Community

Hair-raising charity effort raises a grand

Published

10 years ago

February 4, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Fundraiser Kevin Holmes

WHEN a couple of his friends at Rosemarket Golf Club were diagnosed with prostate cancer, local electrician Kevin Holmes was not prepared to let the grass grow under his feet before doing something.

Kevin decided to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, the charity behind the Men United campaign to raise awareness of and fund research into a disease that affects over 40,000 new sufferers each year and which – in 2012 – claimed the lives of 10,800, thirty a day, across the UK. The way in which he chose to do so brought amusement to his friends, his family, and a touch of Christmas magic for children.

Deciding to do without cutting his hair or shaving his beard for an entire year, Kevin had no idea what he was letting himself in for: “I must’ve spent more on shampoo and conditioner in the last twelve months than I have spent on razor blades in my entire life!” He joked.

“My aim was to raise about £800 for Prostate Cancer UK, but now I am up around £1,000 and my JustGiving page is still there to get extra money in. Sophie Cole sorted out a Facebook page for me and it really helped get things going.”

Speaking about his friends John McLean and Kelvin Townsend, whose diagnoses started him off on his hair raising challenge, Kevin told us: “The fact I was raising money for charity did not stop me getting a fair amount of stick as the year went on. I can safely say that my wife, Rachel, was glad to see the back of all that hair and beard. So was I. The thing with beards is that either you like them or you don’t. It was annoying catching food in my beard and in the summer heat it was unbearable.”

On Saturday (Jan 17), Kevin said goodbye to the beard and the hair in a grand shearing at The Oak Inn, Haverfordwest: “It took about an hour to get my hair cut and the beard trimmed and I am glad that it was Sophie Stanmore from Van Dyk’s Hairdressers who had the job of removing it all safely and not me! It was a really good event, there were about forty of us in The Oak and a raffle raised another £200 to put into the charity pot.”

Kevin continued: “While the wife and I are delighted the beard and hair have gone, while I had it I was able to visit a couple of children’s parties in December and play Father Christmas. Mind you, that was a painful experience. The kids were convinced my beard was a fake and pulled on it to check.”

We asked Kevin whether he had any plans for more charity fundraising in the future and he told us: “This year has been a trying time but a rewarding one. I stuck to it and the money is going to a great cause. John and Kelvin are going okay with their treatment and things look positive, but I am thinking of doing some more fundraising. Next time, however, I will do something which involves more people. I was thinking of a bike ride, but my missus seems keen on me jumping out of an aeroplane. I am not a fan of heights and not entirely clear if she wants me to jump with or without a parachute!”

Concluding, Kevin said: “I would like to say a HUGE thank you to those who came from near and far to watch me being ‘sheared’ and gave so generously. Thank you to The Oak for hosting the event & organising a raffle! Thank you to those who donated prizes – thank you to Sophie Stanmore for giving up her time, putting up with the banter! & doing a brilliant job ‘shearing’ me – also thank you to Van Dyk’s hairdressing salon for their donation. I would also like to say thank you to Dawn ’til Dusk golf club, The Oak, Johnston Country Club & The Windsor who have been collecting donations for me. I am extremely grateful to all if you for all your support. Now where is that bobble hat?”

Herald readers can make a donation on Kevin’s Just Giving page at: www. justgiving.com/Kevin-Holmes1

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.