Another busy month and I would like to update you on the following….
- Dog Enforcement
- Saundersfoot Harbour
- Whitlow Development
- Summary Of Jobs Chased/Completed
- NYDS Presentation
- Tunnels/Path
- Planning Opposite Bus Stop
- Fan Road
- Saundersfoot In Bloom
- Events
Dog Enforcement
May 1st started with the dog enforcement on Saundersfoot beach. Leading up to this date I had picked up the signs and placed them on the main slipway and the lane cutting through half way down the Strand. Over the last few weeks I have also engaged with all the local holiday companies who manage properties that have beach access in the dog enforcement area. I have politely asked if they can support the village and make their guests aware that there is a dog enforcement scheme in operation from May 1st to September 30th. During this time I have also spoken with Beach Court, Water’s Edge and the Chemist Inn. I have highlighted that these businesses have access, but there are no signs warning customers or visitors of the ban in force. All of these businesses along with the Sail café on the beach have been fully supportive and are in the process of sorting out the necessary signage to comply. I feel that making people aware of the enforcement is a positive step and enforcement should only be used if people continue to abuse the rules. It has been unfortunate that individuals continue to ignore the ban and this is a very small minority of dog owners who let the majority down. Pembrokeshire County Council has been busy putting up signage across the county and they have placed additional information boards to assist residents and visitors. These boards also display the dangers at the seaside and shows the map of the beaches in Saundersfoot where there isn’t dog enforcement. Last week I was contacted by a local resident who received a ticket for walking her dog along the shoreline. I would clarify with reference to the Council’s plans showing the beach restricted areas: Unlike a land plan, which has fixed boundaries, the boundaries of a beach can change with the tide. This means that the low shoreline is a movable line, not a fixed area. Therefore, when considering the restricted area, it’s important to include the shallow shoreline as well. This is a complex issue, and it seems like there might have been some misunderstanding about this.
Saundersfoot Harbour
Firstly, I would like to compliment Nicola and her team at Saundersfoot harbour for the excellent show they provided on the decking at the start of May. This was extremely well run, with a fantastic atmosphere in the village and around the harbour. I would also praise their efforts for keeping the cost of drinks at the bar to £5, which was welcomed by those who attended and I will be looking forward to their next event.
Every month I have a meeting with the CEO to highlight any issues and ask them for updates concerning the harbour.
“The harbour staff and commissioners would like to say a big thank you to those that supported The Phonics gig at the start of the month, it was a really enjoyable evening, and we are extremely grateful for all the support shown. There will be another concert on Friday 2nd May 2025, if not before. All the boats are now back in the harbor and daily boat launching has commenced. The Welcome Centre is now open 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm with 3 tours of the Schooner taking place at 12.00, 13.00 and 14.00 daily. High Ropes were open on the Schooner during a busy half term and will be back for the summer holidays. Just turn up on the day to climb. Sunset Cinema will be running 3 outdoor cinema nights over the summer on the events deck, starting with Mama Mia on 26th July. Tickets to be released soon. A big welcome to Roam clothing store who have joined us at the harbor. Please pop in and take a look, maybe have a selfie with their unique shop assistant.”
I also asked Nicola numerous questions from residents and have highlighted three below in my report.
Boat Users
Personally, I feel there has to be a greater flexibility when it comes to certain ‘users’ of the harbour, in particular, the fishermen, boat owners, and visitors who launch boats. It is felt that these individuals don’t (always) have enough time to complete a launch or collection of a boat within the current time allocated before a Prosecution is considered. Can you please let me know what happens when there are numerous boats waiting to be launched on busy days? . A simple solution may be that when they register their vehicle for a boat launch, that they are given the necessary time to launch their boat safely. All registered launches shouldn’t be subject to a limited time?
The mooring holders and commercial fleet are all offered and encouraged to utilise seasonal passes for heavily discounted parking, of which a large majority take advantage of. In terms of those that don’t there is the grace period at the operational end of the harbour, which was monitored last year by Britannia to be a reasonable amount of time based upon movements in the harbour. However, we will be monitoring this element during the summer months. If anyone has any operational queries, please direct them to the harbour and we will do our best to help. However, all questions relating to enforcement should be directed to Britannia Parking.
Safety
I would also like assurances from the commissioners regarding safety around the harbour. I do fear that individuals will rush around to get their boat launched as quickly as possible. This fear has been widely discussed when local residents have raised their concerns with me.
We take safety around the Harbour management area very seriously and we monitor all activities to ensure any health and safety issues are either removed or reduced as far as reasonably practicable by employing rigid health and safety risk assessing procedures along with strict control measure implementations.
Saundersfoot Sailing Club
I also have concerns for Saundersfoot Sailing Club who heavily rely on an army of volunteers to keep their costs down and ensure that the club is open for business. What can be done to support the volunteers who are unable to purchase a season ticket or simply can’t afford a seasonal pass? There are many volunteers who assist and have no dedicated spaces to park. A solution might be to allocate a limited number of spaces in the boat park opposite and this would be under strict control.
Similarly, the Sailing club can utilise the grace period to drop off/pick up at the club. Again this area was monitored by Britannia last year and the grace period was considered reasonable. However, we will be monitoring this during the forthcoming summer.
Whitlow development
During May I held a meeting with the developers along with Kerry Cox, a long term resident on Whitlow Estate, due to the concerns of some of the residents that back onto the new construction site. The meeting was very positive and we discussed many points that had been raised by a few of the owners of properties in Whitlow. We briefly discussed the recent early Saturday work. Morgan Construction clarified that the site operatives had been spoken to and, moving forward, if weekend works are necessary, strict adherence to the times outlined within our CEMP & CPHSP will be followed. Prior notification will also be sent to all local residents to ensure open communication. MC reassured everyone that MCWL prides itself on the positive relationships we have had with surrounding communities in our other developments and that weekend work is generally avoided. The recent instance occurred due to dry weather with rain forecasted for the following days. We also discussed the retaining wall at the rear of plots 1-13 and the possibility of continuing this and changing the back garden layout to avoid terraced gardens. MC noted that a 1.8-metre-high close board fence will be installed on top of the retaining wall, mitigating any privacy concerns for the existing properties on the Whitlow Estate. We also briefly explained the site’s topography and which plots would be houses, bungalows, and duplexes. MC noted that during the summer months (timings to be confirmed closer to the time), that there will be a topsoil shift on site onto the field behind Castle View off Whitlow estate. Communication will be sent to Kerry Cox to notify local residents. Any disruptive works or weekend work required will be communicated to local residents in advance. Further, a quarterly newsletter will be issued by MC on site progress and upcoming works Kerry for circulation to local residents.
Recently I have been in numerous conversations with the developers Morgan Construction. Whilst they have vast experience in the construction industry they want to develop strong links with the community and have asked for the village community to come up with a new name for the site. The current name being used is Nant y Dderwen – Nant because of the stream running behind the site and Dderwen because of the Oak trees on the boundary. This is an opportunity for residents to be involved in this process and come up with a few name options for the estate {a maximum of 3 x no}. All names have to be received by the 20th of June.
Lastly I would also like to clarify on a few of the comments that have been posted regarding this development. I have spoken to the following to clarify their current position. They are Saundersfoot School, Saundersfoot Medical Centre, Saundersfoot Community Council, Welsh Water and Morgan Construction. This proposed site was included in the local development Plan in 2020 along with two other sites in Saundersfoot. Personally having grown up on Whitlow, there has been talk regarding building on these fields for nearly 30 years. Consultation on the local development plan was from 6th April 2018 to 1st June 2018. There was also a public meeting hosted at the Regency Hall on 15th May 2018 to give feedback to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. The local development plan 2 was adopted on 30th Sept 2020, 3 candidate sites in Saundersfoot were accepted and included. If any resident has any concern please look at the LDP information on the PCNPA website. I will also state that the school CAN accommodate pupils. I spoke with Mr Griffiths, Chair of Governors, last week and he stated that the school can quite easily accommodate 100 extra pupils. I have also had confirmation that the doctor’s surgery in the village currently has just under 10,000 patients and the capacity ratio for the staff and size would allow the surgery to accept patients from the three new development sites in the village as they will be captured in the catchment area.
Regarding the sewage for the site, they will have a new pumping station on site that will allow them to connect into the main system due to the gravity of the system currently in place. Morgan Construction has confirmed there will be 19 affordable properties on site and, hopefully, they will accommodate young families and individuals with Saundersfoot links who have struggled to find accommodation currently in Saundersfoot. There has been a great deal of interest in this site mainly from local residents and with the current 200% Council Tax on second homes, I sincerely hope that this site will encourage full time living. I feel that we have enough holiday homes around the village and certainly wouldn’t want to see this current development being used in this way.
Invitation
During May, I was invited to attend the Regency Hall as County Councillor. This was a well organised event, working as a joint collaboration between PCC, Social Services Department, Hywel Dda University Health Board and PAVS we are holding a series of wellbeing events across the county over the next year as part of a Keep Well Roadshow. The monthly drop-in community events are for people of any age in our communities to pop in and have a chat with services from, or working with, all three organisations. I fully support this initiative and I took time to go around the different groups to talk on the challenges and help they provide locally amongst our community. It was interesting to talk with Saundersfoot Rotary and the support they provide through Tenderfoot as well as the Bridge and the support they give within our community. Discover outdoor mobility equipment that I thought was very positive in supporting children and adults with mobility issues and making sure they can have full access to the beaches. Also Pembrokeshire Community Alarm in supporting independence at your home.
Summary of jobs chased/completed
During May I have reported numerous issues that have been reported to myself by local residents. On Valley Rd, there is a Welsh Water manhole just down from the main railway bridge that has sunk and it is causing issues to residents using this regularly. Welsh Water have visited and acknowledged that it needs to be repaired and will action this works to be completed. Further down the road, the side appears to been washed away due to the amount of rainfall this winter. This will be looked at when time permits. A tree with overhanging limbs has been attended to and thanks to the owner for acknowledging the neighbour’s concerns and dealing with the tree professionally. Similarly, a tree fell down last week blocking the road. I had a call immediately and reported the incident to PCC. PCC turned up immediately but the job was already underway with the owner of Bonville’s Caravan Park and staff members who quickly cleared the tree and opening up the road as quickly as possible. Thanks to all the residents who helped assist and clean up. I have reported a broken light in the tunnels and hopefully that will be attended to as swiftly as the previous light issue in the tunnel. Thanks to Mr Marr for keeping me informed. Unfortunately during May I was only able to litter pick once but managed to collect 4 bags of rubbish from the roadside. I walked the Ridgeway, Fan Rd, up to Pentlepoir and down past Whitlow. It is annoying picking up food waste cartons and the various cans from soft drinks to alcoholic drinks. My time was also spent early in the mornings assisting James and Bod who have done an incredible job in rubbing down the lamp posts and bollards around the village, I would also like to thank Kerry who has also been able to assist when free. Update of the painting – all the bollards and lamp posts around the village have been painted with the second coat likely to be finished on the lampposts by 8th June. That just leaves the Gold banding to be applied to finish the works in the village. We have a further 18 bollards up at Saundersfoot School area that needs attention and I will plan a group to finish that by the end of June. There have been many positives from local residents and businesses who value the works put in by the volunteers and if you wish to offer anytime to volunteer in Saundersfoot please contact the Saundersfoot Connect Volunteer Group by messaging info@saundersfootconnect.co.uk
Currently the only available access to Wiseman’s Bridge to Coppet Hall is via the road or the top coastal path. It has been pointed out that the top path should warn individuals that this route isn’t recommended for wheel chair users, children in buggies and all dogs should be kept on a lead. I have asked this to be looked into. It is also nice to see the steps repaired at Coppet Hall for its users to have safe access onto the beach. Thanks to Hean Castle Estate for working on this and the steps are now extremely sturdy.
During May I attended a meeting with PCC staff to look at options of linking up the Incline with the path leading to the village. It was pointed out that the road up to the junction of the Ridgeway was pushing vehicles and pedestrians into the road, due to the growth and brambles into the road. I asked for PCC to look at cutting back along with the lower end of the Ridgeway, Westfield Road and on the Strand where it was particularly difficult to walk on the pavement. It was agreed that this will be looked into at the beginning of June. There has been an update to all residents regarding the access to Monkstone Beach. Welsh Government has approved an extension to the temporary closure of the public footpath to Monkstone beach until 23rd November 2024. As you can appreciate, the scale of the detailed surveys and any future potential works are significant. Additionally, the situation remains unchanged in that the Authority does not currently have the funding for this work. Options are being looked at and we will keep you updated. A notice of this extension will shortly be published in the Western Telegraph. Over the last few weeks I have welcomed Stephen Crabb and Henry Tufnell to Saundersfoot. They are both standing for Mid & South Pembrokeshire in the forthcoming election on July 4th. I wish all the candidates standing my best wishes and hope that whoever wins will fly the flag for Saundersfoot & Pembrokeshire in the House of Commons.
I would also like to thank the residents who have contacted me regarding two issues that have been highlighted on the new road layout on Fan Rd, Firstly, as you’re entering Saundersfoot and wanting to turn right onto Valley Rd, there have been a few issues and after speaking with PCC highways engineers, new road markings will allow for the junction to be kept clear. Also, as you enter the new junction at Fan Rd, heading to Pentlepoir, the bank and wall did obscure vision. Having discussed this issue with PCC highways, I would like to report that this has now been completed. As I stop at the junction and check to my right for oncoming vehicles, there is now clear vision of oncoming vehicles.
New Year’s Day Swim Presentation
Saundersfoot Sailing Club had the honour of hosting the 2024 Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim presentation on Thursday evening. In my role as Chairman of NYDS, I welcomed and thanked everyone for attending, especially those that had travelled a considerable distance as well as, the many Charity representatives present. I explained that the swim is an inclusive, community event, and that the committee felt it needed to support as many organisations and charities as possible, with a particular emphasis on local communities, event Sponsors and event partners, without whom, the Swim would not take place. I thanked the hardworking ‘volunteer’ committee members, as without their commitment and dedication it wouldn’t be possible to hold such a large scale event. The NYDS is a twelve month operation and the members concerned should take credit for its continued success. Also thanked were the army of volunteers who assist year on year in the smooth and professional running of the Swim. These include the marshals that are operating on the beach, slipway, harbour and around the village, the water safety team who brave the elements, the emergency services and, in particular, Tenby Fire Station who have given up their time for over 20yrs. Thanks to the bucket collectors who help raise money on the day, the 2,500 swimmers who entered the water (and raised personal sponsorship) and finally, the spectators, who help to make it such an enjoyable spectacle. All these wonderful people come together, to make the NYDS the largest Festive ‘dash & splash’ event in the UK.
Much praise was given to the many origanisations and businesses who assist on the lead up to and on the day :– the RNLI, Tenby Surf Link, Pembroke Paddlers, St John’s Ambulance, Saundersfoot Sailing Club, Police, the Odley Family (who keep the volunteer army & spectators refreshed), Pembrokeshire County Council and our event partners Saundersfoot Harbour, Hean Castle Estate, Saundersfoot Beach and Saundersfoot Community Council. There were a few individuals who assisted and were given special mention, Benny Bond, Richard Merriman, Andrew Evans, Dan Roach and Sally and her team at Salt on the Strand who did an incredible job with the swim shirts, bobble hats, towels, sponsor forms and registration.
I spoke about the swim history and the original swim in 1984 to raise funds for the new changing rooms for the village Football and Cricket teams. “The swim evolves each year and with that comes increased costs, now totalling over £18,000. The committee recognised that something had to be done to counter the rising costs and 2024 saw the introduction of a £5 charge per swimmer. Organisers were overwhelmed with the response, as just over 2500 registered to enter online.”
Sponsors always play an integral part in the NYDS’ success and without their support, there would be no event. Thanked for their continued support and generosity,
I called upon, Nicola Hurst – manager for the Powells/Travel Chapter brand (Who have been a Main Sponsor for NYDS for over 20yrs) and, Nicola Cleevely – newly appointed Chair for Saundersfoot Community Council, to present the cheques.
During the presentation 45 Charities and Organisations received donations with a further 10 Charities receiving swimmer sponsorship directly.
(For a Full List of Beneficiaries Please visit the NYDS Web Site)
I concluded by saying, “The NYDS Swim is an inclusive community based event run by dedicated volunteers and we will continue to support sporting clubs, local organisations, charities, people, young and old and those who may benefit from financial support. Work is already progressing well for next year, with an emphasis on, bigger & better.”
Below is the list of cheques we presented during our presentation evening. This doesn’t account for the many cheques and money that has already been sent directly to the charities and I will list a few local residents who have already submitted their sponsorship. Mick Booth and friend Rachel Lemmon, raised over £2150 pounds for a Defibrillator to be fitted at the Primitive Methodist Church, Patrington, East Yorkshire, it has already been in use. Hugh Davies and Terry Picton raised just over a £945.75 for Diabetes UK.
Swimmer’s cheques, Nominated Charities and Organisations on the night:
Reeva’s Charity £600, Severn Area Rescue Association £600, 2 Wish Upon A Star £400, Paul Sartori £400, Latch £1000, Huntingdons £1250, Diabetes UK £650, DPJ Foundation £1400, Shout Mental Health Innovations £450, Greenacres Animal Rescue £250, Noah’s Ark Appeal £450, Guide Dogs For The Blind Saundersfoot £800, New Hedges Under 14’s Football £500, Kilgetty Under 10’s Football £950, Myrddin Special Unit £1050, Velindre Cancer Centre £350, Wales Air Ambulance £150, Brain Tumour Charity £100, Llwyncelyn Community Allotments £200, Brecon Mountain Rescue £100, Macmillan Cancer Charity £100, Cardiac Risk In The Young £200
NYDS Committee Nominated Charities and Organisations –
Pembrokeshire Paddlers £1000, Tenby Surf & Rescue £1000, Saundersfoot Sailing Club £1000, RNLI Tenby £500, RNLI Saundersfoot £500, Tenby Fire Brigade £500, Saundersfoot – Youth Club £500, Regency Rompers – £500, Rotary – Tenderfoot £500, Saundersfoot in Bloom £500, Saundersfoot Dementia £500, Saundersfoot Footlights £500, Talking Newspaper Saundersfoot £750, Saundersfoot & New Hedges Football £750, Saundersfoot Bowling Club £500,,, Saundersfoot Guides £500, Saundersfoot Brownies £500, Tenby & Saundersfoot First Responders £750, Guide Dogs for the Blind Saundersfoot £750, Saundersfoot Cancer Charity £500, Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club £500, Saundersfoot Save The Lonely Tree £100, New Hedges Play Park £250.
National Parks & Coppet Hall Parking update
I have also spoken to National Parks car parks manager regarding the car park that is situated behind the village bus stop, as there has been an issue with lighting being out. I have been assured that this will be looked at promptly. Whilst on the subject of car parks, I would like to advise you that Hean Castle Estate will be implementing new procedures for parking at Coppet Hall shortly and residents will be notified upon completion.
Coppet Hall Tunnel to Wisemans Bridge
Update for residents regarding the current closure. The contract for the cliff stabilisation works has been awarded to IBEX Technical Access that has extensive experience of this type of work and has worked in the Saundersfoot area previously. Works are progressing well on site and there is a lot more loose rock on the cliffs that requires removal. This should not cause too much of an issue. A lot of time has been spent clearing away all the loose materials and an area at the top of the cliff has been cleared because it was overhanging. This has meant that some trees have had to be taken down and it has left an incredible view from this area. Once these works are completed, they will then work on the area near Wisemans Bridge that will also need clearing and making safe. There has been additional works planned due to an issue with settlement of the sea wall backfill material nearer Wisemans Bridge, causing a hole in the path. This is a result of coastal erosion to the seawall, that will be repaired next week. We are still working towards opening the tunnels on 12th July. This is, however, as always, dependent on many factors. I can also confirm, after talking to the contractors working on the cliff face, that they have experienced many individuals still trying to gain access via the Wisemans Bridge end of the tunnels. They have stated this is extremely dangerous and they have to have a man at the foot of the cliff in case anyone gains access while the material/rock is coming down. I sincerely hope this doesn’t impact on the proposed date of July 12th.
Planning Application NP/22/0672/FUL – Land to the rear of the old Cambrian Hotel
This should have been brought in front of the National Park Planning Committee this week but the application was withdrawn. This would have been a construction of a new mixed use residential use class C3 and flexible commercial (use classes A1, A2, A3) development comprising residential development including apartments and townhouses, amenity space, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, car parking spaces and access improvements, and associated development. I have previously declared a prejudicial and personal interest in this site and couldn’t support this application in its current format. The proposed development was for 24 separate units comprising of town houses and apartments, also a commercial opportunity along with just 7 car parking spaces. At this time I don’t feel that Saundersfoot needs another restaurant as we have 3 empty restaurants & a café which have been vacant for a while. Saundersfoot has many vibrant independent shops and businesses that are all working extremely hard in this current climate and the feedback is always surrounding car parking in the village. I feel that the current proposed development with limited parking in the village simply would be foolish at this time until we as a community have resolved the parking issues. I fully appreciate that the street needs attention and this area looks particularly scruffy but any development should be in keeping with the current look of surrounding buildings. I also understand that providing parking isn’t a planning constraint especially in the village opposite a bus stop and the new active travel link to the train station. However, the Welsh government would class this as a zero zone and are keen to promote other forms of transport. Unfortunately the reality is, people will still continue to use their cars and the village simply won’t cope with the demand. There is a need for assisted living facilities along with over 65’s in the south of the county. We have a sustainable location, near shops, doctors surgery, harbour, bus stop and I feel there is an opportunity for a 1 & 2 bedroom opportunity for local residents to remain in the heart of the village living on the flat which could possibly free up other homes for growing families in the village. This would mean that there are full time residents living all year round and if you look at the current situation on Milford Terrace development which was built over ten years ago, only one of those properties is lived in permanently. The message from the residents to the developers should be for them to consider the impact on our village in any resubmission.
Fan Rd
The active travel project in Saundersfoot is nearing completion for the initial phase, which will create connectivity between the sustainable transport network at the rail station to Valley Road and the wider network along the Ridgeway. Commencing at the Railway Station and initially running eastward along Station Rd, towards Fan Road, the path has been constructed off carriageway. This section of the works has been substantially completed with programmed final surfacing, fencing work and the uncontrolled road crossing being programmed to be completed imminently. The section then leads the MUR user towards Fan Rd via the uncontrolled crossing point, which has been formed to the North of the reconfigured Fan Rd junction. In order to construct the uncontrolled crossing position, it was necessary to remodel and increase the highway boundary area at the junction. Therefore, adjacent land was negotiated and gained for the improvement. Whilst looking to improve the MUR uncontrolled crossing for the MUR route connectivity at this point it was considered that the junction would benefit from some minor reorientation works. Design engineers looked to gain slightly more land and completed the civil works to re-align the junction, resulting in a more conventional junction that allows for better maneuverability and safer operation. From the junction and heading southwards along the initial section of Fan Rd the MUR path initially all constructed with existing highway area, this is all completed. The MUR is off carriageway and within highway verge, the facility is all set back off the carriageway with a landscape verge created between the road and shared use path. This verge has been seeded with wild flower planting, creating biodiversity improvement along the corridor. This should please the Britain in Bloom judges. Approximately one third of the way along Fan Rd the highway area became insufficient in width to accommodate the improvement at road level. The route therefore diverts away from the road and heads along the highway embankment. This section links to a pond area which allows the user to experience a section of path which enjoys a greater engagement with nature and the reduced impact on the historic hedgerows in this location. The route then continues into land again gained for the path, which continues along the inside of the existing hedge bank. This hedgerow has been retained to reduce damage to the ecological habitats. This section of the route is the last section in the initial phase of the works to be completed, with the fencing and final surfacing programmed due for this month. The route continues to the inside of the existing hedgerow until returning to being along the edge of the carriageway to the newly installed traffic calming priority section. The Valley Road junction is to have additional road marking to ensure the junction is kept clear. The second and final phase of the route between Saundersfoot Railway Station and the village centre is now being programmed. This will include a street shared use path arrangement along the Incline Way, linking to the Westfield Road and Broodklands Place. Updates to this work programme and improvement is being planned and will be shared in due course. Other works in the area are also advancing as design works continue along Milford Street, Stammers Road and Sandy Hill. There will be PCC engagement on these proposals once advanced, alongside proposals for a link between Coppet Hall to Frances Lane, these being along Frances Road and are at a feasibility stage.
Saundersfoot in Bloom
Sincere thanks to over 50 volunteers who turned up to complete the planting in the village on the first Saturday in May. So many people turned up that some were spared to litter pick around the village to help out. Together with the painting and planting, the village is preparing for the visits of the Wales and Britain in Bloom judges on July 10th and 30th, respectively. The competition is judged on three main criteria – Horticultural achievement, Environmental responsibility and Community participation. Therefore, Saundersfoot in Bloom, as well as all of us really, have to plant flowers, have an active commitment to conservation, biodiversity, recycling and minimise any harmful impact on the environment. It includes fostering local heritage such as the coal industry and also having a pride in our street furniture and signage. Community participation looks at how the community as a whole has been involved in the entry. The Flower Festival in August is an example of how well the organisations in this village work together. The whole village is encouraged to look its best and we can all play an active part. Unfortunately, the plant thief has returned, a year to the day that it happened in 2023. The flowers at the entrance to Whitlow are planted by Mrs Michelle Evans and Mrs Linda Titterton. On Sunday night six plants were taken. They were carefully removed without any mess at all. The ladies will not be defeated and if anyone who lives nearby wants to donate a plant, please do so. Big thanks to all those involved in Saundersfoot in Bloom and for all the work you do to make our village beautiful.
All Saundersfoot residents you are able to enter Saundersfoot in Bloom’s Garden Competition from now until 30th of June. Details are on the entry forms which are available from the Library, The Salty Spaniel + ECoast and they need to be returned by 30th June. Free to enter and hope to encourage everyone from amateur gardeners to seasoned pros to have a go. No need to have a perfect garden, the judges want to see what people are passionate about growing, what they love about gardening. New for this year Wildlife Champion and Young Gardener Awards and opportunity to nominate a garden. If there is a friend, neighbour etc with a garden that catches the eye and you think the judges should see they can be nominated on the same entry form.
Events – June
This coming Saturday there is a D –Day 80 Remembrance service. This is Saturday 8th June 2024 at 1pm on the National Event Decking Saundersfoot. Everyone is welcome to join the service.
This coming Saturday New Hedges/ Saundersfoot FC welcomes Welsh and premier league legend John Hartson, to the Regency Hall to speak and tell stories of his football connections over the years. John will be assisted by former Welsh International Peter Nicholas along with Comedian and compare Phil Howe from Rhondda. There will also be a Hog roast included along with club raffle to raise funds for the local football club as well as having an auction of sporting memorabilia in aid of Alzheimer’s charity. There are still some tickets avaible and your still able to purchase them online or on the door at the Regency. Doors open at 6.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend which should be a fantastic night. Well done to all those involved in the organisation with over 175 tickets sold to date.
Long course weekend will start in Tenby on Friday 21st of June with the bikes coming through the village on Saturday 22nd. The local Samba Band will be performing on St Brides Hill during the event to help the cyclists fly up heartbreak hill.
There will be a public meeting on Friday 21st to discuss coastal & climate change and the future impact on our community. This will be held at the Regency Hall between 10am to 12pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
On Sunday 23rd of June, Saundersfoot Rotary, will be holding a Duck Race at Saundersfoot Harbour, with funds going to RNLI Saundersfoot Branch.
Cllr Chris Williams
Saundersfoot South
