Community

Welsh more likely to be alone at Christmas

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

A NEW SURVEY by The Salvation Army has revealed that nearly one in 10 people will spend Christmas day alone this year in Wales (9 per cent), more than double the average across Britain (3 per cent).

The poll that the church and charity commissioned with YouGov, also revealed that 12 per cent of people in the country felt lonely over the festive season last year (higher than the British average of 11 per cent). The Salvation Army is working within local communities to tackle the issue of isolation and loneliness, and bringing Christmas to many people who would otherwise be unable to celebrate the festive season. Last year, church and charity supported more than 53,000 people over Christmas in Britain, delivered more than 70,000 presents donated to us, and cooked 1703 Christmas dinners Major Val Mylechreest, Salvation Army spokeswoman, said:

“Loneliness can affect anyone of any age or background. People in Wales, like many people across the Britain, can feel disconnected to their local communities and out of touch with their families over the Christmas period. Every year many of our churches open their doors on Christmas Day for a sociable lunch or go out into the community – and see people from every background and age.”

According to the survey, 81 per cent of the Welsh think the season has become too materialistic, with the survey average 77 per cent. With an average total spend of £438 in the country, Christmas is an expensive celebration with the Welsh forking out more than people living in London, South East England and Scotland. The poll also found that 43 per cent of people believe that Christmas is still a Christian festival. The survey suggests that many of us still believe in ‘Christian charity’ with 12 per cent planning to help vulnerable people in need or volunteer with charities over the festive period, though that is below the British average of 14 per cent. Demi Hall, 39, from London, was struggling to make ends meet and needed emergency food for her family, so she asked The Salvation Army for help. She now volunteers at the church (corps) in Clapton, London and the nearby Salvation Army community café in Stoke Newington.

She said: “The Christmas holidays were really difficult. I have extended family but the added pressure of providing for my son at Christmas made me feel very isolated, because I was trying to cope with things on my own. I wanted to treat my son to a nice Christmas. The Salvation Army church in Clapton helped me with friendship, food and books to make Christmas a happy time for us. I’m now working for The Salvation Army coordinating the food parcel programme – helping people like me.”

Val Mylechreest adds: “The Salvation Army are here to help anyone in Wales who needs us, regardless of background. If you are feeling lonely, or worried about feeling lonely, please get in touch with your local church.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 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)