Community

Voyages to Positive Destinations: Young people take to the water aboard Faramir

Published

5 months ago

July 16, 2025

YOUNG people from Pembrokeshire experienced the adventure of a lifetime in May, thanks to a unique nautical programme designed for those in care, care leavers, and their families.

The Voyages to Positive Destinations initiative took place on the 27th and 28th of May aboard Faramir, a 22.35m Bermudan Ketch owned by the Cirdan Sailing Trust. The tall ship was moored at Hobbs Point in the Cleddau Estuary, ready to welcome participants for an inspiring exploration of life at sea.

The event was organised through a partnership between Tall Ships Wales Trust, the Cirdan Sailing Trust, and the Dragon Darwin Experience, with generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Port of Milford Haven, and West Wales Freemasons.

First-time sailors

On the first day, 19 young people and adults from local families—alongside representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council—stepped aboard for a Nautical Medley. The experienced crew led a hands-on tour of the ship, both above and below deck, which included a scavenger hunt, knot-tying workshops, and open discussions about sailing and life at sea.

Meanwhile, the Darwin Centre transformed the ship’s galley into a temporary marine biology lab, offering families the chance to explore ocean life up close—from drifting plankton and seaweed snacks to shells and mermaid’s purses.

That afternoon, Faramir set sail with 17 passengers for an overnight voyage. The group fully immersed themselves in ship life—taking turns at the helm, helping to set sails, keeping the galley tidy, and standing night watch while moored off Dale Bay.

Science on the sea

The following day, a new group including six young people joined for a short taster sail along the Cleddau. They explored the vessel, met the crew, and shared homemade cake before joining the Darwin team for more hands-on marine science.

Using a fine-mesh plankton net, participants collected zooplankton samples and recorded environmental data including weather, sea conditions, salinity, GPS location, and vessel speed. The ship’s galley once again became a floating lab, where microscopes were used to identify the tiny marine species gathered.

That evening, Faramir moored at Neyland Marina for an open ship event, attended by around 30 project partners and local dignitaries.

Looking to the future

The Voyages to Positive Destinations programme will culminate this autumn with a longer coastal voyage around southern England, aimed at young adults preparing to leave care.

The Tall Ships Wales Trust hopes to offer more of these transformative experiences in Pembrokeshire, connecting young people with the region’s maritime heritage and building skills, confidence, and curiosity through adventure.

Paula Holt from the Tall Ships Wales Trust said: “For many of these young people, this was their first time experiencing life at sea. Watching them build confidence, work together as a crew, and discover the hidden world of marine life was truly inspiring. Opportunities like this can create lasting positive memories and open new horizons.”

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)