Community
Carer to undertake ten weeks with Tearfund

Tearfund: Tara sees helping poor communities as part of her discipleship
A PEMBROKE DOCK carer is following in her friend’s footsteps and heading off to South Africa to play her part in an initiative, devoted to transforming the lives of families and children blighted by the scourge of HIV. Tara Baker, who heads off to Durban for ten weeks in early January, has been selected to serve with the Christian relief agency Tearfund in conjunction with ICS (International Christian Service). Tearfund/ICS offers volunteers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend ten weeks in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Rwanda or South Africa working alongside young in-country volunteers and contributing directly to genuine development projects “I heard about this programme from Sophie Merrix’s mother” Tara explained.
“Sophie was on the same programme last year and I have to admit it has grabbed my heart. I will be working in the Inchanga Primary school in Kwa Zulu Natal, but have been told ‘to expect the unexpected and to prepared to do anything’.” She added: “I am sure it is going to prove a very exciting ten weeks. I like the idea of getting out of my bubble and being able to exploring different cultures and countries, and best of all to feel I will be able to make a difference. “I am a Christian and I see this as part of my discipleship.
Christians are called to be a light to the world and to care for the poor. Sophie told me that it changed her life – it changes your outlook on everything” Tara’s interest has already had an impact on her current lifestyle, as she explained. “I am engaging in ‘Below the Line’ Challenge, which is seeking to arouse awareness of those who are living in poverty in the UK by trying to live on £1 a day.”
“This is not a fund raising exercise,” she added. “This is a solidarity challenge. I’d read about it before and wondered if I would be able to do it but the training I have received at Tearfund has opened my mind up to the way other people have to live. Now this has given the motivation to get stuck in and the training at Tearfund has really made me think a lot about poverty – I think its amazing what they do.” I hope to make a difference but I also hope it will open my mind to learn how other people live. I have given up my job but I am not too concerned about that I am trusting God 100% for the future “I am absolutely thrilled to see Tara wanting to serve God in this way,” said Pastor Rob James of Pembroke.
“Like her friend Sophie Merrix who is now working full time for Tearfund she is an inspiration to us all. I am convinced that the quickest way to finding a fulfilling life is to reach out to help those in need. “Selfishness is corrosive and destructive whereas caring for others is enriching and extremely rewarding. Tara will discover that as she steps out in faith and in her love for others
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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