Community

Youth Trust appeal for voyagers

Published

11 years ago

January 28, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Stavros S Niarchos: A British brig-rigged tall ship owned and operated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust

THE PEMBROKESHIRE branch of the Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for young people residing in Pembrokeshire who are aged 16 to 25 years old and who would like to participate in a voyage either aboard the Sailing Brig “Stavros S Niarchos” or one of the 72 feet Challenger Fleet yachts operated by the Trust. The Trust is a registered Charity which was founded in 1956 under the name of the Sail Training Association and is dedicated to the personal development of young people in the 14 to 25 age group.

The object of the voyages is not to produce sailors but to help young people develop their self esteem and sense of responsibility as well as giving them an opportunity to learn about themselves. No qualifications or sailing experience is required. A voyage over 5 days qualifies for the residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Scheme.

This year the Branch is looking particularly to give an opportunity to young people who are Carers and who would like a break from their responsibilities with the opportunity of taking part in a sailing adventure. Former trainees sponsored by the branch in the past are not eligible to apply but unsuccessful applicants from previous years may apply if they wish to be considered for part sponsorship in 2015.

The cost of the voyages varies depending upon time of the trip and length of the voyage. The branch would be looking for an individual to pay between £100 towards the cost as well as paying for adequate insurance cover, however, those who are carers would not have to pay this contribution. The closing date for applications is Saturday, February 5.

The allocation of berths will be decided by means of a draw that will take place shortly after the closing date. If anyone is interested in applying for a voyage then they should write giving their name, address, date of birth and contact telephone number to the Honorary Branch Secretary, Ian Jones, 9, Presely View, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6NS. Tel: 01646 683860.

Community

£600 reward offered for safe return of missing cat Simba

Published

41 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Appeal for help to find much-loved pet missing from Pembroke area

A FAMILY is appealing for help to trace their missing cat after he disappeared from the The Green area of Llanelli.

Simba has not been seen since Tuesday, January 20, and was last known to be in the Woodbine Terrace and Rocky Park area. His family say his disappearance is out of character, as he is usually food-motivated and regularly returns home.

In a bid to encourage information from the public, the family have increased the reward for Simba’s safe return from £300 to £600.

Simba is microchipped and neutered. His owners are urging anyone who may have seen him, or who has information about his whereabouts, to get in touch as soon as possible.

The family say they would be extremely grateful for any local support in sharing Simba’s details to help bring him home safely.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Charity

Celebrating the impact of the Bluestone Foundation

Published

47 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARITIES, volunteers and community groups from across Pembrokeshire gathered at Bluestone National Park Resort on Friday (Feb 6) to celebrate the growing impact of the Bluestone Foundation, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local causes.

Around eighty guests attended the event, held inside the resort’s Serendome, marking two years of focused community support through the foundation.

Supporters, staff and representatives from partner organisations came together to share success stories and highlight how funding has helped projects tackling environmental issues, wellbeing and social inclusion across the county.

Speakers included Marten Lewis, Chair of the foundation, alongside Mike Slack from Get The Boys a Lift, Barry John of the VC Gallery and Ellen Petts from FRAME, each outlining the difference local backing has made to their work.

Founded in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation was created to channel support from the resort into environmental, economic and social initiatives across Pembrokeshire. It works in partnership with Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services to distribute grants and strengthen grassroots organisations.

In 2025 alone, more than £60,000 was raised and invested into local projects.

Groups supported range from environmental organisations including Sea Trust Wales, BlueGreen Cymru and Greener Growth CIC, to wellbeing initiatives such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift and the No Shame Foundation. Creative and heritage groups including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and the VC Gallery have also benefited.

Organisers said the event was an opportunity not only to reflect on achievements so far, but to strengthen partnerships and encourage further community involvement.

More information about the Bluestone Foundation is available via Bluestone Wales’ website.

Community

Calls for traffic calming in Neyland after car hits house

Published

24 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A NEYLAND councillor has called for traffic calming measures in the town where “a terrible tragedy” was avoided by “sheer good luck” after a car recently hit a house wall, the fifth such incident in less than a decade.

At the most recent meeting of Neyland Town Council, residents expressed their concerns at vehicle speeds in a part of the town.

Town council member, and county councillor, Simon Hancock said: “They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road. On Sunday afternoon a speeding car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43 coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.”

***Cllr Simon Hancock has called for traffic calming measures in Neyland after a recent incident where a car hit a wall. (Image: Cllr Simon Hancock)***

He said images of the incident and its aftermath were shared on social media and to the council.

Following that, Cllr Simon Hancock, who is also the county council’s presiding member, said: “I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend. This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.

“Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take.”