Community

Using the sun to slash Fishguard’s energy bills

Published

5 months ago

July 21, 2025

Community solar project brings savings and sustainability to local homes and businesses

ROOFTOP solar panel systems with battery storage have been installed on three properties in the Fishguard area—at no cost to the owners—thanks to a pioneering local energy project.

One of the installations can be seen atop A & E Nichols hardware store on West Street. Since being completed at the end of May, the system has enabled the shop to be 97% self-sufficient in solar energy throughout June. Not only has it slashed electricity costs, but it has also sold 420.3 kWh of surplus green energy back to the national grid—enough to power four A-rated fridge freezers for a year.

Shop owner Andrew Nichols said: “I’m amazed at the amount of energy being created and the savings we’ll be making. It’s important this knowledge is shared with the community.”

The pilot project, led by local environmental charity Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG), was made possible through a grant from the Postcode Community Trust secured last October. As part of the scheme, two more solar PV systems have been fitted on the homes of lower-income residents in the town. Both homeowners said they were “very pleased” with the installations and praised the support offered by TBG throughout the process.

Building on the success of this initiative, TBG has now secured further funding from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme. This larger grant will support the expansion of its Community Solar project and enhance its Energy Advice Service.

TBG’s service includes three trained energy advisors who help local residents tackle fuel debt, improve insulation, reduce energy use, and explore renewable energy options. Advice Service Co-ordinator Peter Grech said: “Improving your home energy use—from using your heating programmer more efficiently to installing solar panels—helps save money and cuts carbon emissions. But understanding the pros and cons, knowing what information to trust and getting clear advice on grants can be difficult. We’re here to provide clear, impartial and practical support.”

Residents can contact the Energy Advice team by emailing: [email protected], visiting the office at 8a Main Street, Fishguard (near the Town Hall) on Wednesdays between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, or by dropping by the TBG stall at the Thursday Market in the Town Hall from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

15 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)