Community

It’s official!

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Transition Haverfordwest: Looking after the environment.

BECOMING an ‘official’ transition town initiative marks the end of the ‘mulling’ phase of our work and the beginning of an exciting new phase in the organisation’s goal of creating a sustainable future for the county town and the area that it serves. Guy Norman, a founder member, looks back over the last five years leading up to the recent award by the Transition Network of ‘Official’ status for the Transition Haverfordwest initiative: “The transition group was formed in 2009 as a direct response to Haverfordwest Going Plastic Bag Free’s (HGPBF) screening of the shocking film ‘Message in the Waves’, which highlighted the scale and destructive effects of plastics in the marine environment.

Since then the Welsh Government’s policy of charging for bags has reduced single use bags by 90% and as a by-product reinforced the belief that individuals can make a difference. Over the last 5 years the transition group has, steadily built towards its current membership of over 400 individuals and organisations, and through it’s steering group delivered a wide-ranging programme of work to raise awareness of peak oil and promote local action to combat climate change. In the early days we concentrated on raising awareness of the issues through screenings of campaigning films and the hosting of talks.

These days we are much more focused on the power of ‘just doing stuff’. The ‘stuff’ that we have done has included: working in partnership with talented local chefs to run ‘Freshly Pembrokeshire’ a successful monthly supper club promoting local food and putting on a highly successful series of Green Fayres culminating in 2014’s most ambitious event yet, ‘Tomorrow’s World’, delivered in partnership with Hilton Court Gardens. Last winter the Orchard Mawr group planted more than 100 trees on publicly accessible land in and around Haverfordwest, and in the coming season have ambitious plans to plant a further 200 towards the target of 1000 fruit and nut trees by the end of the decade.”

The next phase of our work is marked by two new initiatives – a mind body and spirit group and an energy group focusing on the installation of solar energy for those in fuel poverty. “Twenty-five organisations having signed up to ‘Be Part of it‘ our partnership initiative to network and raise awareness of all the positive work of individuals and organisations that are contributing to addressing the great transition of our times building a reinvigorated more localized economy drawing its energy from the creativity and imagination of local people and powered by the renewables that will help us to build a truly sustainable and inclusive future.” The future is looking good. To find out more and get involved visit our website www.transitionhaverfordwest. org.uk

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

11 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

13 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.