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Organ donation: Big talk, small city

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organ donationAS ST.DAVID’S DAY approaches, people across Wales are getting ready to celebrate all things Welsh. March 1 will also mark nine months to go until Wales changes the organ donation law, making Wales the first country in the UK to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ donation.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Time to Talk organ donation campaign the city of St David’s is being encouraged to make a Big Talk, Small City pledge to get everyone talking about organ donation in the lead up to St David’s Day. From Monday February 23, the people of St Davids will be spreading the word that a change to the law is coming.

The new system for organ donation aims to increase the number of donated organs available for transplant. Under the new system, which will come into force on December 1, people will become a potential organ donor by either registering their decision to opt in – as they do currently – or by doing nothing at all, in which case their consent may be deemed.

By deciding to do nothing people will show they have no objection to becoming an organ donor. From the summer, for the first time in the UK, people who do not wish to become organ donors will be able to register their decision and opt out of the new system.

Families and close friends of donors still have an important role to play under the new system. They will be asked to confirm details about their loved one, including whether they lived in Wales. If they knew their loved one did not want to donate their organs they can also raise this and consent will not be deemed. This is why it is important for families to talk about organ donation.

As part of the Big Talk, Small City St David’s activity, members of the community will play their part in raising awareness throughout the city by hosting a range of activities from leaflet door drops and displaying posters to hosting events and providing on-hand experts for members of the public to talk to.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “December 1 will see Wales become the first country in the UK to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ donation. We hope this new law will help save more lives by transforming attitudes towards consent to organ donation here in Wales. While awareness and understanding of the legislation continues to increase, the percentage of people who have talked about their organ donation wishes remains low. It’s fantastic that the people of St David’s city have come on board and through their Big Talk, Small City pledge, will help to spread the word that Wales is changing its organ donation laws.”

One community group, which is really behind the St Davids Big Talk, Small City organ donation campaign is Menevia WI, St Davids. On Wednesday February 25, members of the group will be doing a mass leaflet drop to households across St David’s, as well as delivering posters for display in local community amenity sites such as shops, GP surgeries, schools and dentists.

And on Saturday February 28, Organ Donation Wales will have a stand as part of the city’s St David’s Day activity, so members of the public can come and talk about the new legislation and what it means for them.

The President of Menevia Women’s Institute, Nanette Billeau, said: “Last year the Women’s Institute made a resolution to support organ donation and raise awareness of the importance of talking about organ donation. As a local group, we were really keen to get on board and help encourage the people of St Davids to get talking about their organ donation wishes. It’s going to be a big job getting round to as many people as possible, but we’re up for the challenge.”

From December 1, 2015,

the choices will be:

To be a donor, an individual can:

Register a decision to be a donor

(opt in)

Choose to do nothing. If you do nothing, you will be treated as if you have no objection to being an organ donor.

To not be a donor, an individual can:

Register a decision not to be a donor (opt out)

Like the current system, anybody will be able to register a decision to donate all organs and tissues or to select specific organs or tissues. Until December 1, the current opt-in system will continue and the deemed consent will not apply.

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Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

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PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware.  Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

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Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

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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.

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Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

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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:

  1. Privates are private.
  2. Always remember your body belongs to you.
  3. No means no.
  4. Talk about secrets that upset you.
  5. 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.”

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