Community
Drakeford to discuss future of Welsh communities at Hermon
MARK DRAKEFORD will visit Canolfan Hermon on Friday (Sept 19) to take part in a public meeting on the future of Welsh-speaking communities in the Garreg Las area.
The event, organised by Clebran community paper as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, will give local people an opportunity to put forward their views on the challenges facing the Welsh language. Translation facilities will be available on the night.
Report on decline
The Welsh Government commissioned a report, chaired by academic Simon Brooks, to consider the state of Welsh-speaking areas. Once known as the Bröydd Cymraeg, these were defined as communities where more than 70% of residents spoke Welsh. Twenty years ago, parts of the Garreg Las hinterland reached that figure, but today the percentage has dropped.
The report made a series of recommendations but, to date, none have been acted upon. Mr Drakeford, who holds ministerial responsibility for the Welsh language, has confirmed that no major policy changes will be introduced until his successor is appointed following next year’s Senedd election.
National Eisteddfod role
He has, however, urged the National Eisteddfod to ensure it leaves a legacy wherever it is hosted, by strengthening ties with local organisations that promote the language. At Hermon he is expected to expand on these ideas and to listen to suggestions from the floor.
Local concerns
The decline in circulation of Clebran itself illustrates some of the issues. Twenty years ago the paper sold 1,200 copies monthly; today that figure has halved. Some believe younger generations are turning to other forms of communication, leaving older readers to sustain the publication.
Despite this, support for the language in Pembrokeshire remains strong. Menter Iaith Sir Benfro runs activities across the county, Welsh classes are thriving, and schools continue to use Welsh as the medium of instruction.
The meeting begins at 7:30pm and all are welcome to attend.

Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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