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Three Cardigan men return from Cambodia after transforming jungle school

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Volunteers build teacher housing, sports facilities and sanitation improvements in remote village

THREE men from the Cardigan area have returned home after completing a life-changing volunteer mission in Cambodia, where they spent two weeks helping to upgrade a rural jungle primary school.

The construction team

Mark Worrall, his son Kai Worrall, and step-son Sam Young – all from Glynarthen – were part of a nine-strong team that worked on the project at Preah Trapang Primary School in Chrey Village, near Siem Reap.

The initiative was entirely self-funded, with the team raising more than $5,500 through local fundraising events and donations. Every penny went towards building materials, equipment, and resources to improve the school and wider community.

Construction of the school underway

During their time in Cambodia, the volunteers constructed secure housing for four teachers, allowing them to live on-site instead of travelling long distances each day – a common hardship for educators in rural Cambodia. The improved access to education is expected to have a lasting impact on pupils’ learning outcomes.

The team also installed solar-powered lighting outside the school, erected basketball hoops and a volleyball net, and donated footballs, tennis gear, and other sports equipment. Inside, they fitted ceiling fans to make the classrooms more bearable in the tropical heat, and provided over 100 children with essentials including books, pens, rulers, flip-flops, and caps.

Beyond the school itself, the volunteers improved the village’s water storage system, built new toilets and showers, and added cooking facilities – all vital infrastructure in a remote area where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

Mark Worrall, his son Kai Worrall, and step-son Sam Young

Working in temperatures exceeding 36°C, the group mixed concrete, laid floors, and hauled building supplies daily. The completed teacher accommodation was blessed by local monks in a traditional ceremony to mark its importance to the community.

Speaking after his return, Mark Worrall said: “It was an unforgettable experience for all of us. Working alongside the local people, learning about their construction methods and sharing their culture was incredibly special.

“We’ve made a real difference to this village, and the improvements will continue to benefit the children and families for years to come. One of the most rewarding parts was the friendships we’ve made – we’re already hoping to return next year to take on another project.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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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)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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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).

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