Exploring with Erica

09/09/2026

I’ve never seen the Welsh Air Ambulance up close before, so finding it already at Cardigan Health Centre today was quite a surprise.

I had a lovely chat with the pilot, who was so friendly, although in all the excitement I completely forgot to ask his name! There was a medical emergency taking place in the Health Centre at the time, so I was very conscious that the helicopter was there for a very important reason. I kept my distance, but was grateful to have the opportunity to see it up close and take a few photographs.

I took these photos because I wanted to show people just what an incredible aircraft it is, but more importantly, to highlight the amazing work it does. The Welsh Air Ambulance gives people access to specialist emergency care when every second matters, and plays such an important part in saving lives that might otherwise be lost.

I really hope the person who needed their help today is okay. Huge respect to the crews and everyone behind this incredible service. 🚁❤️

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

A lovely walk taking in some of the most beautiful corners of the Pembrokeshire coast. Starting around Bosherston, the walk winds through peaceful countryside and along the lily ponds before opening out towards the coast, where the scenery becomes even more spectacular.

Broad Haven South is always a special sight. The dramatic cliffs, wide sandy beach and the sound of the sea make it one of those places where it’s easy to stop for a while and simply take it all in. From there, the coastal path gives you plenty of those classic Pembrokeshire views — rugged cliffs, turquoise water and little coves appearing around every bend.

And then there’s Barafundle Bay. Tucked away behind the cliffs and reached on foot, it feels like discovering a little piece of paradise. Beautiful scenery, fresh sea air and a good few miles in the legs — pretty much everything you could ask for from a day out walking in Pembrokeshire.

07/09/2026

Woke up this morning and was scrolling through Facebook, reading all the lovely comments and likes on my post about yesterday’s car run, when up popped my memories… the car run from last year!

Does anyone recognise themselves?

The weather definitely wasn’t as good as it was this year! I remember getting absolutely drenched taking photos — but clearly I didn’t let a bit of rain stop me!

It was worth it though, and it’s lovely to look back and see some of the memories from last year.

06/09/2026

What a fantastic day in Pembrokeshire! 🚗❤️ Today’s charity car run brought together a wonderful collection of cars, brilliant people and a shared passion for supporting a great cause — raising much-needed funds for the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The cars began at Withybush then headed to St David’s to take in the coastal views on their way to the Dyfed Shire Horse Centre:)

A huge well done to everyone involved in organising the event, taking part and supporting the day. It was lovely to see the community come together for such an important local charity. Here are a few photographs I captured along the way — I hope they bring back some great memories of a fantastic day!

04/09/2026

Standing on the hillside above Aberaeron, Holy Trinity Church is a beautiful Victorian building with a history that reflects the growth and changing character of the town itself.

The first Holy Trinity Church was built here in 1835, as Aberaeron was developing rapidly around its new harbour. The present church replaced that earlier building between 1872 and 1875, designed in the Early Decorated Gothic style by architects Middleton & Goodman of Cheltenham. Its tower was added in 1878, although the steeple that had originally been planned was never built.

The church was altered again towards the end of the 19th century. In 1897–98, the original apse was replaced by the present square-ended chancel, as a memorial to the Reverend W. O. Edwards, who had served as vicar for thirty years.

Inside, there are so many beautiful details to notice, including a collection of stained-glass windows dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some were created by well-known names such as C. E. Kempe & Co. and Mary Lowndes. There is also an impressive marble and stone font and pulpit dating from 1873, together with a beautiful wooden reredos.

What I found particularly interesting is how the church also forms part of Aberaeron’s social history. As the harbour town grew, it attracted an increasingly English-speaking population, while the surrounding ancient parishes of Henfynyw and Llanddewi Aberarth had much older Welsh-speaking traditions. Holy Trinity therefore became part of the story of a town undergoing considerable change during the 19th century.

It’s easy to walk past a building like this and simply admire its appearance, without realising how much history is held within its walls. The architecture, stained glass, memorials and small details all offer glimpses into the people and community who shaped Aberaeron over the years.

A beautiful and peaceful place, and another little piece of Aberaeron’s story.

03/09/2026

Set in the peaceful landscape above the Gwaun Valley, near Fishguard, is the little church of St David at Llanllawer. Although the building we see today dates from 1860, it stands on the site of a much older medieval church, and the history of this remarkable place goes back considerably further.

The church was completely rebuilt in 1860 by the architect Robert Jewell Withers. The old church had fallen into a terrible state and was described at the time as “dilapidated and almost roofless”. Remarkably, the new building was constructed on the same site, preserving a connection with the ancient place of worship that had stood there for centuries.

What makes Llanllawer particularly special are the ancient carved stones associated with the church. Four medieval cross stones survive — two forming the entrance gateposts and two incorporated into the church. There is also an ancient stone stoup inside the church, fed by a natural spring.

Nearby is Ffynnon Gapan, the Llanllawer Holy Well, an old spring which was traditionally believed to have healing properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes. Archaeological evidence suggests that the churchyard was once part of a much larger circular enclosure, adding to the belief that this may have been a sacred Christian site for well over a thousand years.

Today the church is sadly disused and in a state of decay, but its quiet setting and long history make it a fascinating place to discover. Standing here, surrounded by the Pembrokeshire landscape, it is easy to wonder about all those who have visited this ancient site over the centuries.

02/09/2026

I’ve recently been researching a small, now sadly ruined building at the Parrog in Newport, Pembrokeshire, which is locally referred to as the Coastal Mortuary.

The building forms part of the historic Parrog harbour and limekiln complex. Historic records held by RCAHMW/Coflein show that one of the small stone buildings beside the limekiln was marked on historic Ordnance Survey maps as a Life Saving Apparatus Shed and was later used as a mortuary.

The Parrog was once a busy working harbour, with fishing and trading vessels, warehouses and limekilns. Given its exposed position on Cardigan Bay, shipwrecks and drownings were sadly part of coastal life.

The Life Saving Apparatus Shed housed equipment used to rescue people from vessels in difficulty, including rockets, lines and a breeches buoy. There are records of the equipment being used locally, including a 1906 rescue attempt involving a grounded schooner, and a practice drill held at the Parrog in 1907.

Interestingly, the building may not originally have been constructed as a mortuary. Evidence suggests it may first have been used as a store connected with the harbour and limekiln before becoming associated with the life-saving apparatus and later the mortuary.

The buildings are now Grade II listed as Stores adjacent to Kiln Cottage and the lime kiln (Cadw List Entry 84411).

I’ve included some photographs of the Coastal Mortuary at Saltburn-by-the-Sea to give an example of what a coastal mortuary could look like and some context for the type of building we are looking for. I’ve also included photos of Kiln Cottage and another building next to it. Could this be these be the buildings I’m looking for? There’s also an old photo I found in a book which is said to be the ruins of the mortuary.

Does anyone have any old photographs of the Coastal Mortuary at the Parrog in Newport?

Photographs of the building itself, or even the surrounding harbour where it can be seen in the background, would be fascinating. I’d also love to hear from anyone with family memories, old documents, newspaper cuttings or stories connected with it.

It would be wonderful to uncover a little more of the history of this fascinating building and its place in Newport’s maritime past.

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might have photographs or information.