October 2000
A Newsletter for Lamphey, Hodgeston and Freshwater East
One hundred years ago Lamphey was smaller. Most people worked on the land or were associated with agriculture in some way. There was less opportunity or even need to travel very far beyond the parish. People had more chances to meet and time to talk.
Today the village is bigger, its inhabitants are drawn from all over and few work inside the village. The pace of life is faster and the car at the door takes us quickly away from our neighbours. But Lamphey has much to offer – church, school, shop, garage, Post Office, baker, pub, restaurants, football/cricket pitch, playground, tennis courts, squash courts, W.I., Brownies, play school, Bridge Club and Whist to mention but a few, with beautiful beaches at Freshwater and attractive scenery at Hodgeston.
Now, at the time of the new millennium, we are able to share information in a way that could never have been imagined a hundred years ago by way of the computer and the Internet.
But this Newsletter is not just to provide you with information. We hope you will contribute your views on the content, layout, frequency of publication, etc., also any comments you would like to make, any articles you would like to write, events to publicise, any subject you would like to discuss.
There is an editorial team who are keen to hear from you. At the moment it has been decided to publish four issues this year – January, April, July and October. In between times information can be found on the various Notice Boards around the villages.
Your past, your present, your future is a vibrant part of our Village Times.
The following matters have been discussed at the June/July 2000 meetings of Lamphey Community Council:-
Station Road, Lamphey
Pembrokeshire County Council have stated that they are unable to carry out any maintenance on this road as it is not an adopted highway. A letter has now been sent to British Rail asking them to carry out remedial work on the road as its patrons are at risk.
School signs /lights, Lamphey
The overgrowth has now been cut back to improve visibility.
Lamphey Hall Corner
Following a letter received from Lamphey Community Association, Pembrokeshire County Council have been asked to consider installing a mini-roundabout with appropriate signs at this location.
Flemish Court, Lamphey
Pembrokeshire County Council have been asked to replace the missing 'no through road' sign.
Freshwater East
The question of providing mains gas to Freshwater East has been taken up with British Gas.
Car Parking
Problems have been caused by motorists parking on the pavements in Lamphey
Horses
Problems have been caused by horses being ridden across grass verges in Lamphey
Meetings
Mr Keith Edwards attended a meeting with Pembrokeshire County Council on 22 June 2000 to discuss problems (mostly highway).
A special open meeting is being held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 17 October 2000 at Lamphey Church Hall to discuss the Lamphey Development Plan. All residents of Lamphey are urged to attend as this is their opportunity to make their views count.
Planning
Planning applications were considered for a dwelling-barn to the east of Hodgeston Farm, Hodgeston; a first floor bedroom extension at Seaway, Freshwater East; a garage and workshop on a plot adjacent to Hodgeston Farm, Hodgeston; an extension to provide additional classroom space at Lamphey CP School and a replacement dwelling and garage at Trewent Cottage, Freshwater East
Lamphey Community Council
As you will see elsewhere in this newsletter, a meeting to discuss future development in Lamphey community will be held in the Church Hall on Tuesday, 17 October 2000.
Under the next County Unitary Development Plan, the Community Council
have the opportunity to put forward proposals for the community. When
the Community Council discussed this matter at a previous meeting, it
was evident that there were different opinions on what should be happening.
In order for the Community Council to arrive at conclusions that represent
the views of the community it was decided to convene this meeting.
The current County Council Plan allows for outline planning consent to be given, when applied for individually, on that area of land to the south of Cleggar Park and accessed from the Freshwater East road. Plots are coming on to the market at the rate of only one every year or so and it is going take a long time for that development to be complete. Since this is the only area designated for development it is obvious that matters are stagnant.
Some members of Council think that this is satisfactory for the future of the village. Hopefully, others think that virtual stagnation is not in the best interests of the community and that some development is essential for its future life and so seek to facilitate development by some other means. This could be in the form of, somehow, bringing plots on to the market more often or finding alternative building plots elsewhere within the community.
Statistically, Lamphey's population is getting older with retired people yearly becoming a larger proportion of the population and, unless there is some form of counterbalance, Lamphey will become one big retirement home. This would have a serious effect on the vitality of the village and so, to restore or improve the balance, there needs to be an effort to bring younger families into the village.
In order to achieve this, housing development that is affordable to young couples should be considered. It is doubtful if these couples can afford to buy into the relatively high-value housing stock that currently makes up properties in the village. This development could be an area for popular one- or two-bedroomed starter homes, another area for self-build or co-operative development, with something in the order of 20 to 30 properties becoming available. Consideration should also be given to developing a small business park that would fit into the community, hopefully providing employment opportunities as well as financial benefits.
In 1900, Lamphey School had 55 pupils. Today, it has 170 pupils. Only 65 originate from Lamphey and Hodgeston, relying on outside sources for its viability. If the development suggested of some 20 to 30 houses takes place and with each young family averaging 2.4 children then it can be seen that our school becomes more secure from outside factors.
Whilst it is agreed that vitality is not the prerogative of the young, it is a fact that for some organisations in the village, i.e. sports, school, etc. younger people are their life-blood and, in fact, the future well-being of Lamphey. Our village has a lot going for it and it is something of which we can all be proud. But to stand still in this day and age is to go backwards.
All the views expressed in this letter are my own but I would like to think that there are others who think the same way and so I would ask you to come along to the meeting and support me. If you oppose them, come along and persuade me that your ideas are better and thus allow the Community Council to determine the way ahead.
If the outcome of the meeting
is the status quo then nothing needs to be done. If, however, there
is a majority view that this development is needed then a consensus
of what and where it should take place is needed.
I hope that as many of you as possible will come to the meeting. If
only a few attend, no firm conclusions can be ascertained by the Community
Council. The younger members of the community are also urged to come
in force to air their views because Lamphey's future is in their hands.
Keith Edwards
Signs similar to that shown here suddenly appeared around the village during the summer. They are signposts for the Celtic Trail, which is the name given to the cycle route that winds its way across South & West Wales from the old Severn Bridge at Chepstow to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in the west. It is also known as Sustrans Route 4, being part of the National Cycle Network and EuroVelo Route 1 - linking with a European network of cycle routes!
The Pembrokeshire section of the route was opened in June this year and is designed to be safe and accessible to cyclists, walkers and the disabled by utilising disused railway lines, canal towpaths, bridges and country lanes. The section through Lamphey comes into the village via the Ridgeway, goes past the Church and over the railway bridge before turning right along the Lower Lamphey Road towards Pembroke.
The footpath joining the coastal path to the road at the east end of Freshwater East and the benches installed by SPARC on Trewent Hill have been very much appreciated by both residents and visitors throughout the summer.
Further enhancement projects at Freshwater East await the completion of the purchase, by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority of the wetlands and lower slopes of the Burrows as a Local Nature Reserve.
Lamphey Historical Society put on an extremely interesting and informative exhibition for the Millennium with the theme "Lamphey 100 and 1000 Years Ago" The attractive display proved interesting to holiday-makers as well as local people, many of whom saw themselves as they were many years ago.
Rhoda Williams, Marilyn Lewis, Margaret Parsons and Joan Bird produced a colourful banner contrasting aspects of life in the first and second Millennia and the Women's Institute displayed their tapestry wall hanging featuring various homes and significant buildings in the village.
The growth of the village over the past 100 years was ably depicted by John Lewis' maps, especially the record of the people who had lived in the houses existing in 1900. Also of great interest were his illustrations of the educational facilities during the early part of the century.
The very wide ranging collection
of photographs and artefacts of old Lamphey collected and displayed
by Glen Phillips and Norman James were attractively arranged around
the old coal range, at one side of which Joan Elliott sat spinning -
an activity that attracted much attention, especially from children.
The display of church registers and other similar items arranged by
Diane Thomas and Zena Lewis aroused a great deal of interest as did
the beautifully produced exhibit from the school children at Lamphey
School with their drawings.
Betty Lewis and Irene Scott organised a team to serve tea, coffee and cakes as a welcome rest and refreshment after an enjoyable hour or so looking, reading and learning. Appreciation was expressed for the help given by the Vicar, Rev. Adrian Davies, Lamphey School's Headmaster, Mr Selley, SPARC, County Record Office, Brian Howells and Terry John.
Joan Bird and Margaret Byers
Over the winter period, a
number of Junior Dances were held, raising £80 towards the Millennium
Sports Day costs. The primary helpers were Ann Evans, Rosemary Smith
and Andrew Skeels and they deserve thanks for their contribution.
This year has proved to be a remarkable one for Lamphey Cricket Club with the First XI achieving the double - winners of both the Harrison-Allen Bowl, the Pembrokeshire Cricket equivalent of soccer's F.A. Cup and First Division Champions. The first part of the double was achieved at the Harrison-Allen Final at Cresselly on July 29 where Lamphey were billed as the strongest favourites for several years. The team were quietly confident of retaining the Bowl, having won it for the first time in the club's history the previous year. Our opponents were Hook, appearing in their first final for 36 years.
The Final is played over two innings of 22 overs. Lamphey won the toss and elected to bat. Hook bowled tightly and fielded well to restrict Lamphey to 106 runs for 9 wickets with Peter Hall top scorer for Lamphey with 29. In reply, Hook made 96 for 7 with Lamphey captain, David Levell taking 5 for 23. At the halfway mark, Lamphey were only 10 runs ahead.
Thoughts of defeat were quashed as David Levell and Geoff Cullen put on 143 for the first wicket in Lamphey's second innings. Geoff was eventually bowled for 102, only the second century to have been scored in a Bowl Final, and David was caught on 63. Lamphey ended their second innings on 178 for 3 setting Hook a mammoth total of 189 to win.
Hook set off in a determined style, scoring very quickly. The opening batsmen put on 81 for the first wicket in 12 overs and Lamphey were relieved when Ian Kerrison managed to take both openers' wickets. Hook's wickets began to fall quickly thanks to some outstanding catches from Hayden Cole, Ian Kerrison, Hywel Gibbs and David Levell. Ian Kerrison took 3 wickets for 46 and David Levell a further 2 for 25, but the pick of the Lamphey bowlers in the second innings was Neill Warren who took 5 wickets in 6 balls, bowling out Hook for 133 runs. This gave Lamphey victory by 55 runs and Geoff Cullen picked up the 'Man of the Match' award for his century.
In the Pembrokeshire League, First Division, Lamphey had maintained top spot since the start of the season but after the penultimate round of matches had lost it to Haverfordwest. The final round of games took place on August Bank Holiday weekend. Both Haverfordwest and Lamphey had tough away games with Haverfordwest visiting Carew and Lamphey at Kilgetty. Lamphey knew they had to win and Carew had to hold Haverfordwest to a draw if Lamphey were to have any chance of winning the title.
Lamphey won the toss and put Kilgetty in to bat. As the Kilgetty innings progressed we received news of Haverfordwest's batting collapse. Telephone calls flew back and forth between the two grounds. It was eventually confirmed that Haverfordwest had been bowled out for only 48 runs and Carew had passed this total for the loss of only three wickets. Lamphey passed Kilgetty's total of 149 with 5 overs and 5 wickets to spare with Gareth Lewis (54 not out) and Mark Yea (15 not out) securing Lamphey's victory and also the First Division title.
The team would like to thank our groundsman (and Club Chairman), Andrew Skeels and his team of Roger Farrington and Haydn Cole as well as everyone who has supported us this season. The new season will start on the first Saturday in May 2001
Helen Hodges (scorer)
Once again the village's
Medieval Fayre has come and gone. This year the proceeds have, once
again, been donated to the New Village Hall Project.
As in previous years, the Fayre has been organised by a sub-committee
of the Community Association, made up of representatives of the various
organisations who hold their meetings in the Village Hall.
This year, our luck with the weather ran out and we were subjected to cold winds and heavy showers throughout the day. However, the event still attracted a considerable number of visitors although, inevitably, less than in previous years. The rain failed to dampen the efforts or spirits of the merry band of workers but it did curtail the demonstrations of the Medieval Enactment Group. With even more of them at the event than in previous years, they bring a great deal of colour and atmosphere to the Fayre.
The sub-committee felt that, because this year's Fayre was the Millennium Medieval Fayre, someone held in high esteem by the community should carry out the opening ceremony. That person was Ashley Davies and the sub-committee were extremely pleased when he agreed to perform the ceremony.
As usual with this sort of event, there are a large number of people to thank for their hard work in making the Fayre such a success. Although it is not possible to name everybody concerned, the sub-committee felt that thanks were especially due to CADW and Keith Allen for the use of the Bishop's Palace, Robert and David Phillips for allowing the Show Field to be used as a car park, Margaret Phillips of Portclew for allowing us the use of a Land Rover and horsebox, Andrew Phillips and Martin Smith for their enthusiastic help in moving equipment around the Palace grounds, Pembroke Town Council and St Patrick's Church for the loan of tables and chairs, Eric Oarsman and Andrew Skeels for collecting and returning them, Margaret Morgan for her efficiency leading up to the event, Carolyn Llewellen for controlling the finances and Jim Jones for organising the raffle.
There is no doubt that the hardest workers on the day are the ladies of the W.I. who do such a marvellous job of feeding the crowds attending the event
Keith Edwards
Raffle Prizes
Twenty prizes were donated for the Raffle held at the Millennium Fayre 2000. The prizes are listed below with a note of the donor and winner of each. For a more complete listing, please contact Keith Edwards.
Donations to the Medieval
Fayre were made by:
Ian White
Ashley Davies
Tom Maguire and
Mr Furlong.
The proceeds of the Fayre which totalled over £2,000.00 were donated
towards the New Village Hall Project.
At 11.00 am on 25 July 2000, a Millennium Religious Festival was held in Lamphey's Bishops Garden and attended by 53 people. Our Vicar, Rev Adrian Davies, who preached a sermon on the meaning of the Millennium and delivered an appropriate prayer, led the Service. Mr J. R. Lewis read from the Gospel according to St John, (Chapter 1, Verses 1 - 18) and Mr I. White read from Genesis (Chapter 2, Verses 2 - 24).
The choir sang the Anthem "Glory to God" ably conducted by Mrs Judy McGilloway and all those present joined enthusiastically with the choir in singing hymns from the "BBC Songs of Praise Hymn Book" including the "Lord of the Dance", and "Onward Christian Soldiers"
Jim Jones
The Millennium Sports and Mug Presentation Day on 26 July was a great success. The weather was glorious and the children's enthusiasm and their obvious enjoyment of the day together with the pride of the parents present made the helpers feel that they had done a worthwhile job. All the children had a chance to win at least two medals and all those present received a certificate, specially produced, to commemorate the occasion.
Fran Butler took on the task of organising the refreshments for the day and, thanks to her and her team of helpers and the generosity of those who supplied the food, a grand feast was produced.
The Playing Field and, in particular, the Sports Track for the events were meticulously prepared by Andrew Skeels, Hadyn Cole and Trevor Howells. They, together with the judges, Ashley Davies, Rev. Adrian Davies and John Lewis, the recorder, Eric Oarsman and the advice of the School's Headmaster, Mr Selley ensured that all the events ran smoothly.
After the refreshments had been consumed, Mr Ian White, Chairman of Lamphey Community Association under whose auspices the Sports were organised, presented the various medals and certificates to the children. The Chairman of Lamphey Community Council then presented all the children present with commemorative Millennium Mugs, purchased by the Community Council.
Sincere thanks are due to all who helped prior to and on the day and to those whose made generous donations towards the event; Friends of the Dial (£100), Guy Thomas, Bowlings (Tenby), the Dial Inn and Lamphey Community Association for donating the certificates, Mr Selley for the loan of the School sports equipment, John Fisher for the Raffle Prizes and Ian White for his pasties.
A final "thank you" must go to all the children for their enthusiasm and impeccable behaviour. It is hoped that everybody will remember this Sports Day with fond memories.
Keith Edwards
Running Races
Nursery:1. Sam Ridgeway; 2. Zack Miles; 3. Hannah Lewis
Reception, Girls: 1. Jessica
Jackson; 2. Cerys Cole; 3. Rhiannon Davies
Reception, Boys: 1. Thomas Powell; 2. Christopher McLaren
Year 1, Mixed: 1. Zach Cole; 2. Tiffany Haynes
Year 2, Girls: 1. Kelly Jackson; 2. Laura Thomas
Year 2, Boys: 1. William Hill; 2. James Skeels; 3. Stefan Morris
Year 3, Girls: 1.Kate Roberts; 2. Alice Shuttleworth; 3. Libby Roberts
Year 3, Boys: 1. Daniel Eddison; 2. Edmund Morris
Year 4, Girls: 1. Laura Howard-Cook; 2 Emma Boobyer; 3. Deborah Phillips
Year 4, Boys: 1. Tomas Bullivant; 2. Luke Butler; 3. Matthew Jackson
Year 5, Girls: 1. Michelle Smith; 2. Amelia Clarke; 3. Amy Harries
Year 5, Boys: 1. Matthew Brayford; 2. Dickon Morris
Year 6, Girls: 1. Shelly Lewis; 2. Kristina Lloyd
Year 6, Boys: 1. Craig Jackson; 2. James Roberts; 3. Clive Collins
Sec. Years 1 & 2, Girls: 1. Rosie Hill; 2. Lauren Boobyer; 3. Nicola
Clarke
Sec. Years 1 & 2, Boys:
1. Matthew Lewis; 2. Aaron White; 3. Martin Smith
Sec. Years 3 & 4, Girls: 1. Clare Evans; 2. Sarah Young; 3. Laura
Powell
Sec. Years 3 & 4, Boys: 1. Peter McGilloway; 2. Julian White; 3.
Rhodri Hopkins
Egg & Spoon Races
Reception, Mixed: 1. Cerys
Cole; 2. Jessica Jackson; 3. Rhiannon Davies
Year 1, Mixed: 1. Zach Cole; 2. Medya Gungor; 3 Tiffany Haynes
Year 2, Mixed: 1. James Skeels; 2. Gethin Llewelyn; 3. Laura Thomas
Year 3, Mixed: 1. Annabel McLaren; 2. Daniel Eddison; 3. Sarah Shanklin
Year 4, Mixed: 1. Laura Howard-Cook; 2. Tomas Bullivant; 3. Luke Butler
Year 5, Mixed: 1. Laura Shanklin; 2. Angharad Llewelyn; 3. Matthew Brayford
Year 6, Mixed: 1. Shelley Lewis; 2. Lloyd Smith; 3. Kristina Lloyd
Sec. Years 1 - 4, Girls: 1. Alys Phillips; 2. Laura Powell; 3. Laura
Watts
Sec. Years 1 - 4, Boys: 1. Aaron White; 2. Matthew Lewis; 3. Martin
Smith
Sack Races
Year 1, Mixed: 1. Zach Cole;
2. Thomas Powell; 3. Tiffany Haynes
Year 2, Mixed: 1. Catherine Lloyd; 2. William Hill; 3. Laura Thomas
Year 3, Mixed.
1. Jemma Miles; 2. Daniel Eddison; 3. Edmund Morris
Year 4, Mixed: 1. Luke Butler; 2. Emma Boobyer; 3. Danielle Ridgway
Year 5, Mixed: 1. Katherine Hunter; 2. Amy Harries; 3. Emily Powell
Year 6, Mixed: 1. Thomas Hill; 2. Lloyd Smith; 3. Kristina Lloyd
Sec. Years 1 - 4, Mixed: 1. Nicholas Johnson; 2. Peter McGilloway; 3.
Laura Powell
Hoop Obstacle Races
Year 1, Mixed: 1. Jamie
Brayford; 2. Zach Cole; 3. Thomas Powell
Year 2, Mixed: 1. William Hill; 2. Gethin Llewelyn; 3. Stefan Morris
Year 3, Mixed (Race 1): 1. Edmund Morris; 2. Luke Hamilton; 3. Lewis
Cole
Year 3, Mixed (Race 2): 1. Daniel Eddison; 2. Annabel McLaren; 3. Kate
Roberts
Year 4, Mixed: 1. Luke Butler; 2. Emma Boobyer; 3. Laura Howard-Cook
Year 5, Mixed: 1. Katherine Hunter; 2. Michelle Smith; 3. Matthew Brayford
Year 6, Mixed: 1. Shelley Lewis; 2. Kristina Lloyd; 3. Lloyd Smith
On 21 June 2000, Lamphey Community Association organised, through its Sub-Committee of Margaret Byers, Lorraine Hart and Laureen Jones, an over-60's Tea Dance for the residents of Lamphey, Freshwater East and Hodgeston. Some 45 people attended and thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment provided by Pembroke Dock Line Dancing Team which was followed by a "sing-a-long" to piano music played by Mr Ashley Davies.
The Sub-committee wish to thank the following people for their help in preparing and serving the food: - Una Birtwistle, Fran Butler, Ruth Hayward, Jaqui Jones, Viv Kerrison and Margaret Morgan. Similarly, the following for supplying: - sandwiches, cakes and wine for the raffle :- Una Birtwistle, Fran Butler, Olive Cole, Joan Elliott, Ann Evans, Jaqui Jones, Viv Kerrison, and Margaret Morgan. Money donations were received from Mrs Gladys Morgan, Cleggar Park, and the Dial Lottery Fund. Mr & Mrs Ian White donated all of the bread for the function.
The Chairman of Lamphey Community Association, Mr Ian White, thanked all the people involved in making it such a memorable occasion to celebrate the Millennium.
Laureen Jones
The Annual General Meeting of the Lamphey Playing Field Committee was held on 7 August 2000. Andrew Skeels chaired the meeting for the first time having replaced long-serving chairman, Keith Edwards. David Edwards had also resigned after six years as Treasurer and Jonathan Mathias has filled his shoes. The new Secretary for the committee is Pat Windsor.
Following the routine business, the main topic for discussion was the increasing use of the playing field for golf practice. This is an individual, unsupervised activity and the committee has received complaints. It was decided by the committee that the playing of golf on the playing field should be banned with immediate effect. The reasons for the ban are the protection of other members of the public using the playing field (there have been a number of near misses) and the protection of property, in particular the houses adjacent to the field on the Ridgeway. Several properties have found stray golf balls landing in their gardens and patios.
Meetings of the committee are held regularly and any decisions that affect the activities of users of the playing field will be announced in future editions of Village Times.
Pat Windsor, Secretary.
Lamphey Community Council have arranged a public meeting to discuss the Development Plan for Lamphey in the Church Hall on Tuesday, 17 October 2000 starting at 7.30 pm. Please attend to put your point of view
At a recent meeting, Lamphey Community Association decided to delay placing a Time Capsule in the Bishop's Garden to allow more time for investigating the preservation of the contents. Originally scheduled for 20 September it will now take place at 2.00 pm on 1st January 2001, a date many believe is the true start of the new Millennium.
The Time Capsule is a Hammerite-painted steel box, 18" square by 12" deep which will be placed inside a leaden container which is itself inside a concrete well. A heavy concrete slab will be placed over the hole and a stone-built plinth bearing both a commemorative plaque and a sundial will surmount it.
The Association is hoping that all the various organisations in the community as well as individuals will contribute items to be placed inside the Time Capsule.
Those wishing to contribute items should contact either Ian White (Chairman) or Jim Jones (Secretary). Contributions will need to be in by early December as it is proposed to hold an exhibition of all the items. Further details will be posted on the various notice boards around the village. A list of all items and their contributors will be published in the next issue of Village Times.
R.Elliott
The autumn season began on 5th September with our Annual Treasure Hunt.
Glenwyn Phillips devised an intricate and interesting journey for us
which ended at St Govan's Inn for Dinner.
Our summer season was as busy and varied as ever. In May, a group walked around Lydstep headland - a beautiful evening completed by dinner at Lydstep Inn. The June meeting was on home ground, an illustrated talk on Scolton Manor. In July we were off again to the Botanic Gardens of Wales with dinner en route home to end another perfect day.
August, sometimes described as "a wicked month" as in "extremely hectic", perfectly describes it for our members who always become involved-mostly with the preparation and provision of food, what else!-in community events, especially the Medieval Fayre.
October's meeting will be a demonstration of "Christmas Crafts" by Anne Embrey with a competition for the best Autumn table decoration. There will also be a stall selling Christmas gifts, decorations and cards.
Congratulations are due to Edyth Howe whose play "Whatever Happened to Archie and Clive" won third prize in the recent National Federation of Women's Institutes' "Lady Denman Cup 2000 Competition" which was open to all Federations in England and Wales. First and Second prizes were won by members of Bedfordshire and Cumbria.
Sadly, we report the death, in July, of a long-standing and highly-regarded member, Mrs Mary Morris of Pembroke. Mary was unfailingly charming, friendly and helpful to everyone. She will be greatly missed.
Edyth Howe, Press Secretary