Community

Funding secured to keep Milford Haven Library open for another year

Published

10 months ago

February 21, 2025

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN and Milford Haven Town Council have joined forces to offer Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) a funding package of £13,000, ensuring that Milford Haven Library remains open for another year.

Amid proposals by PCC to either relocate the library or transition it to a volunteer-run service due to financial shortfalls, discussions with the community reinforced the library’s importance in providing learning opportunities, social well-being, and essential services.

With a shortfall of £13,000 threatening the library’s future, the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Haven Town Council have stepped in to provide the necessary funds, allowing the facility to continue operating in its current form while a long-term sustainable solution is sought.

SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FROM LOCAL PARTNERS

The Port of Milford Haven has pledged £10,000 towards the library, adding to the substantial financial backing it has provided over the years, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds since PCC entered into its lease agreement for the building.

Milford Haven Mayor Cllr William Elliott expressed his satisfaction at the collaborative effort to secure the library’s immediate future.

“We are delighted that we have been able to collaborate with the Port of Milford Haven to ensure the current setup of this much-needed, valued, and essential library is maintained. There is an absolute commitment to working with the Port and Pembrokeshire County Council to support a long-term solution,” he said.

Cllr Elliott also extended his gratitude to residents who participated in the consultation process, as well as to the Port of Milford Haven and PCC for their cooperative approach.

PORT’S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

***Port boss: Tom Sawyer*** ***(Pic MHPA)***

Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, emphasised the importance of the library to the local community.

“We are pleased to have worked alongside Milford Haven Town Council to protect this key community space. Each year, we allocate around 10% of our annual profits to support organisations through direct funding or partnership working, delivering on our core outcomes: a safe and enjoyable Waterway, a sustainable and resilient environment, and a vibrant and prosperous community,” he stated.

“We know the community of Milford Haven will be stronger as a result of this decision, and we are committed to working alongside Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to find a long-term, sustainable solution for the library.”

NEXT STEPS

Findings from the public consultation, which also included feedback on Pembroke Dock and Pembroke libraries, will be presented at Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet meeting on 17 March. It is expected that the funding package will be formally accepted, securing Milford Haven Library’s future for another year while further discussions continue on a sustainable long-term solution.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 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

2 days 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

2 days 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)