Community

Saundersfoot marks VE Day with tea, music and memories

Published

7 months ago

May 11, 2025

SAUNDERSFOOT COMMUNITY COUNCIL was proud to support Regency Hall’s VE Day Afternoon Tea, held on Friday (May 9), with a celebration that combined reflection, music, and community spirit.

The hall was beautifully decorated, with tables arranged in the shape of the letters “VE” — a thoughtful tribute to the occasion. Emma Price, Manager of Regency Hall, and her dedicated team worked tirelessly to deliver a warm and welcoming event that was clearly appreciated by all in attendance.

The afternoon began with a welcome address from the Chair of Saundersfoot Community Council, Councillor Alec Cormack. This was followed by the ceremonial raising of the VE Day flag on the Saundersfoot Bowling Club flagpole — a poignant gesture marking the start of the commemoration.

Guests were then treated to a traditional afternoon tea, complete with a selection of sweet and savoury delights. The atmosphere was further enhanced by live performances of wartime favourites from local choir Côr y Môr, followed by a moving solo performance from Eva Rich.

Two local war veterans, Duncan Hilling and Eileen Machin, were guests of honour. Eileen brought along a treasured photograph from her service in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Representatives from the Tenby and Saundersfoot District Poppy Appeal were also in attendance to lend their support.

Following the tea, many guests made their way to the adjacent Bowling Club to enjoy a few friendly games — including a lively ‘spider’ competition, bringing the afternoon to a light-hearted close.

Speaking after the event, Cllr Cormack said: “The whole afternoon went really well. It was a fabulous example of what can be achieved when local groups come together for the good of the village.”

Thanks were also extended to Cllr Tony Wall, who captured the event with a series of excellent photographs.

The Saundersfoot tea was one of many events held across Pembrokeshire to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. From concerts and services to school activities and military tributes, communities throughout the county came together to honour those who served and to reflect on the enduring importance of peace. The Regency Hall gathering stood out as a shining example of how local people continue to keep the spirit of remembrance alive through collaboration, respect, and celebration.

Community

Kurtz thanks Narberth postal workers for Christmas effort

Published

2 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual visit to Royal Mail delivery office recognises “exceptional dedication”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has paid tribute to postal workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Narberth during a visit this week, thanking staff for their hard work at the busiest time of the year.

The run-up to Christmas is the peak period for Royal Mail, with teams processing and delivering thousands of cards, parcels and festive packages for households and businesses across west Wales. During his tour of the depot, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd met with postal workers and heard first-hand about the pressures they face in keeping deliveries on track.

As part of the now annual tradition, Mr Kurtz also donated a bottle from Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Velfrey Vineyard for a free staff raffle.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Every year, postal workers go above and beyond to make sure our Christmas cards and parcels arrive safely. Their dedication keeps communities connected, and I want to pay a heartfelt thank you to the team in Narberth for the incredible work they do at the most demanding time of the year.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

3 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

22 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.)