Community

Volunteers recognised for making a difference across Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas

Published

48 seconds ago

June 29, 2026

VOLUNTEERS’ Week this year (June 1-7) brought organisations together across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, to celebrate and say a heartfelt “thank you” to the incredible people who give their time to support others.

Volunteering brings wide-reaching benefits – for organisations, for the communities they serve, and for the volunteers themselves.

This contribution is recognised in the Social Model for Health and Wellbeing Charter, adopted by partners across the region, including Hywel Dda University Health Board, in March 2025.

Senior leaders from the Health Board joined celebrations across the three counties to show their appreciation in person.

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, attended a vibrant multi-agency event hosted by Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS). The event, held at Parc Dewi Sant, was organised and funded by CAVS and supported by Lucy Cummings, New Business Development Officer.

The gathering brought together a wide range of organisations supporting local communities, including Dolen Teifi, Angor, People Speak Up and many more. Carmarthenshire County Council Chair, Councillor Giles Morgan, was also in attendance.

Professor Kloer said: “Health Services make just a small contribution to our health and wellbeing – connection, belonging, education and opportunity make a significant contribution to our health and wellbeing.

“The Health Board is keen to recognise and celebrate the fact that everyone has a contribution to make. I want to thank organisations and our partners across the region who work together to grow this understanding and important work on behalf of the Health Board.”

In Pembrokeshire, Dr Bruce Bolam, Deputy Director of Public Health, took part in a community event at Simpson’s Community Hall and Gardens. The event was organised and funded by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) and brought together partners including Community Connectors, Bluestone, South Hook, 2Wish and the VC Gallery, who provided a much-enjoyed lunch for attendees.

Meanwhile, in Ceredigion, Megan Harris, Consultant in Public Health, joined one of the eight multi-agency celebrations in Ceredigion, in Llandysul to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions. The event was organised by Arts4Wellbeing and funded by Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO), with contributions from organisations including Dolen Teifi and Pont Tyweli.

Across all three counties, the events were marked by warmth, gratitude and a shared recognition of the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing in local communities.

Community

Lower-cost family days out at Park Authority attractions this summer

Published

47 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

FAMILIES planning a summer visit to Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc will benefit from reduced prices on selected tickets, events and children’s lunch boxes from June 25 to September 1.

The temporary reduction follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children’s menu meals and family leisure activities during the summer period.

Eligible child and family day tickets at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys will be included, along with selected events such as open-air theatre, concerts and Carew’s Grand Medieval Joust. Young Squires lunch boxes from Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will also be reduced.

Discounts will be applied automatically at the till point, or at the online checkout for eligible event bookings.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The summer holidays are an important time for families to enjoy days out together, but we know that costs can quickly add up.

“This temporary reduction will help make selected visits, events and children’s meals more affordable at the attractions run by the Authority. Our hope is that this will give families more opportunities to enjoy the National Park this summer.

“Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”

To find out what’s on across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Community

Woman rescued from coast path after ankle injury

Published

14 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard teams called to Dinas Island near Pwllgwaelod

A WOMAN was stretchered from the coast path near Pwllgwaelod after suffering an ankle injury.

HM Coastguard Fishguard was tasked at 5:22pm on Friday, June 27, alongside HM Coastguard Teifi, to assist the casualty on Dinas Island.

The teams attended the scene near Hendre Farm Campsite and Cottages and, with help from the landowner, were able to quickly locate the injured woman.

Her injured limb was immobilised before she was carried by stretcher to her nearby car, where family members were able to take her on to hospital.

Fishguard Coastguard thanked the landowner for their help.

Community

Civic service brings Pembrokeshire towns together in Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CIVIC service has been held at St Mary’s Church in Haverfordwest, bringing together civic leaders, councillors, cadets and community representatives from across Pembrokeshire.

The Mayor’s Civic Service took place at 11:00am on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the historic High Street church, one of the county town’s most familiar landmarks.

The service was hosted by Haverfordwest Town Council and attended by the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Lord Lieutenants, the mayors of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland and St Davids, members of the Guild of Freemen, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and the Mayoral Cadet.

St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Haverfordwest for more than 800 years. Built in about 1200, its size and position have made it one of the town’s dominant historic buildings.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner said the occasion had been “truly special and humbling”.

He said: “It was an honour to gather in one of our town’s most historic and beautiful buildings, a church that has stood at the heart of our community since the 12th century, bringing people together in faith, service and reflection.”

Cllr Thomas-Turner and the Sheriff thanked all those who attended, saying the presence of civic representatives from neighbouring towns reflected the “strong spirit of friendship and partnership across Pembrokeshire”.

They also paid tribute to fellow town councillors, the Guild of Freemen, and the cadets who supported the service.

Cllr Thomas-Turner added: “Days like today remind us that civic life is about more than titles and chains of office. It is about service, community, friendship and working together for the good of our towns and our county.”

He said the event had been a proud day for Haverfordwest, adding: “Haverfordwest truly is the Best in the West.”