News

Pembrokeshire boy helps dreams come true

Published

10 years ago

January 8, 2015

GEORGE, aged 8, had a dream. He dreamt of people without clean water, and disturbed by the dream, spoke to his Nan, Rhonwen, saying he wanted to use his pocket money to help people get clean water. Rhonwen, the leader of New Life Christian Fellowship Sunday School, who meet in Kilgetty Community Center, asked the Church to help George fund raise. They held stalls in various craft fairs in the hope of donating the funds to UK Christian Relief and Development Agency Tearfund, who work directly with those effected through the local Church partners.

This little boy’s dream is helping people like Doreen, 13, and her sister Jouvllet,11. They have big dreams, but face a big mountain. The sisters live in Kabale District, south-west Uganda, where the mountainous landscape creates a stunning vista. Somewhat spoiling the view, every day, twice a day they walk down a 3km mountain and carry 20 litres of water back up.

This is extremely hard work, it often makes them late for school, affecting their education, it also puts them in danger of attack. George’s dream is helping to make dreams like the sisters’ come true: “I want to train to be a headmistress because they get an opportunity to teach others and pass knowledge to them so that they can also get a better life,” says Doreen. “When I teach them they will get better paid jobs. They will be able to get money and establish their homes with a good income.” Though the girls can see a bright future ahead, there’s one big mountain in the way.

This is what Tearfund, with this kind of local support and working through their network of local churches in the areas affected, are seeing changed. Over the year, £300 was raised by George with New Life Christian Fellowship, and a cheque was recently presented to Tearfund’s ambassadors, Francis and Ann Maull for Tearfund’s One Big Mountain water project.

Ann Maull said: “We thank George, and New Life Fellowship for their support; and would love others in Pembrokeshire and beyond to help raise funds for girls like Doreen and Jouvllet, so that they and their communities, can easily access the safe water they need to live.” Just £7 can give one person access to clean water near their home. £28 could give four girls like Doreen and Jouvllet access to clean water near their home giving them a safer and better future.

£42 can provide a family of six with a water tank at their home. £100 can help provide a protected spring that 200 people can use to access clean water. Ann added: “Water is an essential commodity we often take for granted, we turn on the tap and it’s there. For some people water comes only at a great cost. With your help, Tearfund can change this, helping people to improve their communities and make their dreams a reality.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.