A PENYBRYN resident is appealing for community support to launch a small-scale craft cider business in West Wales. Olly Craigan, the organiser of the GoFundMe campaign titled “Craigans Cider,” has already raised £545 towards his goal of £12,000. The funds will go towards purchasing essential equipment to establish a permanent apple press and cider workshop.

Since 2014, Craigan has honed his cider-making skills under the mentorship of experienced cider maker John Whitfield. Now living on a community organic farm in Pembrokeshire, Craigan is seeking to create a dedicated space for producing his craft cider.

The funds raised will help purchase an apple press (£4,500), scratter apple mill (£1,500), filtration and pumping systems (£950), stainless steel tanks (£2,500), and bottling equipment (£1,000). Any donations beyond the target will support operational costs and community cider-making workshops.

Craigan plans to thank supporters by inviting them to a grafting day on the farm, where attendees can sample cider and take home an apple tree.

Further information and donations can be made on the GoFundMe page here.

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and partner organisations are reminding residents of support and advice available for those impacted by the cost of living as Winter approaches.

A number of organisations can help signpost anyone struggling to support and advice, along with practical advice on access financial support where eligible.

Pembrokeshire County Council has dedicated webpages to signpost to support for those with concerns about education and school costs, health and wellbeing, help for older people, claiming benefits and household and energy bills.

It also links to Pension Credit information, which is worth on average £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care and glasses and for those over 75, a free TV licence. 

Find out if you are eligible by contacting the Pension Service at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility.  You can also apply by telephoning: 0800 99 1234, lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.  Before you apply have details of your and any partner’s national insurance number, all income and savings. 

You must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 to qualify for the 2024 – 2025 Winter Fuel Payment.

The Pembrokeshire Community Hub is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of information from events, community activities, making connections to cost of living resources.

You can contact the Hub via its website, social media or by calling 01437 723660.

PAVS launched a Live Well for Less programme earlier this year that aims to help people take steps to maximise income and reduce expenditure using a range of tools and services. This can also be accessed through the Community Hub.

Cabinet Member for Social Services Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “There are a number of resources available for those concerned about heating and energy bills and I would encourage anyone with concerns or looking for advice to contact the Pembrokeshire Community Hub as soon as they can.

“I would also highlight that residents can also check whether they are eligible for pension credits which can open doors to further financial help.”

LOCAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has visited Forest School Pembrokeshire, an outdoor education facility based near Haverfordwest. Mr Davies had a tour of the facility and met with Kate Morgan to hear more about the type of experiences that the Forest School provides. Mr Davies then took part in some pumpkin carving with Kate and some of the children.

Mr Davies said, “I’ve been a longstanding supporter of outdoor learning and so it was a pleasure to visit the Forest School and learn more about their facilities and the type of activities that they provide.”

“The Forest School offers inclusive and accessible experiences in a forest setting, and it was clear to me that the children were fully engaged and very enthusiastic during the pumpkin carving session.”

“Kate and her team have done a wonderful job in developing the Forest School and I’d encourage parents across Pembrokeshire to find out more about what the School offers.”