Community

Beating of the Bounds brings colour and community spirit to Haverfordwest

Published

5 months ago

July 13, 2025

Annual river tradition draws crowds and praise

HAVERFORDWEST’S historic Beating of the Bounds returned in style this weekend, as hundreds gathered at the Quayside to enjoy a day steeped in tradition, sunshine, and community celebration.

The Mayor and Admiral of the Port of Haverfordwest led the event, welcoming a distinguished group of guests including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, fellow town mayors and consorts, and a wide cross-section of local residents. The Mayoress and members of the Town Council were also in attendance, reflecting the civic pride behind one of the town’s most treasured annual events.

The ceremony, which revives the centuries-old practice of marking the boundaries of the port, was made all the more memorable by fine summer weather. Spectators lined the Quayside to watch the flotilla of boats, with thanks extended to the boating community for travelling upriver to take part, and to the Port of Milford Haven for ensuring the safety of all involved.

Fun for all the family

Beyond the tradition, the day offered plenty of family-friendly entertainment. Children enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting, ice cream, candy floss, and magic shows, while adults relaxed with food and drinks from neighbouring venue The Bristol Trader. The popular pub also hosted the Fishguard Male Voice Choir, who performed both on stage and along the Quayside, creating a festive atmosphere.

Musical entertainment was curated by Pure West Radio, with performances from Natalie O’Brien, Vision Arts, Kyle Kirkhouse, and a rousing sea shanty group who serenaded guests boarding boats at the slipway.

Community spirit on show

A heartfelt thanks was shared by the Mayor and Town Clerk to all who helped make the day possible—from council members and PCC staff who marshalled boats and set up gazebos and fencing from early morning, to St John Ambulance Cymru, Dale Sailing Company Ltd, and the traders who brought the event to life. Haverfordwest Cricket Club also provided a light buffet for the day.

Special appreciation was shown to Pure West Radio for their coverage, and to the often-unsung Street Team from Pembrokeshire County Council who prepared the Quayside in the run-up to the event.

With photos shared from the Clerk’s collection, local photographer Levi Fox, and the MHPA patrol boat, the event has been widely celebrated as a success—capping off the day with a golden sunset over the Western Cleddau.

Photo credits: Haverfordwest Town Council, Levi Fox, Dress for the Occasions and MHPA

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)