Charity

Mid and West Wales volunteers recognised for supporting St John’s lifesaving vision

Published

2 months ago

November 17, 2025

A VOLUNTEER who has dedicated 60 years to volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru was among those recognised at the charity’s Mid and West Wales Regional Awards for 2025.

The ceremony, which was recently held in Swansea, saw a range of volunteers and staff receive awards and commendations for their work in a range of fields from responding to emergencies to securing funds from trusts and foundations to support the charity’s work.

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Assistant Chief Commissioner (Mid and West Wales), Beth Francis OStJ said: “This ceremony gave us a valuable opportunity to come together to celebrate the great work of St John People from across our Mid and West Wales counties of Dyfed, West Glamorgan and Powys and all they have contributed to their communities.

“The number and quality of the nominations we received was a reminder of the positive impact the charity has on a daily basis, and I know the panel had a difficult task in choosing the winners from the strong list of contenders.”

***Julie Carrod, Deputy Commissioner for Powys received a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is pictured here with Mike Francis, Commissioner for Powys, Mike Francis***

Eunice O’Hara received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service as part of St John Ambulance Cymru’s Fishguard and Haverfordwest Divisions.

Her long and distinguished career as a volunteer and fundraiser saw her become an Officer of the Order of St John, as well as a member of the Gorsedd of the Bards with the title Eunice Urdd Sant Ioan (Eunice of St John) to signify her synonymity with the charity she has dedicated so much effort to supporting.

Another significant award presented during the ceremony was the Gerallt Davies MBE CStJ Memorial Award, presented in memory of the former paramedic and National Paramedic Officer for St John Ambulance Cymru, who sadly died in 2020.

Eunice O’Hara pictured here with Andy King, County Commissioner for Dyfed, received an Ultra Long Service Medal and 2 Gilt Bars for her 60 years of dedicated service on behalf of St John Ambulance Cymru

The cup is awarded to a St John Person who is active, dedicated, professional and aims to maintain and develop the highest standards whilst engaging and leading their colleagues. It is judged by an independent panel made up of external partners and members of Gerallt’s family.

The runner up, who received commendation for their impact was Gwion Morgan of Dyfed County, while the winner was Sam Davies, Operations Manager for Dyfed County, who also scooped the Volunteer of the Year Award.

There was also a Lifetime Achievement Award for Will Wall of the Abertawe Division in West Glamorgan, who has been a devoted member since 1988. In this time he supported events at Swansea’s Vetch Field for other three decades and has subsequently been on duty to support 200 games at the Swansea.com Stadium, as well as other events across the county.

Julie Carrod was the other recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, having dedicated almost 30 years of service to St John Ambulance Cymru in a range of roles including first responder, County Training Manager and Deputy Commissioner in Powys.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru and to sign-up to volunteer with the charity, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk.

Charity

Milford Haven Round Table thanks town council for backing major community events

Published

23 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN ROUND TABLE has formally thanked Milford Haven Town Council for its continued support, saying the council’s backing helps make some of the town’s biggest free events possible.

The group said the Town Council is a major supporter of its work in Milford Haven and plays a vital role in enabling community celebrations including the Milford Haven Carnival and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza, which draw thousands of people.

Representatives from the Round Table said it was “great to catch up” with the Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, at the Christmas Lights Switch On in December, where they presented a small token of thanks to mark another year of collaboration.

Milford Haven Round Table said it is proud to support the town through fundraising, volunteering and delivering events which create memories, raise money for local causes and strengthen community spirit.

The group added that none of its work would be possible without strong partnerships across Milford Haven, and thanked the Town Council for its “ongoing support, trust and commitment” to the town and its residents.

Charity

Local car enthusiast donates treasured classic to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home

Published

2 days ago

January 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION is celebrating an act of generosity from local classic car enthusiast Roger Handcock, whose donation of a cherished Mazda MX5 has helped raise £5,500 plus Gift Aid for end-of-life care across Pembrokeshire.

Roger made the decision to donate his 1990 MX5 after a period of ill health over the summer meant the car was no longer being driven. He said he wanted it to be enjoyed — and properly cared for — by someone who would appreciate it as much as he had.

A long-standing member of the Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, Roger said: “I was ill this summer and my 1990 MX5 was not getting any use, so I decided to part with it in the hope that it would bring some enjoyment and be maintained properly. However, I didn’t have the energy to try to sell it for the highest possible price.

“Being a member of Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club, I decided to donate the car to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home which is one of their favoured charities. In the end a great price was secured for the vehicle, and I am pleased to say that it will still be seen on Pembrokeshire’s roads.”

The Foundation said donations like Roger’s provide a vital source of income, helping to fund free hospice at home support for people nearing the end of life. The service enables patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes, supported by specialist equipment and professional care, while also offering help to families at an incredibly difficult time.

A spokesperson for the Paul Sartori Foundation said they were grateful for Roger’s kindness, adding that the impact of his gift would continue long after the MX5 begins its next chapter on Pembrokeshire’s roads.

Brave donation: Roger Handcock with Paul Sartori Events and Fundraising Officer Joanne Lutwyche (Pic: Paul Sartori Foundation).

Charity

Pembrokeshire Coast Trust launches ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ thanks to Bluestone

Published

5 days ago

January 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST CHARITABLE TRUST is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Apple Pressing 2026’, a project made possible with support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund.

The funding has enabled the Trust to purchase a mains-powered Speidel 2.2kW apple press, replacing the manual equipment previously used by National Park Rangers in their popular community apple-pressing workshops.

The upgraded press improves safety, efficiency, and accessibility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to take part in apple pressing while learning about traditional orchards, Welsh heritage apple varieties, and sustainable food production. Workshops will take place across Pembrokeshire, including Carew Castle and other community venues. There’s even a hint of something special with Bluestone this coming year, so get collecting your apples!

Apple pressing sessions engage schools, families, and community groups, promoting hands-on learning, intergenerational participation, and a deeper connection to the natural environment. By making the workshops safer, faster, and more productive, the project will expand opportunities for communities to engage with local food traditions and biodiversity.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, said: “We’re so glad to see the project coming to life. We’re proud to support a project that’s hands-on, educational, and great for communities across Pembrokeshire!”

This project is part of the Trust’s ongoing mission to conserve and enhance the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, support biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and connect communities with the outdoors. The new press will be branded with Bluestone’s logo, highlighting their commitment to community wellbeing and environmental engagement.

Caption:

Support from the Bluestone Foundation Community Fund has enabled the launch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust’s ‘Apple Pressing 2026’ project.