Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Happy #StDavidsDay! Here's a #map I painted of my favourite Welsh county: #Pembrokeshire. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 😍 Have you been?

We try to visit every late Spring. So much history and nature, fab beaches and wildflowers... and also puffins and dolphins!

More info: https://janetomlinson.com/products/pembrokeshire-map-painting
(This painting is available as a poster,, tea towel and #jigsawpuzzle.)

#painting #art #cartography #visitPembrokeshire #wales #stdavids #standingstoneSunday

ST DAVID’S DAY: Free entry to Kidwelly Castle and St Davids Bishop’s Palace as part of Wales-wide heritage scheme

Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire and St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire are among 17 historic sites across Wales offering free entry on Sunday, 1 March to celebrate the nation’s patron saint.

The scheme is run by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, which normally charges admission to the sites. In lieu of payment, visitors are being asked to consider a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, though there is no obligation to donate.

How to Claim Free Tickets

Visitors must book their free tickets online in advance through Cadw’s website. Tickets will be sent to the email address provided at checkout, and visitors must bring proof of booking on the day of their visit.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“St David’s Day is such an important opportunity for celebrating everything that makes Wales a special nation with our unique identity and culture. Visiting a Cadw site is a fantastic way to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and learn more about Wales’ incredible history.”

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, said:

“I am so pleased that Cadw will, again, be giving away free entry tickets for St David’s Day. Visiting one of these special places filled with history is a fantastic way to celebrate what makes Wales unique. I’d urge anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

About Kidwelly Castle

Norman stronghold is a match for the greatest castles of Wales

Kidwelly Castle began in the early 12th century as a Norman ‘ringwork’ castle made of wood and protected only by an earthen bank and ditch. It was under constant attack by Welsh princes including the Lord Rhys, who captured it in 1159.

By the 1280s the Chaworth brothers, powerful Marcher lords, had created the stone ‘castle within a castle’ that still stands today. The fortress features a great gatehouse with drawbridge and portcullis, and four towers of the inner ward creating a “true killing zone” for attackers.

The castle is so impressive it appears in the very first scene of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. Even the forces of Owain Glyndŵr couldn’t break through its defences.

Location: Castle Road, Kidwelly SA17 5BQ More information: Visit Cadw’s Kidwelly Castle page

About St Davids Bishop’s Palace

Magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory

There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire. A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome, turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world.

Between 1328 and 1347, Bishop Henry de Gower turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace. The east range was his private domain, whilst the south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.

The Reformation marked the beginning of the end, with William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, allegedly stripping the lead from the roofs himself. But even as a ruin, this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.

Location: The Close, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PE More information: Visit Cadw’s St Davids Bishop’s Palace page

Supporting Wales Air Ambulance

Abi Pearce, Wales Air Ambulance Corporate Partnership Manager for South Wales, said:

“People can enjoy visiting some of Wales’ most iconic historic sites on St David’s Day, knowing they are helping save lives! We are hugely grateful that all visitors to Cadw sites will be granted free access and we hope they donate to our lifesaving service. Since our launch in 2001, we have carried out over 55,000 missions.”

Visitors wishing to donate to Wales Air Ambulance can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/llywodraeth-cymru-welsh-government-4.

Full List of Sites Offering Free Entry

The following Cadw sites can be entered for free on Sunday, 1 March 2026:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Blaenafon Ironworks
• Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
• Castell Caernarfon
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castell Coch
• Chepstow Castle
• Castell Conwy
• Castell Cricieth
• Denbigh Castle
• Castell Harlech
• Kidwelly Castle
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
• Raglan Castle
• St Davids Bishop’s Palace
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court and Castle

To book your free tickets, visit cadw.gov.wales and select your chosen site.

UT Rowing team drops off Valentine's gifts at hospital

The women's rowing team at the University of Texas traded oars for Valentine's this week, delivering hand written cards and goodies to patients at St. David’s Children’s Hospital.

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/ut-rowing-team-drops-off-valentines-gifts-at-hospital/

#Austin #Entertainment #Local #News #Texas #TopStories #StDavids #Ut #UTRowing #ValentinesDay

Shalom House charity confirms closure as health board pledges continuity of care

Charity confirms closure

Shalom House, based in St Davids, announced that it will cease operations after years of financial struggle. In a statement, the trustees said:

“It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the closure of Shalom House Hospice in St Davids, which has served the whole of Pembrokeshire for many years. Sadly, ongoing financial difficulties and a lack of sustainable funding mean we have no alternative but to close.”

The charity thanked staff, volunteers and the community for their “tireless commitment and generosity,” noting that local fundraising had given the hospice “precious extra years” of service.

“Continuity of care is our priority,” says health board

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed it is in discussions with Shalom House about the future of the branch surgery for Meddygfa Penrhyn, which has been operating from the Nun Street site since the closure of St Davids Surgery in 2024.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long‑Term Care, said:

“We are sorry to hear that the Shalom House Charity will be closing and recognise the significant contribution it has made to the local community over the years. Our priority now is to ensure continuity of care for patients registered with Meddygfa Penrhyn. We will work closely with the charity, our partners and stakeholders to explore future provision of these important services locally.”

The branch surgery will continue to operate as normal until 31 October, and patients are advised to attend booked appointments as usual.

End of an era for St Davids hospice

Founded in 2007 after a decade of fundraising, Shalom House has provided palliative and respite care for patients across Pembrokeshire, as well as day services and community support. Its closure marks the end of nearly two decades of service in St Davids.

Local campaigners who fought to “Save Shalom House” said the announcement was a “huge loss” for the city and surrounding communities.

Related articles

• Hywel Dda to explore more than 100 new ideas for local health services

  Health board launches a wide-ranging review of proposals to improve care and community services across west Wales.

• NHS waiting lists still high – but Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda avoid worst delays

  Latest figures show both health boards performing better than many parts of Wales despite ongoing pressures.

• Hywel Dda launches new strategy to expand clinical research and innovation

  A new five-year plan aims to grow clinical trials, strengthen university partnerships and bring cutting-edge treatments to patients.

• Health board and university renew partnership to boost health and skills in west Wales

  Hywel Dda and UWTSD sign a new agreement to expand training, research and innovation opportunities for the region.

#Charity #GPSurgery #hospice #HywelDdaUniversityHealthBoard #MeddygfaPenrhyn #PalliativeCare #respiteCare #ShalomHouse #StDavids

Free children’s entry to Cadw sites this weekend to mark Owain Glyndŵr Day

The annual commemoration on 16 September marks the day in 1400 when Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his followers, sparking a 15‑year uprising against the rule of Henry IV. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it became a defining moment in Welsh history, inspiring a renewed sense of identity and pride.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, cares for hundreds of sites across Wales — including several besieged by Glyndŵr during his campaign, such as Coety, Dinefwr and Kidwelly castles.

Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant said:

“Owain Glyndŵr remains one of Wales’ most forthright figures, whose legacy continues to shape our national identity today. By offering free access to children at Cadw’s sites in his name, we’re connecting our next generation with this pivotal period in Welsh history.”

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, added:

“We hope that by offering free entry to those under 17 more people will be encouraged to visit Cadw locations and give their families a real taste of Wales’ exciting and varied history.”

The offer applies to all Cadw sites open on Sunday 14 September. Usual admission charges apply to accompanying adults.

Normally charged Cadw sites — free for under‑17s on 14 September

Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
One of Wales’ best‑preserved medieval fortresses, with a dramatic riverside setting and links to the 1136 battle in which Princess Gwenllian was killed.

Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
A picturesque ruin overlooking the Taf estuary, once a Tudor mansion and later inspiring poet Dylan Thomas.

Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire
Twin‑towered fortress perched above the Teifi Gorge, with a history of sieges and strategic importance.

Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Elegant medieval retreat for the bishops of St Davids, featuring grand halls and tranquil grounds.

St David’s Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire
Magnificent 14th‑century palace ruins beside St David’s Cathedral, reflecting the wealth and influence of the medieval church.

#CADW #CilgerranCastle #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #Lamphey #LampheyBishopSPalace #Laugharne #LaugharneCastle #OwainGlyndŵr #OwainGlyndŵrDay #PrinceOfWales #StDavidSBishopPalace #StDavidSCathedral #StDavids

Work on major Swansea development to start in Spring 2026

Swansea Council has appointed Andrew Scott Ltd to carry out detailed designs and market testing to develop best value for the scheme, which is planned for an area adjacent to the former St David’s Shopping Centre site.

Aimed at accommodating up to 800 people, the five-storey development will include a mix of high-quality office accommodation on the upper floors. Commercial accommodation including food and beverage or potentially leisure offers would be included on the ground floor.

The council would take up a floor at the new office development, with the remaining office space set to be split between other public sector bodies and private sector businesses.

Swansea Council will develop the building with development partner Urban Splash and development manager RivingtonHark.

This council will retain ownership of the building, which forms part of the overall regeneration of the former St David’s Shopping Centre site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“We know local people want a more vibrant city centre with more shops but that will only happen if there’s far more footfall there to create the spending that’s needed to encourage retailers to invest.

“This office scheme will combine with many other projects to create that footfall, while also enabling the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront.

“It’ll be one part of a broader development that will breathe new life into the former St David’s Shopping Centre site as a whole with a mixture of offices, shops, restaurants and lots of green space.

“Further plans for the site will be announced for public feedback in due course.”

Mark Bowen, Managing Director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed to carry out pre-construction work for this landmark development in Swansea.

“The scheme will not only be a showcase of modern, sustainable design but it will also be a catalyst for further regeneration in the heart of the city.

“We’re proud to support Swansea Council in delivering a scheme that will drive economic growth, champion environmental responsibility and provide a dynamic space for both businesses and the community.”

Construction of the office scheme is due to start in the spring of 2026, with completion anticipated for the summer of 2027.

Designed by shedkm, the scheme will incorporate a blue roof for sustainable urban drainage, an intensive green roof to boost biodiversity and meet green space targets, and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels to reduce carbon emissions.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#StDavids #SwanseaCouncil

Altar, Trinity Chapel, St David's Cathedral, c.1930s - Mendus RP Postcard

https://www.ebid.net/uk/for-sale/altar-trinity-chapel-st-david-s-cathedral-c-1930s-mendus-rp-postcard-222885946.htm

#StDavids #StDavidsCathedral

New operator and Sunday Service boost for TrawsCymru T5 route

Ceredigion-based company Richards Bros has been awarded the contract to run the T5 route, which connects Aberystwyth and Haverfordwest via key coastal communities including New Quay, Aberaeron, Cardigan, Fishguard and St Davids. The service is a vital link for both residents and visitors travelling across Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The first phase of improvements begins Sunday 20 July, with the introduction of a year-round Sunday service — a move welcomed by local communities who have long called for better weekend transport options. A revised Sunday timetable for the T1 route will also be introduced on the same day.

Further upgrades are planned for Sunday 31 August, including:

• Hourly service Monday to Saturday for improved frequency
• Later evening journeys to support travel for work, education and leisure
• New distance-based fares for fairer pricing
• A new Aberystwyth–Aberaeron Day Ticket allowing unlimited travel on both the T1 and T5

Looking ahead, passengers can expect brand-new vehicles on the T5 route from March 2026, designed to enhance comfort, accessibility and environmental performance.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport at Transport for Wales, said the changes reflect a commitment to building a “modern, reliable and accessible public transport network” across West Wales.

Simon Richards, Director of Richards Bros, added: “We’re proud to deliver a high-quality, dependable service that makes a real difference to the communities we serve.”

#Aberystwyth #Bus #Cardigan #Fishguard #Haverfordwest #NewQuay #Pembrokeshire #publicTransport #RichardsBros #StDavids #TrawsCymru