Community

Guide Dogs Cymru expand service

Published

11 years ago

December 17, 2014

GUIDE DOGS CYMRU will be in Haverfordwest on Wednesday (December 10) to recruit volunteers for a project that is growing in popularity. The charity is helping blind and visually impaired people in Pembrokeshire to get out and about by pairing them with specially-trained volunteer guides. The scheme, entitled My Guide, works by matching a trained volunteer with a person who is blind or partially sighted, in order to help them reach their mobility goal.

This could be as simple as walking to the shops or a social club, or practising routes they have learnt with their rehabilitation officer. The aim is to increase mobility, confidence and independence. Eight volunteers have been trained to Level One since the project was launched earlier this year. My Guide Ambassador for Wales, Kylene Rafferty, said identifying the right candidates is vital, as the scheme involves working closely with adults who have a visual impairment. She said: “We take care to get the right match of personality and interests. For example, a blind or visually impaired person may wish to work towards going to the football every week. A volunteer might only give an hour a week, but it needs to be a regular commitment.”

Volunteers receive specialist training in practical sighted guiding to enable them to form a successful and confident partnership with a visually impaired person. Further training focuses on improving communication skills and overcoming barriers to independence. One of the first in the county to benefit from the project is Derek Holloway of St Dogmaels, who is 75 and has peripheral vision. He said: “My partnership is working well.

I’m able to go out for a walk round the village after I was paired with my guide Doug, who is an old friend.” Kylene Rafferty, herself a trained sighted guide, said: “Volunteers say they get great satisfaction from helping a visually impaired person to become more mobile. They are giving something back to their community, and learning new skills that they can apply in day to day life. These are skills that transfer well to the workplace, and the qualifications can be added to a CV.” Would-be volunteers must be over 18. Find out more by coming along to PAVS in Haverfordwest between 10am- 2pm on Wednesday December 10, or contact Steve Kersley by ringing 07785 907728 or emailing steve.kersley@ guidedogs.org.uk.

Community

Tesco expands free fruit and veg scheme to more Welsh schools

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New research suggests most children in Wales are still falling short of five-a-day

TESCO is expanding its Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme across Wales after new research found that most children are not eating their recommended five portions a day.

The supermarket said only four out of 37 children in Wales, around 10.8%, eat their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day.

The research also found that almost a third of Welsh parents said their child refuses fruit and vegetables altogether.

Tesco said it will double the number of schools supported by the programme from September, with an ambition to double it again the following year.

The scheme currently provides funding to more than 500 schools across the UK with higher-than-average free school meal eligibility, allowing them to provide pupils with fruit and vegetables during the school day.

Since launching in 2024, the programme has already reached more than 188,000 children across the UK, with pupils consuming more than 15 million portions of fruit and vegetables in its first year.

This year’s expansion is expected to support more than 388,000 children across the UK.

Tesco said the programme is designed to help children try a wider range of fruit and vegetables, build confidence with healthy food, and encourage better eating habits.

The company said pupils taking part have already sampled more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables.

The research also suggested that choice and presentation can make a difference. More than three quarters of Welsh parents said their child is more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they can choose them themselves, while many said making food fun or visually creative encouraged children to try more.

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “We’ve set out an ambition to help one million children get free fruit and veg through our school and community programmes, supporting the development of healthy habits.

“Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has already made, so we’re delighted to be able to double the number of schools receiving support from September.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “A significant number of children in the UK are growing up with diets that don’t support their health.

“Early food experiences matter, as they can help to shape children’s confidence, habits and long-term health outcomes.

“By helping children enjoy and regularly eat fruit and vegetables from a young age, programmes like Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools can help to make a lasting difference to diet and health now and in the future.”

Tesco is also inviting children to create fruit and vegetable-packed recipes as part of its Giant Fruit and Veg Challenge, with the winning dish to be served in more than 1,500 schools.

The supermarket has set a target of helping one million school children across the UK access free fruit and vegetables through its school and community programmes by July 2029.

Community

Banking hub to open in Pembroke Dock library within days

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Temporary facility set to offer face-to-face banking support as permanent home is sought

A NEW temporary banking hub is expected to open in Pembroke Dock within the next week, offering residents and businesses access to everyday banking services following the closure of traditional high street branches.

The facility, which is being established inside Pembroke Dock Library, was visited this week by county councillor Jonathan Grimes and Preseli Pembrokeshire MS Paul Davies, who received an update on progress from Debbie of Cash Access UK.

According to Cllr Grimes, the temporary hub is now nearing completion and will provide a valuable service to the local community, particularly for residents who still rely on face-to-face banking and cash services.

At present, it is understood that NatWest, Lloyds and Barclays will each have a dedicated day at the hub during the working week, with staff available to offer advice, support and assistance with account-related queries. Other banks are expected to be confirmed in due course.

Importantly, customers will not be restricted to using services only from their own bank. The hub will allow people from any banking provider to carry out routine transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits and other day-to-day banking needs.

The temporary facility will operate Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and will be based inside the library while plans continue for a permanent banking hub in the town.

Jonathan Grimes, county councillor for Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said he was pleased with the progress being made.

He said the temporary hub “already looks fantastic” and would be a “really valuable addition for the community.”

The long-term location for the permanent Pembroke Dock Banking Hub is still being finalised by Cash Access UK, with the permanent site expected to open within the next 12 months.

The move comes amid growing concern over the loss of high street bank branches across Pembrokeshire and the impact this has had on elderly residents, cash-reliant businesses and people without easy access to online banking.

Banking hubs have been rolled out across the UK to plug the gap left by branch closures, offering shared facilities where customers from different banks can access essential services under one roof.

Photo caption: New banking hub: Jonathan Grimes and Paul Davies receive an update on the temporary Pembroke Dock Banking Hub at Pembroke Dock Library (Pic: Supplied).

Community

Free Sinfonia Cymru concert comes to Narberth

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Young musicians from Sinfonia Cymru will perform at Narberth Scout Hut as part of SPAN Arts’ Cymuned tour

SPAN ARTS is inviting the community to enjoy a free live performance by Sinfonia Cymru on Saturday (June 6).

The concert will feature a quintet of strings and piano, bringing professional live music into the heart of Narberth for audiences of all ages.

Sinfonia Cymru, described as Wales’ orchestra of young talent, is made up of dynamic professional musicians aged under 30. The organisation supports young musicians from Wales and around the world as they begin their professional careers.

The ensemble performs classical music, new compositions and collaborations with musicians from other genres, with a focus on bringing high-quality music to places where audiences feel at home.

The free hour-long concert will take place at Narberth Scout Hut, just off Towns Moor car park, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Doors open at 11:30am, with refreshments and snacks available before the performance.

After the concert, audience members will be invited to meet the musicians and learn more about their instruments.

Tickets are free, but booking is advised via span-arts.org.uk/whats-on.

Event details

Event: Sinfonia Cymru – Cymuned tour, followed by musician meet and greet
Tickets: Free, booking advised
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 12:00pm–1:00pm
Venue: The Scout Hut, Narberth, SA67 7UW

For more information, visit span-arts.org.uk or call 01834 869323.