DRAFT Lamphey Place Plan 2018
Draft Lamphey Place Plan 2018 Written by Lamphey Community in conjunction with Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development (PLANED)
Table of Contents Contents
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Background ................................................................................ 3 Lamphey Community Profile ....................................................... 4 Sense of Place ............................................................................ 5 Our Vision for the Community ..................................................... 6 Action Plan Proposals and Opportunities .................................... 8 Community Activities ................................................................... 8 Community Facilities .................................................................11 Communications…………………………………...………………..12 Environment ...............................................................................13 Heritage and Tourism .................................................................14 Services and Business ...............................................................16 Wellbeing....................................................................................19 Taking our Plan Forward ...........................................................19
Ideas for project activities are identified in this draft action plan and will be subject to wider community consultation. Final changes will be agreed at a public meeting and the process will provide a fresh opportunity for local people to get involved. This action plan will be agreed at a public meeting held on June 20th 2018, following circulation of the draft plan to all households in the community 2
Background to the Action plan The intention of this community action plan for Lamphey is to describe issues and ideas identified by local people which, if addressed over the next 10 years, would improve the quality of life and wellbeing of the people in the community. An up-to-date action plan demonstrates that a community has come together to plan for the future, get projects underway and regularly review progress. It is a vital piece of evidence when applying for project funding. Following a public meeting, a community association for Lamphey was formed in 1996 and a Village Appraisal undertaken. A second action plan was developed in 2006. Since then, Honeyhill Grove has been built, the cricket pavilion upgraded (though in need of further restoration), the village hall has been refurbished, a footpath built opposite Lamphey Hall Hotel, with interpretative boards, and a footpath built from Lamphey to Pembroke. In Autumn 2017, it was decided to update and prepare a third action plan. The ideas, vision for the future, project proposals and suggestions generated during these workshops have been compiled into this current action plan, to be taken forward by the people of Lamphey, supported by their community council and community association. Issues and suggestions raised in the workshops have been grouped into broad themes in this action plan. This narrative plan should also be read alongside the action plan grid, which can be populated further as project suggestions are developed into proposals.
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Lamphey Community Profile - Key facts about Lamphey Figures below are sourced from the 2011 Census key statistics: There were 593 usual residents as at Census day 2011. Of these, 99.7% lived in households and 0.3% lived in communal establishments. The average (mean) age of residents was 49.9 years. In total there were 286 household spaces. Of these, 274 (95.8%) had at least one usual resident and 12 (4.2%) had no usual residents. 58.2% of respondents identified themselves as Welsh and 98.8 % identified their ethnic group as White. 26.7% described their day to day activities as being limited to some extent and 16.7% described themselves as providing some unpaid care each week. 32% of households were described as having one person with a long-term disability or health problem. 67.8% of properties were described as detached, 23.4% semi-detached and 1% caravan or other temporary structure. 78.8% of properties are owner-occupied and 13.9% social rented (the remainder being private rented, rent-free, or other). 95.6% of properties have central heating. 31% of households contained only one person, 21% of properties having a lone person aged over 65. 17.9% of households had dependent children, with 4.4% of households (12 in total) having children aged 0-4. Five households contained lone parents with dependent children, all of whom worked either part-time or full-time 12.8% of households had no car or van available. Further census information is available from the Office for National Statistics Source: www.nomisweb.co.uk
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A Sense of Place The following amenities and memories stand out for residents as being key aspects of their village life:
Lamphey Bishop's Palace and Bishop's Garden Lamphey Court Lamphey church and church hall The Flemish Chimney The Old School House The garage with village shop and Post Office The hair salon The train station The excellent school which is attended by many children from out side the village The Dial Inn that formerly held music nights and was a good meeti ng place The village hall, which is very well used The playing field and sports ground that is home to cricket, tennis and football The natural landscape and proximity to the coast The annual all Wales IronMan contest comes through the village The VW Campervan Festival The church and church hall that formerly held exhibitions and floral displays Former village events such as the Donkey Derby, Medieval Fayre and Summer Fete The village bakery Good access to local beaches, including Freshwater East Variety of clubs, groups and activities Wide range of amenities and facilities
Regarding the Bishop’s Palace, a resident referred to it as ‘Lamphey’s best kept secret’ and another described it as ‘a place of calm- serene and tranquil’. The village was also described as ‘one of the best villages in Pembrokeshire’.
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Our Vision for the Community When asked to imagine the ideal community they would like to be part of in 2028, there was broad agreement around the following vision: The village mantains its peace and quiet and is a crime-free, safe and pleasant place to live. Any further developments are small in scale and in keeping with the character of the village, supported by infrastructure that can support any further expansion. People know one another, meet up and organise events together and there regular opportunities to meet. Activities and events that take place in the community are inclusive for everyone. There's a regular coffee morning where people can get together with their neighbours, and those who are elderly or isolated are taken to a weekly drop-in, picked up by a village community transport scheme, making use of the school minibus. Community groups and committees are working together in a joined-up way, supported by the community hub. There is a wider variety of sports, cultural and social clubs available. Communications between groups and residents have been improved through the reinstatement of a village newsletter, a wellsupported Facebook page and a village website. The community are making use of Lamphey Bishop’s Palace and the Bishop's Garden for outdoor summer events, such as concerts, theatre, a summer fete, a medieval fayre and an annual Christmas Tree lighting and carol singing event. The old visitor centre has been repurposed as a coffee shop. The traffic is slow and the village is safe with more pavements right around the village:'slower cars, safer people'. The school car park has been enlarged to reduce traffic issues. There's a bus stop between Cleggar's Park and Honeyhill Grove and improved public transport, with reduced reliance on fossil fuels and electric vehicles being the norm. The children's play area is enlarged with more equipment and a safe path 6
to get there. There is also a pitch for mini football. The playgroup and nursery have been reinstated. The village pub has been taken on by the local community and is a thriving place for people and clubs to meet, with events such as curry and music nights and quiz nights. There is a local produce market once a week. The church and church hall have been renovated and the old wall along the graveyard in the village preserved and made safe, with a footpath running alongside it. There are allotments and a community garden and litter is a thing of the past. The village has gone plastic-free, along with many other communities and retailers in the county. There is access to public toilets, at the community hub, for the use of visitors. Lamphey has an annual flower festival, and takes part in an annual Village in Bloom competition.
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Action Plan Proposals and Opportunities Community Activities There is a wide variety of clubs that meet in Lamphey Village Hall, including the Lamphey and District WI, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Beavers and a Young Farmers Club. Other activities taking place in the village hall include a bridge club, whist club and line dancing. A history group meets monthly in the Church Hall. A number of community events are held throughout the year including fundraising activities, community coffee morning and monthly lunches. Sports clubs in Lamphey include the short mat bowls, cricket, soccer and tennis clubs. There is also a 'gentle exercise' group. Some of the activities described in the 2006 plan had ceased by 2018 and there was a strong wish to revive some of them, including the medieval fayre, coffee mornings and the summer fete. There is a wish to increase the range of activities in the village and a need to provide opportunities to bring together younger and older members of the community, as well as bringing the various groups together for some partnership activities. There are a wide range of skills present in the community. Harnessing and focusing those skills will be an important contribution towards realising the proposals in the action plan.
Project proposals and suggestions
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Community Christmas event - tree, carols, food Regular weekly coffee morning, involving those who are isolated and lonely Bring clubs and groups together- to communicate better and work together Make use of Bishop's Palace for summer fete, festivals, live music, open-air cinema and/or theatre events Cultural and leisure activities suggested include: drama group, film club, creative writing group, arts club, music and dance groups, live events, monthly bingo, cycling group, walking group, annual lantern parade, summer BBQ at FWE beach, organise trips to events e.g. Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Welsh Increase community use of the church and church hall with e.g. an annual flower festival
Community Christmas event - tree, carols, food 1. Outcome: What’s your goal/what difference will you make? 2. Strengths: what you build on? 3. What needs to change? 4. Assets: Who/what can help? 5. Actions: What could we do? What will we do? What, who, when, why?
Bring everyone together – a good time to do it
Popular idea, central location (nr a car park), make use of Bishop’s Garden, could ask pub to do mulled wine. Permission for tree; get power organised; purchase and plant tree; purchase of lights Bishop’s Gardens, strong team, church & WI support, choir, group to maintain the garden Erect a tree – lights; organise carol singing church choir?; food & drink & socialising Letting people know, leaflets, knocking on doors; involving school & other community groups; build up following via Facebook, website and village newsletter. Walk about the village singing carols; collection bucket for future project; weather contingency
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Coffee morning (fortnightly) promoted by leafleting all houses in village 1. Outcome: To bring people together elderly & families What’s your goal/ Fortnightly 2 hour slot coffee morning what difference will you make? 2. Strengths: WI; Church; Village hall with good facilities what you build on? 3. What needs to Stronger community association and council to change? provide initial financial support Initial funding community council funding initially 4. Assets: Who/ Village hall; Social meeting of all ages what can help? 5. Actions: What Hire hall; form small committee; apply for fundcould we do? ing; leaflets/posters; invite guest speakers eg: age concern, nurse, fire service What will we do? Form a committee; apply for funding; prepare What, who, posters/leaflets; use of school minibus for peowhen, why? ple without transport; Ask church to publicise the event; Radio Pembrokeshire Since these ideas were proposed at the visioning workshops, community members have already organised a fortnightly coffee morning and purchased and planted a Christmas tree. Also, a summer fete is being organised and a Christmas luncheon in the village hall.
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A quiz and music night in the village hall has also been planned and a fundraising meal at Lamphey Hall Hotel. The pub is being approached about a fish and chips or curry night, with live music.
Community Facilities St Faith and St Tyfai, a lovely village church lies at the centre of the village on the junction of the A4139 with the Ridgeway. Community facilities include: the church hall which is in need of substantial repairs that the church are fundraising for the village hall Lamphey school the sports-field and pavilion the Bishop’s Garden. The village hall and associated recreational facilities provide a key social point in the heart of Lamphey. The village hall has been upgraded since the previous 2006 action plan. The hall is hired out to various clubs and groups for regular activities and occasional events, as well as private functions. Lamphey C.P School attracts pupils from a wide catchment area because of the quality of the school and its educational standards. The school are keen to develop stronger links with the community and have offered the use of their school hall and minibus for community activities. They have an active Friends of Lamphey fundraising and support group. The playing field adjacent to the village hall is managed by a separate charity, the Field Committee. This includes a cricket pitch, a separate football pitch and two tennis courts, as well as perimeter areas to walk around and enjoy the matches. Access can be gained via the village hall or from Park View (which leads directly to the children’s play area and the pavilion). The children’s play area with a variety of equipment forms part of the sports field. This is in the process of being upgraded with Section 106
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monies, following the completion of the Honeyhill Grove housing development in 2015.
Project proposals and suggestions
Play area needs improving (which is underway) School and church could come together and invite public for services e.g. Nov 11th and Christmas carols Village hall could provide more events for village -the village needs a hub or 'heart' Skate park Make better use of village pub, look into a community shares offer.
Communications The principal means of conveying information affecting the community has mainly been by the use of notice boards in the Bishop’s Garden and by the church lych gate. Notices are also displayed in the Post Office and shop at the garage, in the bakery, by leaflet and by word of mouth. There is no community newsletter at present, but there is interest and a willingness to revive it. There is also a new village Facebook page and a proposal to build a village website. In addition, a directory of activities and a welcome pack for new residents have been proposed, along with What’s On leaflets. It has also been suggested that the Community Council and Community Association hold open ‘surgeries’ where villagers can drop-in and speak with them.
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Project proposals and suggestions
Newsletter Promote Facebook page Create a village website Directory of groups, clubs and events Welcome pack for all new residents with directory Community Council and Association to hold drop-in sessions What's On leaflets Since the visioning workshops, the community have secured funding from Valero for a newsletter which two people have started to coordinate. Representatives from the Community Association and Community Council are attending the new village coffee mornings to hear people’s views, concerns and ideas.
Environment Lamphey is a quiet village set in a pleasant rural environment with a diverse ecology, including a mixture of open countryside and trees which in turn support a variety of bird life and wildlife. A Conservation Area has been designated which includes the older parts of the village centred on the church, Lamphey Hall Hotel, Lamphey Court, the Bishop’s Palace and the area around Lamphey Park. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park boundary runs to the east and south of the village, joining the B4584 at Rose Cottage. In their vision for the future, one group looked forward to electrification of public transport, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, in line with national strategies. Although there is only one statutory footpath which runs from near the Bishop’s Palace to the road from Freshwater East, Lamphey is situated only two miles from the coastal path, stretches of which are very accessible and with seating to allow enjoyment of the views. There are proposals to continue to improve footpaths and put pavements in place
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right around the village. This includes a plan to re-site the churchyard wall and build a pavement in front of it along the Ridgeway, There was also a proposal to work towards becoming a plastic-free village, in line with new initiatives across the county. When considering improvements to Lamphey, the community felt it was important not to lose the individual character of the village nor allow any major new developments. It was also proposed to develop a flower festival and a Lamphey in Bloom project. Project proposals and suggestions Bishop’s Garden- community garden developments with picnic area Footpath around the church Footpath in front of village hall and along the Rudgeway Footpath from Lamphey to Freshwater East Keep verges tidy Flower Festival and Lamphey in Bloom Go plastic-free as a village
History, Heritage and Tourism The name Lamphey is thought to be derived from the early Christion Preacher Tyfai , who founded a church or “LLan” in the area . As early as the 12th Century , the name Llantefei , or variants of it occur in records, and by 1096 an episcopal residence had been founded in Lamphey , although it is not known who donated the land . The “Black Book” of St.David’s , 1326, records that the Bishops Palace and surrounding lands was the most valuable manor of the medieval Bishop of St.David ‘s . The inventory records include a deer park , four fish ponds , water mills , a windmill , a dove cote and productive meadows . Over the years many improvements were made to the palace . During the turbulent years of the War of the Roses , it appears that Edmund Tudor and his young wife Margaret Beaufort , lived in The Palace . Henry 7th born at Pembroke in January 1456 was in all probably conceived at Lamphey Palace ( Lamphey’s claim to fame ) . In 14
1546 after Henry 8th Reformation Lamphey ceased to be a residence of the bishop . Henry confiscated all church lands , and it was speculated that he later granted the estate to the Deveraux Family , the Earls of Essex . One of the sons ,Robert, born in Lamphey was to become a favourite of Elizabeth 1st ,although she later had him beheaded . It is rumoured that the ghost of Robert Deveraux and The Black Monk haunt The Palace grounds . After the Civil War the palace was left to ruin and decay , but in 1683 Sir Hugh Owen of Orielton bought the property and estate . In the early 1800s they were sold to Charles Mathias of Llangwarren who developed them and in 1820 built The Court which was designed by Charles Fowler the architect of Covent Garden . The temple fronted house overlooked The Palace ruins and water meadows . It was known as one of the finest Greek revival properties in South Wales . The estate remained in the family until 1978 . For over 150 years the Mathias family were a dominant influence in Lamphey . Lamphey Court is now a four star hotel . Lamphey has many other historical buildings e.g – The Church rebuilt in 1871 has a medieval embattled tower , and many medieval features , The Court House , the 17th century lower farm , the church hall , remains of a medieval chimney and many others. The Tenby to Pembroke railway opened in 1863 , and with improved road links made Lamphey a desirable village to live. However it was not until after the 2nd World War that development really began . In the 1960’s with the construction of the refinery and the power station housing estates were built to meet the housing needs of the incoming workforce. Lamphey played its part in both World Wars . The proximity of the railway with its sizeable sidings probably accounted for the large encampments and services which were built in and around the village for British and American troops . Lamphey’s excellent primary school is situated on the Hodgeston road . The original school opened in 1849 was adjacent to the Church and is now a private home . Lamphey is still a very desirable place to live with its rail and bus links , shop , post office and garage , artisan bakery , two fine hotels , church, 15
school, village public house and a newly built village hall. A Local History Group meets in the village, one the second Tuesday of every month More details of the history of Lamphey can be found in these documents:
Community Association Action Plan 2006 prepared by the Community Association and PLANED. ‘Lamphey and Hodgeston - Hidden Heritage’ prepared by the Lamphey Local History Group in conjunction with SPARC.
Project proposals and suggestions
Renovate church and church hall Play to the strengths of myths around the Bishop's Palace- e.g. white lady, running man Preserve the old village walls Don't allow any large new developments without improving infrastructure Interpretation leaflet for circular walk to Freshwater East
Services and Businesses This section includes services provided by public and third sectors, as well as local business and enterprise. Local businesses include the thriving Spar shop and petrol filling station. The shop incorporates a Post Office with its vitally important services, including a limited banking facility. There is a successful hairdressing salon which serves the village and surrounding area. There are a number of hotels, restaurants and holiday accommodation, including the Dial Inn, Lamphey Hall Hotel and Lamphey Court Hotel, which is host to a leisure centre / health and fitness club. Local services include the delivery of prescriptions from nearby chemists, a mobile library, a milkman and grocery deliveries from local 16
supermarkets. The community would like to see a local produce market, to support local growers and producers. Other proposals are listed below.
Project proposals and suggestions
Get funding to start up nursery again Tarmac the road – needs re-doing from Park View all the way up to St Faiths and outside the bakery Traffic calming (Lower Lamphey Rd, Fresh East Rd & Ridgeway) Local produce market once a week in village hall Encourage doctors to move here Directory of services and local tradespeople Bus stop for Cleggar Park/Honeyhill Grove More regular buses Improved parking Village handyman
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Project proposals and suggestions continued
Get funding to start up nursery again 1. Outcome: What’s your goal/ what difference will you make? 2. Strengths: what you build on? 3. What needs to change? 4. Assets: Who/ what can help?
5. Actions: What could we do? 6. What will we do? What, who, when, why?
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Reinstating the playgroup will assist return to employment; Attracting young families into area; change demographic; Provide early acquaintance for ongoing social activities i.e. Beavers etc; socialisation of children early; encouraging community focused groups Previous client base; equipment & catering facilities; site has ample drop-off and parking facilities Realistic pricing; More community and parental support Previous link between school & playgroup; anyone who has experience with grant application; the hall; contacts through school to gain eligible children; young families wanting to go to desirable Lamphey school, local playgroup with wraparound is desirable; Start from age 2 – to cover lack of Flying Start in Lamphey; Demand for childcare All staff would require a DBS check; Have a link with college/training groups for apprenticeships; discuss with previous staff for pointers; advertising; research Lobby local councillor & lobby community council; Find “responsible person” treasurer and/or set up a committee; Explore grants/funding/ insurance/legal; council & not for profit organisation information; to begin in line with school terms; Compare prices/research outgoings – create
Wellbeing In response to the question 'what would improve well-being and quality of life in your community?' residents highlighted the following ideas (which are also listed as project proposals under the relevant theme headings in this plan):
Identify and support people in need - providing transport to lunch/coffee mornings etc Improve pub- village buy-out Newsletter Fete Litter awareness Traffic calming (Lower Lamphey Rd, Fresh East Rd & Ridgeway) More inclusive community activities Improve church hall Improve sports field (safety of playground) Skate park ‘What’s On’ information leaflets
Taking our Plan Forward:
The intention of this action plan is to provide a focus for the community to plan and develop sustainable projects and activities, which have been identified by local people. Residents of Lamphey have shown a real commitment to their community; many participants at the workshops were willing to support and get involved with the suggested projects. Ideas for project activities are identified in this draft action plan and will be subject to wider community consultation.
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Final changes to this draft plan can be agreed at a public meeting to be held on June 20th at Lamphey School and the process will provide a fresh opportunity for local people to get involved. Since the workshops took place, many of these suggestions are already being addressed by representatives of the community council and community forum, working together with community members and the action plan table linked to this document will provide an ongoing tool for monitoring and providing updates. Strengthening Lamphey Community Association to take the action plan proposals forward is a tried and tested way of involving people of all ages and interests. Funding agencies require evidence of community participation and an action plan, promoted and monitored by an active community association, is a useful starting point. Implementation of the action plan can be assisted by PLANED, PAVS and other support agencies. Together they can offer help with setting up project working groups and advice on funding for projects.
The information in this action plan was gathered at ‘Visioning’ workshops in February 2018. A more detailed breakdown of the ideas and topics discussed at the workshops was circulated to participants and copies are available on request from PLANED.
If you require this document in any other format, or in Welsh, please contact PLANED. Os oes angen y ddogfen yma mewn unrhyw fformat arall, neu yng nghymraeg, cysylltwch â PLANED 01834 860965 information@planed.org.uk
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Notes
Map of the Community