Community

Bluebirds launch Christmas appeal to support local families

Published

5 months ago

November 24, 2025

Club partners with Pembrokeshire Foodbank

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC have announced a Christmas appeal to help people in need across the county during the festive period.

The initiative, titled Bluebirds Festive Foodbank, is being run in partnership with Pembrokeshire Foodbank and will allow members of the public to donate non-perishable food items at the Ogi Bridge Meadow next month. All donations will be distributed to families and individuals who rely on food support.

Pembrokeshire Foodbank assisted 3,310 people last year – 2,176 adults and 1,134 children. The charity says demand has risen again in 2025, particularly during the summer months, and expects the number needing help to increase as Christmas approaches.

So far this year, 28 tonnes of food have been delivered through the service’s five food banks and home delivery network.

Donations for the Bluebirds appeal are split into two categories: general and Christmas.
General items include tinned meat of all kinds, ready meals (such as Irish stew or sausage and beans), all tinned vegetables – especially potatoes and carrots – tinned tomatoes, UHT semi-skimmed milk, squash, tinned fruit, custard and rice pudding.
Christmas items include Christmas cake, savoury snacks and biscuits, small Christmas puddings, chocolate logs, mince pies, sweets and chocolate biscuits.

Harry Thomas, community manager at Haverfordwest County, said: “To partner with Pembrokeshire Foodbank and utilise the Ogi Bridge Meadow as a collection point for much-needed donations is something we’re extremely proud of.

“We hope this provides another opportunity for the club, our supporters and the wider community to come together in support of local families this Christmas.”

Donations can be made at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on the following dates:

Monday 8 December – 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesday 9 December – 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday 10 December – 10:00am to 1:00pm
Friday 12 December – 9:00am to 1:00pm

Community

Milford Haven dad completes London Marathon in memory of son

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MILFORD HAVEN father has successfully completed the London Marathon today in memory of his son, while raising money for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice.

Johnathan Crimmins crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 4:04:14, with a halfway split of 2:42:06, in what he described as both a physical and emotional challenge.

He took on the marathon in honour of his son Kieran, who died seven years ago at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health.

Speaking ahead of the run, Johnathan said the experience of losing his son had shown him how precious time with children can be.

He said: “Sadly seven years ago I lost my son, Kieran, at the age of 21 following a battle with his mental health. So, I know all too well the importance of being able to spend time with your children, as time is precious and not always guaranteed.

“By being able to run for Tŷ Hafan, I know that not only will I be raising awareness of Tŷ Hafan and what they do, but also raising valuable funds which will ensure that families will be supported and enabled to spend quality time together during their children’s short lives.”

This was Johnathan’s fifth full marathon and his third time running the London Marathon, adding to a long list of fundraising challenges including half marathons and even skydives.

He also spoke candidly about the personal challenge behind the run, having been diagnosed with severe PTSD following the discovery of his son alongside his daughter.

He said: “This will be a significant challenge for myself… so I will also be running in Kieran’s memory.”

Tŷ Hafan supports children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Wales, helping them make the most of the time they have together.

Johnathan’s achievement has been praised locally, with many recognising both the physical effort involved and the powerful cause behind his run.

Community

Memorial plaque presented in honour of Cllr Pamela George

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEMORIAL plaque has been presented in honour of Cllr Pamela George, recognising her dedicated service to Pembroke Dock.

The presentation took place at a recent full meeting of Pembroke Dock Town Council, where the town’s mayor, Cllr Michele Wiggins, presented the plaque to Cllr Jon George and Cllr Tracy George.

The plaque bears the words: “A life of service, a legacy of dedication,” and commemorates Cllr George’s contribution to the town and its community.

Pembroke Dock Town Council thanked Michaels Civic Robes & Regalia, which donated the plaque.

Photo caption:

Tribute: Cllr Jon George and Cllr Tracy George receive the memorial plaque from Pembroke Dock Mayor Cllr Michele Wiggins (Pic: Pembroke Dock Town Council).

Community

Freshwater West memorial honours crews lost in wartime tragedy

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VETERANS, standard bearers and civic representatives gathered at Freshwater West on Saturday (Apr 25) for a moving service of remembrance for the men lost in one of Pembrokeshire’s worst wartime maritime disasters.

The annual memorial service remembered the crews of HM Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16, and members of HMS Rosemary, who died after the vessels were overwhelmed in heavy seas off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

A total of 79 Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel lost their lives in the tragedy, which unfolded on April 25 and 26, 1943.

The two landing craft had been travelling from Belfast to Falmouth when they ran into severe weather off Freshwater West. Their flat-bottomed design made them vulnerable in rough seas, and both vessels were eventually lost.

HMS Rosemary, a fishery protection vessel, went to the aid of the stricken craft, but six of her crew also drowned when a rescue boat capsized during the attempt to save others.

On Saturday, standards were carried to the memorial above the beach, where clergy led prayers and wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen.

The ceremony was attended by veterans, members of the Royal Marines Association, standard bearers, civic dignitaries and members of the public.

The names of those who died are recorded on the memorial at Freshwater West, overlooking the sea where the disaster took place more than eight decades ago.

Those attending stood in silence as the Last Post was sounded, with standards lowered in tribute to the men who never returned.

The service served as a reminder of the sacrifice made by wartime sailors and marines, as well as the bravery of those who gave their lives trying to rescue others.

Photos: Martin Cavaney