Community
National Park expands beach wheelchair scheme thanks to inspiring family fundraiser
A NEW beach wheelchair has been added to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s mobility scheme — thanks to the remarkable fundraising efforts of a family honouring the memory of a much-loved mother.
The new wheelchair, now based at Manorbier, forms part of the Park Authority’s ongoing drive to improve access to the outdoors for people with limited mobility.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned not just for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its commitment to inclusion. The Authority’s network of free-to-use beach wheelchairs has transformed visits to the coast for people who might otherwise struggle to enjoy the sand and sea — often giving them the chance to return to the beach for the first time in years.
The scheme relies heavily on the generosity of local supporters — from businesses and community groups to individual fundraisers — who host, maintain, and help fund the equipment.
One of the latest additions has been made in memory of Fiona Hutchinson, who passed away in June 2024 after living with a rare illness that required her to use a wheelchair for 20 years. Despite this, Fiona remained passionate about outdoor adventures with her family.
Her son, Stuart Hutchinson, said: “We have enjoyed fabulous family breaks over the years. Mum took a huge amount of pleasure in being able to access the beaches with all of us via the beach wheelchairs available at various locations.”
To celebrate her life, Fiona’s family spent the past year raising almost £4,000 to fund a new D-Bug beach wheelchair, purchased via the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust. The new equipment will be stationed at Manorbier, a village which has warmly welcomed the opportunity to host it and is eager to see more visitors benefit from improved beach access.
Stuart added: “Thanks to the generosity of my mum’s family and friends, many more people will be able to create precious seaside memories with their loved ones, just as we did.”
The Park Authority says the growing network of accessible equipment is making a real difference across Pembrokeshire’s beaches, helping more families to enjoy the coastline together.
Anyone wishing to support the project — through fundraising, hosting equipment, or volunteering — can contact Angela Robinson, Health and Wellbeing Officer, at [email protected].
For details of the free-to-use mobility equipment available throughout the National Park, visit
www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.
Further information about the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust can be found at
https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/.
Community
Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council
A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.
Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.
Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.
“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”
He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.
“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”
Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.
Community
HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire
A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.
THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.
Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.
Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.
Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.
Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.
“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.
“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”
The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.
HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
Community
Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town
Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod
FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.
Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.
The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.
Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.
The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.
The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.
The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.
Photo caption:
Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.
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