 9.30am – Holy Communion 11th 11am – Holy Communion 18th 9.30am – Morning Prayer 18th No Service 25th 9.30am – Holy Communion 25th 11am – Holy Communion Wednesdays 9am – Short Morning Prayer

Herbrandston 4th 6pm, Informal 11th. 9.30am Morning Prayer 6pm Holy Communion 18th 9.30am Holy Communion 6pm Evening Prayer 25th 6pm Evening Prayer

St James, Dale 4th 9:30 Holy Communion 11th 11:00 Holy Communion 18th 9:30 Holy Communion 25th 11:00 Holy Communion

Advance Notice – 1st February – 2pm – Induction Service for Rev. Andrew Johnson & St. Brides Patronal Service

CRIB SERVICE ST JAMES CHURCH CHRISTMAS EVE, 4.00PM All shepherds, angels & sheep are welcome! Coastlands Local History Group

A small but lively group braved the atrocious weather to hear Keith Johnson give a fascinating insight into a real Pembrokeshire rags to riches story….well possibly! The life of Thomas Idris, founder of Idris pop, was a tale of a local lad made good. Most enjoyable. We look forward now to starting up again in January with a talk by Simon Hancock on Pirates and Smugglers, just the thing for a winter’s night. We look forward to seeing many of you there as you come to renew your membership at the same time!

We, at Coastlands Local History Group, wish you all a very Happy Christmas

Harriet Bishop

Come along to the Landsker Singers Christmas Concert The Seniors, Juniors and Little Landskers, will perform a festive selection, including favourite carols with Organ and Orchestra at St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest on 14 th December 2014 at 4pm (doors open 3.30pm) Tickets: £10 including seasonal refreshments contact: Alison Willis Tel: 636808

Marloes Welcome Club

We are grateful to Neil and Emma for not only supplying our monthly meals but for letting us use the Lobster Pot for the weekly meetings, while the Hall is being renovated. Thanks also to Kath and Tony and to Nadine for the lunches they provided on our days out. We have had talks from Jan Mathias (RNLI), Rev D Reed (Milford Waterway), David Watts ( Pembs Railways), St Johns Ambulance and Greenacre Ani- mal Rescue. We also spent a very interesting afternoon at the Garrison Chapel Pem- broke Dock. The Aubrose Garden Party hosted by members Jean, Grace and Mil was a very enjoyable event with a mouth-watering array of home cooking. We finish the year with a visit from the Neyland Ladies Choir at Dale on Dec 3rd and the Christmas Lunch at the Lobster Pot on Dec.10th.Thanks to the support and loyalty of the membership we now look forward to another successful year.

I Hemingway St. Ishmaels Memorial Hall

Fundraising Event - 8th November £274 was raised from the stalls and raffles during the Coffee Morning. Thank you to all who attended on the day, and to all who helped to collect for stalls, gave raffle prizes, and helped on the day. If you missed the event, our Treasurer, Gordon Strutt, Tree Tops, Castle Road, St. Ishmaels will be pleased to accept donations towards the upkeep of the Hall.

Hall Meeting It is intended to hold a joint meeting in January of the Community Council, St. Ish- maels Forum, and members of the Hall Committee to discuss the future of the Memo- rial Hall. Please consider if you would be prepared to help with this project, and if so contact either Linda Thomas, Clerk to the Council or Yvonne Evans, Hall Secre- tary. Please see posters in the New Year.

Merlin Theatre Pembrokeshire College Haverfordwest

8TH JAN A LATE QUARTET 2013 USA (15) Dir: Yaron Zilberman Lang: English 105 mins

15TH JAN LIKE FATHER LIKE SON The Old Stables Heritage Centre 2013 JAPAN (15) Dir: Hirokazu Koreeda is open every Tuesday morning 10am - Lang: Japanese 120 mins 12.00. Please come along if you want to 22ND JAN TRACKS use any of the archive for your own 2013 AUSTRALIA Dir: John Curran research. There are also second hand Lang: English 112 mins books for sale! If you wish to visit The Heritage Centre 29TH JAN 12 YEARS A SLAVE any other time please contact Margaret 2013 USA Dir: Steve McQueen Lang: 636295. English 133 mins

For full programme notes see: www.haverfordwest-film-society.org.uk FOR SALE BAY PLANTS and GRISELINIA For season membership rates contact (for hedging) both 15" - 18" high. £2 Joy Green 01437 731146 each Adults £4.00 Students £2.00 Tel 01646 636962 (Marloes) Show starts 7.30 pm Bar opens 6.45pm Mobile Library Service

There have been a number of changes to the Mobile Library services following the review by the Council

The following are now the only stops in the four villages:-

Herbrandston - Village Hall - 9.30am to 10.30am St. Ishmaels - Burgage Green Road - 10.50am to 11.20am Dale - Blue Anchor Way - 11.35am to 12.05pm Marloes - Opposite Lobster Pot - 12.15pm to 12.45pm

Contact details:-

County Council - George Edwards - 01437 776126 Mobile Van - Dave Lewis - 07774230200

The present van is much smaller, but still has a wide variety of books. Please make every effort to use this service, and also consider if you can collect books for neighbours.

The van will visit this area on the 19th December 2014, and the 30th January 2015.

Information provided by Yvonne Evans

Thank you and goodbye

After 3 happy years in Marloes it is time to return to Man- chester. Thank you to Neil & Emma from the Lobster Pot and Mark & Janet at the Village shop for making us very welcome from when we first arrived in the village. A big Thank you to Malcolm who's quick action and driving delivered me safely to hospital after suffering an anaphylactic shock and Danny for the use of his ladders when we have yet again locked ourselves out ! I will always remember long summer afternoons spend at Kath & Tonys cafe in Dale. To all our friends and neighbours we wish you a merry Christmas. Finally I have been proud to be a member of the magnificent seven, Barbara, Glenys, Di, Hazel, Val & Teresa. Thank you for your love & friendship !

Love & best wishes, Catherine & Lee Goulden St Ishmael’s Church Christmas Carol Party Wednesday 17th at 7.00pm Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine With Special Guests Neyland Ladies Choir with Peter Grif- fiths

Here is a Sudoku to while away the overfull moments after Christmas dinner! Badger Found Dead Survey

Have you found a dead badger? As part of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme badgers found dead throughout Wales are being collected for post mortem examination. The survey, which begins today, will run for at least the whole of 2015. The results of the survey will be used to investigate the relationship between bovine TB infection in badgers and cattle. It will help us develop policy at both local and national levels. It will also add to epidemiological reporting and be used in enhanced TB breakdown manage- ment. The Badger Found Dead Survey in the Intensive Action Area (IAA) in north Pembrokeshire is continuing as normal. This survey applies to the rest of Wales. What to do if you find a dead badger? If you come across a dead badger please note the location and call the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on 0300 303 8268 . The line is open normal office hours, Monday to Friday. APHA will, where practicable, endeavour to collect all carcasses reported. It is important that you do not handle dead badgers or interfere with a carcass in any way. For more information visit: www.wales.gov.uk/bovinetb TB Team, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer

JOHNSTON COUNTRY PLAYERS

For their next production JCP will be performing in the Sports & Social Club in St Ishmaels. They will be presenting "NATURAL CAUSES", an hilarious BLACK COMEDY by ERIC CHAPPELL. on Thursday, Friday & Saturday December 11th, 12th & 13th at 7.30pm

Tickets available from St Ishmael Sports & Social Club, The Taberna Inn, Herbrandston, Clare Griffiths (01437 899558) or Carol & Gordon Strutt (01646 636762)

The bar will be open from 6.30pm-7pm and in the interval. Tea and coffee available in the interval.

INTRODUCTORY PRICES FOR THE 1ST PRODUCTION £3 (£2 Concessions) A STRONG AND STEADY WESTERLY Chris Jessop

Jackdaws swirl densely over Winterton’s thickets. We can't guess what so excites that vortex of dark cunning, But of course it may be no more than Simple wind-joy.

Above Lower Mullock’s barn a buzzard hang-glides, Enough energy in the air today to keep him aloft – Mind, he can't luff and reef his pinions with the kestrel’s Stop-motion accuracy, And he dips and yaws like a yacht on a snatching bridle Riding a gallopy chop.

Past sheltered Slate Mill, now, where the brook’s silvery ford Mirrors new building work: raw white rafters and bright bare boards. Just where we top the rise beyond And our engine can start long-striding, Freshly blossomed gorse bulges from the bank, Cauliflower-dense and cleanly bright as just-shipped lemons.

Despite a sun as ever bright as November could dare to expect, Saint Brides Bay today is gun grey. It's been turned turbid by so much recent rain – And hail, as well, indeed, which last night Sporadically rat-a-tatted our wood stove’s metal chimney, Sometimes outlouding the radio’s concert.

Broad Haven’s low tide billiard table is not deserted, Although the half term break ended yesterday. As usual the local dogs are out morning-walking their people, And, anyway, this week always seems popular With folk who have toddlers, or children not yet swallowed into school. Don't think, though, that those little ones aren't learning at all Out there on the bobblehatted sand: It's evident from their pointy scampers along the tideline That with every few question-splashing steps, something new is learned.

Great coloured hands, high-stretching to cup the wind, Tug surf folk northwards and southwards. Newgale’s sky is made garish by that marriage of ingenuities: Harnessing of the snaffling air, and mastery over unreinable waves.

Brawdy’s long-empty runway seems especially wrong on such a day as this! Was there ever better Autumn weather for sharp bright swept-back wings To kerosene slicingly up into a visibility of uncountable miles? But on the old airbase sleeps, as does crouching Lower Which, with the wind in this quarter, Sends up straight smoke from the dreaming chimneys of its weaving lanes. Murmuration

“A Murmuration of Starlings”. Somehow a single Starling seems a very strange idea. For the most impressive thing about Starlings is the way that they congregate in huge flocks in the winter. During the day they feed in grassy fields in smaller gatherings. but as the day wears on they gather into huge swirling masses, which darken the sky like plumes of smoke. And then they gradually disappear into their chosen roost site, which could be a city centre, a wood, a belt of trees or a reedbed. Many people regard a Starling roost as one of the most im- pressive wildlife sights in Britain.

It is likely that many of our local starlings are currently roosting in the reedbed down- stream from Blackpool Mill which can be seen from the viewpoint in Minwear Woods (walk down from the picnic site at SN054139). It is well worth a visit on a fine evening – the first flocks arrive about an hour before dusk - and it provides us with a chance to see this spectacle at first hand. Last year It was estimated that several hundred thousand birds used this roost, until eventually all the reeds were flattened and they moved off to a new site.

There is also a much bigger roost in the spruce plantation at Dudwell Mountain. You can park right next to it at SM906221 and watch the Starlings whoosh over your head from the south or alternatively watch from a distance by driving up the track off the B4330 to a viewpoint at SM918234. On a good night the Starlings will whirl around in spectacular shapes, their actions often triggered by the various birds of prey which are looking for an easy meal. A mild night without too much wind usually give the best sightings - if it is too windy or too cold the Starlings just tend to fly straight into the roost.

As I write this at the beginning of November the Starlings are just arriving - they are late this year, probably due to mild autumn weather and plenty of food in their breeding areas, but possibly also due to the prolonged westerly winds which could have held up their journey from the north and east. For Star- lings are a winter pleasure for us – there are very few breeding birds in this area, though it is not really obvious why this should be. Al- though still very numerous in winter, they are decreasing rapidly as a breeding bird in the UK, and as far as I know the cause is just not known. Other birds which feed on grass- lands, such as Rooks, are doing well. Other birds which nest in similar sized holes, such as Greater Spotted Woodpecker, are doing well. So why not Starlings?

Rosemary Royle

ABSOLUTE COPY DEADLINE FOR THE February 2015 ISSUE IS 21st January 2015

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