News

Local groups get the chance to win £100

Published

10 years ago

December 17, 2014

PAVS, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, is inviting community groups and charities with a base in the county to share their views as it prepares to model services for the future. PAVS, which is the umbrella organisation for all third sector groups in Pembrokeshire, is developing its delivery plan for next year and is facing tough decisions in the context of reducing financial resources.

Chief Officer, Sue Leonard explains continued austerity is driving innovation on how to work more efficiently in future: “PAVS, like many other local organisations, has to sharpen its focus on delivering more with less. I want to hear from local groups about the role of the third sector in Pembrokeshire, how we as an organisation can help them in delivering in their communities and how PAVS can continue to focus on services that make the greatest difference to voluntary and community groups in the county.”

Every local organisation that takes part in the survey will be automatically entered into a prize draw. There is a top prize of £100 for an organisation drawn at random, with three free PAVS memberships also up for grabs. Sue Leonard continued: “There are over 900 third sector groups each with dozens of volunteers giving up their time for a cause or to enhance their local village or town.

There is a huge amount of energy in the third sector in Pembrokeshire, and that is why we are interested in finding out more about the groups we support and the volunteers that support them so that we can build up a comprehensive picture of voluntary action.” PAVS is hosting its Annual General Meeting on Friday December 5 at Crundale Community Hall. The event which starts at 10am will look to the future, including a discussion on ‘Re-imagining Public Services’.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

3 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.