Community

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service celebrates new Wholetime Firefighters

Published

59 seconds ago

December 21, 2025

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has celebrated the graduation of its latest intake of Wholetime Firefighters following a Passing Out Parade held on Thursday (Dec 16) at the Service’s Earlswood Training Centre.

Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to mark the achievements of eleven recruits — collectively known as Squad 03/25 — who are transitioning from On-Call roles to begin full-time careers serving communities across Mid and West Wales.

The ceremony was opened by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery and marked the successful completion of an intensive eleven-week training programme designed to prepare recruits for the physical, technical and mental demands of modern firefighting.

Head of Training Delivery, Group Manager Stuart Bate, praised the squad’s commitment and resilience.

He said: “From the first day of training, Squad 03/25 have exhibited courage, discipline and determination to uphold the noblest traditions of the Fire Service.

“Throughout their journey, they have faced demanding challenges both physically and mentally, demonstrating exceptional resilience while embracing the values of teamwork, integrity and selflessness that define our profession.

“As we celebrate their achievements, we should also recognise the sacrifices they have made and the dedication they have shown. They have chosen a path that requires courage, compassion and a deep sense of duty to others, and I feel enormous pride in what they have accomplished over the past eleven weeks.”

The ceremony included a formal inspection of the recruits by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones, and Group Manager Stuart Bate. Drill yard displays were also held, showcasing the emergency response skills developed during training, followed by the presentation of certificates and awards.

Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the recruits’ professional lives.

He said: “We were proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Squad 03/25, who have completed eleven weeks of rigorous training and reached a key point in their careers as Wholetime Firefighters.

“As an integral part of Wales’s emergency response infrastructure, MAWWFRS exemplifies professionalism, readiness and an unwavering commitment to public safety. You are now an essential part of that work.

“My sincere thanks go to the Training Delivery Department, whose expertise and dedication ensure that our recruits receive first-class training. Without their tireless efforts, none of this would be possible.”

Each graduate will now take up a Wholetime Firefighter role at their designated fire station. MAWWFRS wished them all long, safe and successful careers in the Service.

Awards and presentations

Wholetime Firefighter Training Course Certificate

All recruits received a framed certificate, presented by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery, in recognition of successfully completing the eleven-week Wholetime Firefighter Training Course.

Physical Fitness Achievement Award and 300 Club
Selected by the Service’s Fitness Team, the Physical Fitness Achievement Award recognises the recruit who has consistently pushed themselves to their limits throughout training.

From Squad 03/25, the award was presented to Dale Wells.
The 300 Club Award was presented to Molly Jones, Dale Wells, Matthew Evans, Rylee Roberts and Owain Thomas.

The Recruits’ Recruit Award
Chosen by fellow recruits, this award recognises the individual who has shown outstanding effort, commitment and support for others during the course.

The award was presented to Matthew Evans by Fire Authority Member Lyndon Jones.

Highest-Achieving Recruit Award (The Silver Axe)
Awarded to the recruit demonstrating the highest overall performance across all aspects of training — including practical skills, written work, examinations, leadership and teamwork — the Silver Axe was presented to Owain Thomas by Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery.

Charity

Tenby Round Table spreads festive cheer with chocolate surprise for local pupils

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Community group delivers 1,200 boxes to primary schools after successful Santa Run

TENBY ROUND TABLE capped off its charitable work for 2025 by delivering 1,200 boxes of chocolates to primary school pupils across the Tenby area in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive gesture followed another successful year of fundraising events, including the popular Tenby Santa Run, which helps the group raise money to support community causes throughout the year.

On Friday, members of Tenby Round Table visited schools across the area to distribute the chocolate gifts, bringing an early Christmas treat to hundreds of local children.

Schools receiving deliveries included St Teilos, Tenby VC, Ysgol Hafan y Môr, Saundersfoot, Sageston, Stepaside, St Oswald’s, St Florence and Manorbier.

Thanking residents for their continued support, the group said the success of events like the Santa Run allows them to keep giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Tenby Round Table wished pupils, families and supporters a happy Christmas and said it hoped to see familiar faces again at events planned for 2026.

The group has encouraged residents to keep an eye on its social media channels in the new year for updates on future fundraising activities and community events.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

20 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

21 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.