News
New rates charges to hit charities
A WELSH GOVERNMENT scheme to impose business rates on charity shops could have a serious impact on charities across the county.
The plans, which are currently under consultation, would mean that business rates for charities, which are at present treated on a discretionary basis, will be imposed. Around 200 groups, from national organizations like the British Heart Foundation and the Citizens Advice Bureau, to locally focused charities like PATCH, and numerous community groups will be affected.
At present, the Welsh government pays 80% of business rates for charitable organizations, with the other 20% being split between Pembrokeshire county council, who pay 15% and a donation of 5% from the Welsh Government. Under the new system, paying the latter 20% would be the responsibility of the charities concerned. The proposed rates could apply to all charities, although an option under consultation is to exempt local voluntary organizations from the charges.
Tracy Olin from PATCH said that if the proposal goes ahead it could cause ‘real problems’ for the charity. Speaking to the Herald, she said: “The rates on our headquarters, estimated at 20% would cost us £2300 pa. In addition to our monthly outgoings of £3000 we sometimes have to spend this much on provisions. This week, for example we have already spent £500 on food. The people of Pembrokeshire are so generous, but there are so many in this county in devastating circumstances, it would be a massive blow if these rates meant we could not provide the amount of assistance we do now.”
Community
Spotlight shines on County’s young people at annual awards
The FOURTH Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.
The Awards – a collaboration between Pembrokeshire Youth, The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services – took place on 22nd November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.
A huge well done to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank, who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.
This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’
Sponsorship from BAM Nuttall and Pure West Radio enabled the awards to go ahead this year and helped make it a memorable evening.
The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:
Achieving positive change: The Edge Quiet Hour (winner), Craig Thompson and Samantha Barton (runners up).
Arts Award: Lleucu-Haf Thomas (winner), FADDS Youth Theatre and Tomos Roberts (runners up).
Eco Champion Award: Senedd Gwyrdd at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (winner).
Education Award: Megan Thomas (winner), Carla Briskham (runner up).
Fundraising Award: Ellie Neville (winner), George Bromwich and Molly Venables (runners up).
Making a difference in the community: Eirlys Lloyd-Phillips (winner), Pembroke Family of Schools – Social Action Project, We Know… Our Journey Group, Neyland Youth Club Group (runners up).
Most inspiring story: Aaron Briskham (winner), Aimee Hawkings and Molly Evans (runners up).
Music Award: Carys Wood + Alice Thomas (winners), Amy Evans and Iestyn Barrellie (runners up).
Sport Award: Harley and Liam Franz (winners), Caiden Meacham and Ava Tyrie (runners up).
Voice Award: Tegan Skyrme (winner), Niamh Jones, Mya-Rose John (runners up).
Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Daniella Loveridge / Chloe Harries (winners), Tomos Padel, Brogan Collins and The Point (runners up).
The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2024 this award was given to Freya Terry.
Here’s Freya’s inspiring nomination:
Freya has struggled with her mental health since she was 11. She has had some great support from the Amethyst Project and then more recently adult mental health services. She has come out of that stronger and decided to do a voyage solo around the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health in young people – attempting to inspire people to talk about their mental health so that they can get some support, rather than bottle it all up in fear and shame.
She has given talks to local Pembrokeshire youth groups, as well as talking to others as she makes her way around the country which have been really well received. She has gained so much confidence from this venture and has attracted many followers (www.she-sails.co.uk)
Boat problems left her lost at sea for many hours and then a freak wave that tossed her across the boat resulting in her getting concussion and having to call the coastguard. But this didn’t stop her, as soon as she recovered, she got going again and is making great progress.
Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes presented the overall Spotlight Award and said: “Everyone nominated in these Spotlight Awards are a real inspiration to their peers and the wider community. It was an honour to present the overall award for Freya, her story demonstrates a real resilience and commitment to give something back to society while overcoming her own struggles.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being celebrated for the exceptional things they have achieved and the difference they make in their communities.”
Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson added: “Sometimes young people are not given the credit they deserve and it is fantastic that this event is dedicated to celebrating the wonderful things they can achieve.”
The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including an inflatable assault course, circus skills, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.
Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person or group.
Sincere thanks also to Dylan Harwood who performed one of his original songs; Charlie Royal, Polly Thomas, Josh Roberts and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank for their hard work.
More pictures are available on the Children and Young People’s Rights Office Facebook page.
News
Pembroke lantern parade lights up the town
PEMBROKE’S Lantern Parade lit up the night on the Commons this evening, bringing the community together for a magical celebration of creativity and togetherness. Hosted by the Pembroke Town Team, the event showcased the vibrant spirit of the town, with lanterns crafted by locals under the expert guidance of Sand Palace Arts.
Leading the way was Brig Y Don, setting the tone for a parade filled with glowing woodland creatures and majestic swans, enchanting all who joined. Attendees were invited to the Tanyard Project to begin their illuminated journey around Pembroke, culminating at The Foundry House, where a spectacular fire display awaited.
Hot food, drinks, and festive music added to the warm atmosphere, as residents gathered to chase away the winter blues. The wishing tree, a highlight of the evening, offered a moment of reflection and hope, as attendees hung their Christmas wishes before heading home.
Thanks to funding from the MHPA Community Fund, UK Government, and Pembrokeshire Pride, the much-loved Lantern Parade was brought to life once more. This year’s event built on the success of previous parades, showcasing the continued dedication of the Pembroke Town Team, who also organised the popular Pembroke Festival earlier this year.
The team expressed gratitude to all contributors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, ensuring the tradition continues to light up the hearts of Pembroke residents.
(Pics: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive cheer as St Davids switches on Christmas lights
ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.
Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.
Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.
A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.
With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.
(Images: St Davids Cathedral)
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Malcolm Calver
February 20, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Many of the charity shops I am told now sell new goods, in direct competition with businesses so perhaps a exception could be made for the shops that sell only used / second second hand goods.We do seem to have an abundance of charities with some very well paid employees.
samuel
February 22, 2015 at 2:44 pm
I don\’t know who \”told\” Malcolm this information, going by the shops I visit the only \”\”new goods\” I see are Christmas cards
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
February 26, 2015 at 7:49 am
Samuel I can agree with Malcolm even though I don’t know him, most of the charity shop chains do sell new stock which gets sent to them by companies (Oxfam online gets stuff from M&S)
tomos
February 27, 2015 at 9:35 am
Sorry Lucy we’re talking about business rates, both you and Malcolm seem to be talking about the electric interweb which is completely different
Lucy in the sky with diamonds
February 27, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Tomos I have seen rows of brand new clothes (all the same label) in a shop in Haverfordwest also in Tenby.
I know of one shop that gets a lot of brand new items through the post (clocks for example and toys etc). I have had many of these items over the past few years.