Community

Churchill returns to Rhos for VJ-Day 80th anniversary

Published

4 months ago

August 20, 2025

WARTIME Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a special appearance at The Rhos Village Hall on Saturday (Aug 16) — in the form of local resident Richard Johns — to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ-Day.

Accompanied by his wife Carol, dressed as Clementine Churchill, Mr Johns was the guest of honour at a community celebration attended by over 50 people. He arrived in style, transported in a beautifully restored 1944-era military Jeep driven by Richard Cole.

Among those joining the commemoration was 99-year-old veteran Duncan Hilling of Saundersfoot, a former Head Gardener at Picton Castle. Mr Hilling served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in India during the Second World War, and within weeks of Japan’s surrender in 1945, he was among the first British troops deployed to the country as part of the occupying force. He attended the event with his daughter Katrina and son-in-law Graham Pearn.

The evening was organised by The Rhos and District Association (TRADA), whose Chairman, Paul Richardson, welcomed guests and spoke about the significance of the anniversary. Attendees stood for a minute’s silence to honour those who served.

Guests enjoyed a traditional wartime supper of pie, mash and peas, followed by live music from local duo Geoff and Dave, who performed a selection of wartime songs and classic favourites.

Thanks were extended to everyone who made the evening a success, including Richard Cole for providing the Jeep, the organisers and caterers, and all those who helped bring the community together for this poignant occasion.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

11 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)