CHARITY Paul Sartori Foundation has announced a major expansion of its retail operation in Haverfordwest, with a new community store planned for the former Factory Shop building on Snowdrop Lane.

The new Sartori Community Store is currently under development and will provide a much larger and more flexible space for the charity’s range of high-quality pre-loved and new goods.

Every purchase made at the store will help fund the Foundation’s free hospice at home services, which support patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The move marks a significant step for the charity, both in improving the shopping experience and in increasing income for its vital local services.

As part of the transition, Paul Sartori will close its long-standing Bridge Street shop, which has served the Haverfordwest community for 16 years.

The charity has thanked the building’s landlords for their generosity and support since the store opened there in November 2011.

The Bridge Street premises hold a special place in Haverfordwest’s history, having once been home to the Sartori café and, before that, The Moon and Sixpence shop in historic Swan Square, overlooking the Old Bridge, which dates back to 1726.

The same friendly retail team will move to the new Snowdrop Lane store, where the charity plans to create a more community-focused space.

Plans include guest sellers, community group sessions and special events, making the store a hub for local people as well as a retail outlet.

The Foundation’s existing Snowdrop Lane premises will be converted into a central warehouse and donation drop-off point, helping staff and volunteers manage the large volume of donations received from the public.

The site will also include a dedicated mobility centre for larger second-hand mobility aids, including scooters, which are in high demand across Pembrokeshire.

Julia Brady, Head of Retail at the Paul Sartori Foundation, said: “This is a truly exciting step forward for our retail team and for the communities we support.

“Our new Snowdrop Lane store will give us the space to grow, to offer an even wider and more inspiring range of goods, and to create a welcoming environment where people feel part of something bigger.

“Every visit, every donation, and every purchase helps us continue delivering our free hospice at home care across Pembrokeshire, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to be part of this next chapter.”

Customers and supporters will be invited to a closing down sale at the Bridge Street store, with details to be announced once a moving date has been confirmed.

The Foundation is also preparing to recruit new volunteers to join its retail team ahead of the move.

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).