Saundersfoot coal heritage display praised for enhancing village charm

Progress on a display to celebrate Saundersfoot’s coal mining heritage has been praised.
The SMELT (a group funded by Saundersfoot Festivitie) project started last year, has been on hold over the past few months, primarily due to the weather and the specialist work required to apply the resin bond to secure the coal within the drams at the Sensory Garden - but the display itself is shaping up nicely, according to county councillor for the seaside village’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams.
“I’m pleased to say that the initiative has been very well supported, and the SMELT committee has received fantastic encouragement from the community,” he remarked.
“This project has not only enhanced the space visually, but it has also played an important role in highlighting Saundersfoot’s rich industrial heritage.”
As many will know, Saundersfoot was once a thriving coal-exporting harbour, with narrow-gauge tramways transporting coal from the surrounding collieries directly to the waterfront.
The harbour we see today was shaped by this industry, and it laid the foundations for the village’s development over time.
Saundersfoot’s Sensory Garden which sits next to the harbour, was together with the Coal Office building built in 1860 - the operations centre of the coal industry in the area, with a coal mine at Bonville’s Court on top of the hill at the village.
The original coal trucks would have been carrying coal to the ships in the harbour and are roughly 3 metres away from the original tracks that coal was carried on.
“While our identity has evolved into a vibrant and popular tourism destination, it is important that we continue to recognise and celebrate the industry that built our community,” continued Cllr Williams.
“The new display boards installed as part of the project provide clear and engaging information about this history.
“In addition, the QR code links to further images and resources, helping to tell the story of how Saundersfoot Harbour has transformed from its industrial roots into the thriving visitor destination we know today.
“The SMELT committee is currently still trying to source an authentic-style lamp-post to complement and support the coal truck feature, ensuring the display remains as true to its historical context as possible.
“Planting is scheduled to take place in April, when the warmer weather will provide the right conditions. This will further enhance both sides of the coal trucks and complete the overall look of the Sensory garden.
“I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take a look at how this area has been transformed. It is a great example of how we can celebrate our past while enhancing the village for future generations, linking our industrial heritage to the thriving community and tourism destination Saundersfoot has become today.”
The ‘trucks’ in the display are made of cast iron, and the 'coal' is made of fibreglass.