Some people are just absolutely amazing in the way that their enthusiasm and vision for what might seem an unlikely project can really inspire others.
The Friends of Cwrt Farm in Pembrey are just some such people. Some of you will already be familiar with the project from the time when Cwrt Farm featured on television, and just missed out on being chosen as the winner with all the benefits that would have brought in terms of restoration.
Nevermind, the Friends of Cwrt Farm remain undaunted and are currently pursuing funding opportunities for what will be a mammoth restoration task. In the words of the heritage specialists Cadw, “… whilst the building looks a lost cause, there is still significant merit in a complete restoration of the building, with so many good features still surviving”.
The day I went, I joined in with the Cardiganshire Historical Society, in one of the group visitor days which the Friends of Cwrt Farm arrange for a modest fee. After a welcoming coffee, and a tour of St Illtyd’s Church Pembrey, we had a delicious lunch, prepared by Pat Neil and family members and then had a very informative guided tour of Cwrt Farm.
From tales of shipwrecks to spyholes and staircases, what seemed like just a few old walls really came to life with the help of our local guide Dominic Conway and visiting Architectural historian Richard Suggett But this is very much a work in progress as we were reminded when Dominic showed us the outline of a blocked up window which they had only uncovered the previous week when carefully removing ivy. Definitely a visit I’d recommend.
Nia Griffith holds surgeries every Saturday morning at 9 am in Lakefield Community Centre, Lakefield Road, Llanelli.