Community

Grab a glass to deal with spiders says British Pest Control Association

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2024

ARACHNOPHOBIC residents in Pembrokeshire can call a pest professional for help, says national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), but spiders are best left alone, or removed to a sheltered spot if needed.

Experts at BPCA say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.

However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.

Natalie Bungay is Technical Manager at BPCA. She said: “Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance.

“Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.

“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”

For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.

Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.

“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.

“A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

11 hours 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

11 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).