Sir,

It has recently been brought to my attention that The Caldey Island shop is to be shut down and the staff made redundant at the end of this month!

The shop opened in the 1960s to supplement the income of Caldey Island. To this end, it has served the island’s community for nearly 60 years.

Over that time, it has been a focus for locals and tourists in order to buy the produce of the island, e.g. perfume, chocolates, books, cards, DVDs, jewellery and religious artefacts.

The shop has been a very strong advertisement in town for thousands of visitors over the years. The devoted and loyal staff have given up their lives for the good of the island’s monastic community.

When the island’s boats have been unable to sail because of bad weather, the shop has been open and made up for any shortfall financially!

I am personally dismayed at the decision to close the shop which has been a pinnacle of the Tenby community. If you would share your dissatisfaction with me, please write to The Caldey Island Trust, Caldey Island, Tenby, Pembs, SA70 7UH.

Albie Smosarski,

Tenby