Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Choir president honoured at farewell concert in Pembroke

Published

on

THE PRESIDENT of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, Clive Collins, was honoured in style as choristers sang him out at a special concert held at Pembroke Town Hall on Friday (March 27).

Mr Collins, a long-standing and dedicated supporter of the choir, has stepped down from his role after many years of service. Throughout his time as President, he was supported by his wife, Enid.

His final official duty saw him present long service certificates to six choristers, who between them have given a combined 182 years of commitment to the choir.

Tributes were paid by the newly elected chairman, David Halsted, who himself marked an impressive fifty years as a member. In recognition of his service, Mr Collins has been appointed Life Vice President.

The well-attended concert, organised by Pembroke Town Council, raised funds for both the Mayor’s Fund—supporting the purchase of defibrillators—and the choir.

Mayor Gareth Jones welcomed guests to the evening, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin and civic representatives from across the county.

Despite reduced numbers due to illness, the choir delivered a strong performance. The baritone section—Gerry Gommo, Ron Rees and Ed Morris—performed admirably in their solo parts, while first tenor Paul Owen made his choir debut.

The programme, selected by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, was warmly received, with accompaniment from the Rev William Lambert. Compère Matthew John continued recent tradition by inviting audience participation for the Elvis Presley classic American Trilogy, with five volunteers stepping forward—including his father, Steve.

Guest soloist Donna Jones, from Llanfallteg, made her first appearance with the choir and impressed with a varied selection of songs ranging from Broadway to Bob Dylan and traditional English folk. Choristers expressed hopes of working with her again in the future.

Thanks were extended to Suzie Thomas and Kaylee White of Pembroke Town Council, along with choir secretary David Powell, for their work in organising the event.

More than £900 was raised during what was described as a highly successful musical evening.

 

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

on

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

Continue Reading

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

on

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

Continue Reading

Community

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

Published

on

MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto the streets.

The Milford Haven Round Table Carnival returned on Saturday, July 4, with the procession leaving Waterloo Square at 1pm before making its way across Hakin Bridge, along Hamilton Terrace and Charles Street, and down towards Milford Waterfront.

Families lined the route to watch the floats, walkers and performers pass through the town, with spectators cheering and waving as the procession made its way through Milford Haven.

Despite grey skies overhead, there was a strong turnout from local residents and visitors, with many gathering early to secure a good view of the parade.

One of the most eye-catching entries was Queen Bee’s Jubilee, a colourful bee-themed entry by St Katharine’s Stratford Players.

The float was decorated with sunflowers, yellow and black bunting, and performers dressed in matching costumes. Walkers accompanying the float continued the theme, carrying large sunflower props and helping to bring a bright splash of colour to the procession.

St Katharine’s Stratford Players later confirmed that Queen Bee’s Jubilee had been crowned the overall winner of Milford Haven Carnival 2026. The group also took first place in Category B.

In a post after the event, the group said they were “absolutely buzzing” to have won, and thanked all those who had helped build, paint, create, carry, organise, dress up, dance, walk and cheer them on.

They also gave special thanks to Dave Morgan and Ben Bryce for their support, and thanked Milford Haven Round Table for organising what they described as a great community event.

The group said: “It takes a whole hive to make something this special, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.”

The event also had a strong musical element. Public posts ahead of the carnival listed live performances from Milford Haven Town Band, Swansea Pipe Band and Samba Doc, while other carnival posts referenced visiting Isle of Wight performers, including Vectis Corps of Drums Marching Band, Medina Marching Band and The Ventnor Comic Jazz Band.

The sound of drums, brass and carnival music helped create a lively atmosphere as the parade travelled through the town.

Milford Haven Round Table, which organises the carnival, had appealed to residents in Hakin and Hubberston before the event to help keep roads clear for the procession. Organisers said a large number of lorries, floats and support vehicles were expected to take part, and thanked the community for its support.

After the parade, the celebrations continued at Milford Waterfront, where visitors were able to enjoy live music, food and drink, stalls, a funfair, mini golf and family entertainment.

The Kids Activity Zone included Animal Cwtch, the Big Science Project, face painting, Maisie Moo Music, Mr Jon Jon Kids Entertainer, Buzzard Chris Bushcraft, The Bubbleologist, a magician and the new Round Table mascot bear.

There was also entertainment on the water, with a Svitzer tug display and Angle Lifeboat listed as part of the day’s programme.

Street food was also part of the waterfront line-up, with Junkyard Dogs and Market Street Burgers among those named in the official event listing.

The carnival was followed by a free after-party at the Lord Nelson Hotel, organised by Westpresents and The Lord Nelson Hotel in partnership with TCW Productions. The event was due to run from 3pm to 11pm, with live performances, outdoor bars, a face painter and a large LED screen.

Milford Haven Carnival remains one of the town’s best-loved summer events, bringing together local families, volunteers, businesses, performers and community groups.

Saturday’s turnout showed the continued strength of support for the event, with residents turning out in numbers to celebrate a day that has become a key part of Milford Haven’s community calendar.

 

Continue Reading

Crime2 hours ago

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay. Dyfed-Powys Police said...

Community4 hours ago

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly...

Community4 hours ago

Milford Haven Carnival brings colour, music and crowds to the town

MILFORD HAVEN was filled with colour, music and community spirit on Saturday as the town’s annual carnival brought crowds onto...

News1 day ago

A40 closed near Llandeilo following collision

A SECTION of the A40 in Carmarthenshire has been closed in both directions following a collision. The road is currently...

Local Government1 day ago

Award-winning Saundersfoot sauna faces refusal over location concerns

PLANS to allow an award-winning outdoor sauna to remain permanently at Saundersfoot Harbour have been recommended for refusal by Pembrokeshire...

Health1 day ago

NHS at 78: A moment to give back to the service Wales helped create

As the health service marks its 78th birthday, people in Pembrokeshire are being urged to support local NHS charities helping...

Community2 days ago

Saundersfoot Harbour regeneration project wins national planning award

SAUNDERSFOOT HARBOUR’S redevelopment has been named Best Project at the RTPI Cymru Awards for Planning Excellence 2026. The award recognises...

Business2 days ago

Pembrokeshire-based Ascona Group expands UK portfolio with Truckhaven acquisition

PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED Ascona Group has completed the acquisition of Truckhaven (Carnforth) Ltd, a major trunk road services area in Lancashire. The...

Health3 days ago

Wales begins early NHS winter planning after long waits and ambulance pressure

Ministers say health boards and councils must act now to ease pressure on hospitals, ambulances and social care before winter...

Crime4 days ago

Judge calls pensioner a ‘dirty old man’ as he avoids jail for exposing himself to women

Judge says 75-year-old Stewart Laugharne behaved ‘disgracefully’ as he avoids jail but is ordered to sign sex offenders register A...

Popular This Week