Community
Pembrokeshire octogenarian embraces DIY-free living with Shared Ownership home
AN ACTIVE 80-year-old from Pembrokeshire has swapped DIY worries for more time outdoors after moving into a brand-new home at Augustus Grange in Haverfordwest.
Barbara Thomas, who enjoys cycling and walking, has settled into a three-bedroom semi-detached house at the Lovell Homes development. She made the move after 12 years in a larger property in Pembroke Dock, where she lived with her daughter and grandchildren.
“I wanted a home that was all new, so I wouldn’t need to worry about DIY, but everything I saw before needed a lot of work,” she explained. “My daughter spotted an advert for Augustus Grange and when we looked around the show home, it just made perfect sense. My daughter has now moved to the town too, so it’s worked out really well.”
Barbara said the new build is more energy efficient and requires far less upkeep, freeing her time to enjoy the local area. “I enjoy walking and cycling around Haverfordwest’s beautiful old buildings and shops, and the leisure centre, hospital, bus station and train station are all close by. Augustus Grange is also within easy reach of some wonderful beaches. I came to Pembrokeshire years ago and just fell in love with them.”
She was able to buy her new home through the Shared Ownership scheme, which allows buyers to purchase a minimum share of 50 per cent and pay rent on the remainder to partner housing association Pobl.
“I wasn’t aware of Shared Ownership before,” Barbara added. “Lovell Homes explained everything, and it was brilliant for me. I could put some money down while still keeping a bit spare.”
Now one of the first residents to move into Augustus Grange, Barbara said she is enjoying her new surroundings: “I love the kitchen and my living room, and the house overlooks the green open space on the development. My previous home was much larger, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out. Now I don’t need to worry about maintenance. Augustus Grange has been landscaped very nicely, with shrubs and trees, and my whole experience with Lovell Homes has been brilliant.”
The development, off St David’s Road, is being built in partnership with Pobl Group and will provide 115 two and three-bedroom homes.
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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