Community

New Chief says ‘there’s always more to do, I’ll starts as I mean to go on’

Published

4 years ago

December 12, 2021

DYFED-POWYS POLICE’S new Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis, marks his return to force with a Saturday nightshift back on the streets of Aberystwyth, where he first began his policing career.

Announced as Police & Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn’s preferred candidate to lead the force following the retirement of Mark Collins earlier this year, Dr Lewis has served as the Chief Constable in Cleveland since April 2019.

Originally from Carmarthenshire, his career in the police service started in 2000. During his 18 years in Dyfed-Powys Police he served in every rank up to Deputy Chief Constable, working in all four counties in the force. He has also been the head of the professional standards department and chaired the Wales Counter Corruption Working Group.

Speaking ahead of his return home, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis shared a message with the organisation about his intentions for Dyfed-Powys Police, and the importance of giving our communities and the workforce a voice in shaping those plans for the future.

The Chief’s plan is to consult both within and outside of the force, he said

He said: “Since my appointment, I’ve heard so many tell me that there’s no reason why Dyfed-Powys Police can’t be an outstanding organisation and public service for our communities – I couldn’t agree more, but the time has come to stop asserting what we could be, and push on harder to always improve. The first step to doing so is to consult on priorities, and I will do this during my first 100 days; not forgetting that we must also work to deliver the PCCs Police & Crime Plan, in itself develop through consultation with our communities.

“My aim in spending my first shift back in force, out on the streets with our frontline colleagues is because I want to see it as it is and hear it as it is. I want the truth and I want challenge.”

The Chief’s plan to consult both within and outside of the organisation takes him through until late March, at which point the hoped-for rich picture of where Dyfed-Powys Police goes next and the plan to deliver the vision will be put into place.

Dyfed Powys Police has many unique challenges

Dr Lewis continued: “Once we agree on priorities, we will relentlessly pursue them as a single team, with clarity and focus. Prioritising some things means admitting that other things, whilst important, are not top of our agenda.

“However, consulting cannot mean that our work grinds to a halt in the meantime – the rhythm of an organisation requires work to continue apace.

“When we’ve set our priorities and decided how we will measure progress, we will not set targets but simply aim to be better every single day. We will not define ourselves against the results of others, but aim to continuously improve.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

6 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)