Community

Port walk for PATCH

Published

10 years ago

January 27, 2015

(Left to right) Sara Andrew, Anna Malloy, Vidette Swales, Clare Stowell and Kris John from the Port of
Milford Haven take part in a sponsored walk for PATCH

STAFF from the Port of Milford Haven took part in a nine mile sponsored walk for PATCH just before Christmas, raising over six hundred pounds. A few brave volunteers from across the organisation faced the cold weather walking from their offices in Pembroke Port to their headquarters in Hakin, Milford Haven, carrying buckets to collect a few extra pennies along the way from passers-by.

Other members of staff from the Port and their family and friends supported them by sponsorship through their Just Giving page. The team managed to raise an impressive £610.25. PATCH was voted by staff at the Port to be their charity of the year for 2014. Anna Malloy, PR and Communications Officer for the Port of Milford Haven, said “Having worked closely with the charity, especially during the last twelve months, we recognised that Christmas would be a time when they needed extra support, being their busiest time of year.

“We are very thankful to those who were able to sponsor us. The whole team were overwhelmed by the generosity shown by everyone.” As well as making financial donations, the Port assisted PATCH throughout the year on a range of projects. A number of in-kind services have been delivered over the twelve months such as providing staff for the PATCH Toy Appeal and providing professional training to its volunteers.

Early in the year PATCH was able to move its Milford Haven branch into larger premises owned by the Port at a significantly reduced rent, and later in the year PATCH realised one of its long term dreams when the Port supplied them with a piece of land adjacent to its Liddeston Ridge Solar Park enabling volunteers to launch a unique gardening project that provides produce for use in the food bank.

Tracy Olin, coordinator of PATCH said: “We are so grateful for all the Port has done for us. Not just in the incredible time we have been their charity of the year but from when PATCH was just a dream. “The money raised from the walk was fantastic, especially as Christmas is our busiest time of year. We had the Annual Christmas Toy appeal where we gave to 600 children all over Pembrokeshire. “It was also really busy at the food side of our basics bank making sure people in Pembrokeshire who weren’t going to receive any income over the holiday, would have provision of food.

We would like to give a giant thank you to all who walked and all who sponsored as well.” Staff at the Port have been busy voting for their Charity of the Year for 2015 and the winner will be announced shortly.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

6 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

15 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.