Community

Neyland community rallies to raise £6,000 for local ‘gentle giant’ Keri

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2023

Carli Newell

Organisers Rebecca Charlton, Jamie Charlton Donna Matthews and Keri Matthews Organisers Carys and Tom Obrien

THE NEYLAND community have rallied together to raise funds for local man Keri Matthews and his family.

Keri, described by those who know him as a ‘gentle giant’ is a much loved character within the community, and when news broke of his ongoing illness, the community rallied to set up a fundraising event.

Fundraising organisers Rebecca Charlton, Jamie Charlton, Carys O’brien and Tom O’Brien who are all residents at Neyland, set up the ‘Keri Matthews get together’ which was held on Saturday, May 13.

The first leg of the day was a huge fishing competition, which then led onto a family fun day at the Legionnaire pub, Neyland, a place that holds a special meaning to Keri and his family, having played Santa at the pub’s annual Christmas grotto for an astonishing 20-years.

The event included a bbq, bouncy castle and a live performance from the band dig deep.

Two mega raffles were held which included a fantastic array of prizes donated by local businesses.

One local woman, Amanda Legg, went the extra mile and had her hair shaved off, which raised a fantastic £500 towards the fundraiser.

The day was a huge success and raised a staggering £6,000 for Keri and his family.

Speaking on the achievement, the event organisers thanked the Neyland community for their spirit and generosity. They said: “The community spirit shown was outstanding and between all of the raffles, generous donations, fishing competition entry monies, and food sales on the day we handed over an incredible £6,000 to Keri and his family.”

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)