Community

Free ‘Get Online Week’ workshops for those not on-line

Published

11 years ago

November 25, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Get online: Residents living in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to
sign up for a series of free workshops

RESIDENTS living in Pembrokeshire who are unable to use computers or the internet are being encouraged to sign up for a series of free workshops to equip them with the skills they need to benefit from the digital revolution. Special events are being held across the area next week to mark ‘Get Online Week,’ a nationwide drive to encourage people without these skills to learn how to log on and start using the worldwide web in their daily lives.

Latest figures show that almost one in five Welsh adults has never used the internet; many of these being older people or those living in disadvantaged communities. Running from 13 to 19 October, Get Online Week is a UK-wide campaign that is supported in Wales by digital inclusion project Communities 2.0. Events run by Communities 2.0 will be held across Wales, including the ‘First Click Course’ in Milford Haven Library on Monday 13 October at 10am and an ‘iPad Digital Photography’ workshop in Tenby Library at 10am on Wednesday 15 October. Further events in Pembrokeshire include an ‘iPad e-Commerce’ session at Tenby Library at 10am on Thursday 16 October.

Communities 2.0, a Welsh Government programme part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is encouraging residents to attend these events during Get Online Week to gain basic computer skills that could transform their lives. Cathryn Marcus of Communities 2.0: “Communities 2.0 is encouraging people to attend one of the events in their area over the coming week to access free training and advice in order to help them undertake online tasks such as shopping and banking with ease. “Four out of five people in Wales already use the internet and many of them are very good at it, but there are still 20% who still can’t use the web and are missing out on huge opportunities to alter the way they go about their day-to-day lives as a result.

Online shopping, banking, learning or entertainment, staying in closer touch with family and friends or accessing important public services including health services can all make a positive difference to people’s wellbeing. She added: “The internet is a real enabler in modern society but, with one fifth of the population still without digital skills, and more and more services moving away from the high street to the internet, Get Online Week is a timely reminder of the importance of helping people to become digitally literate.” Further information is available from 0845 474 8282 or from local libraries, drop-in centres, post offices or other community venues.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

7 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)