Community

Lack of public transport left many older people isolated over bank holiday

Published

4 months ago

August 26, 2025

OLDER people across Wales were left struggling to get out and about over the August bank holiday weekend due to a lack of suitable public transport, the Older People’s Commissioner has said.

Rhian Bowen-Davies warned that while many used the long weekend to visit family and friends, travel to the coast or enjoy a day out, these opportunities were far more limited for many older people.

Everyday struggle

She said: “For many of us, bank holiday plans involved some form of travel, and getting from A to B is something that we often take for granted when we have access to a car.

“But for many older people, transport options were far more limited, often due to the lack of bus and train services or their reliability, or because of having to rely on others when needing to travel.

“This meant that many older people across Wales found it difficult to get out and about and do the things that matter to them, which are crucial to supporting health, well-being and independence.”

The Commissioner stressed this was not just a bank holiday issue. She said older people face barriers every day, with many reporting problems ranging from limited or non-existent services, poor timetabling and accessibility, to safety concerns when waiting for or travelling on public transport.

Call for urgent action

Polling by the Commissioner’s office has found that nearly two-thirds of older people are concerned about public transport. Many told her they have a “bus pass, but no bus.”

Bowen-Davies called for swift delivery of improvements promised in the Welsh Government’s forthcoming Bus Bill, which she said must ensure services reflect the needs of passengers through greater availability, accessibility and reliability.

“Significant improvements are needed to benefit people of all ages, particularly older people, as well as supporting more environmentally friendly travel options,” she said.

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)