Community

Encompass Group welcomes all

Published

10 years ago

March 2, 2015

ENCOMPASS GROUP community Hub in Diamond Street, Pembroke Dock support the local community in a variety of different ways and always provide a warm and friendly welcome to those who visit.

The Hub had been running for around 8 years and has been in Diamond Street for the last 3 years. Their aim is to help those in need, of all ages and backgrounds by providing services to organisations and individuals, fundraising, advice and information in a relaxed and caring environment. They also display a range of second hand products for sale in the shop, including books, clothes and homeware goods.

Yvonne Earl runs the Hub, along with other volunteers Jean Murray and Bina Kingston: “We’re all good friends and we’re always welcoming to those coming in. We get our regular visitors, who sometimes live on their own and just want to have a cup of tea and a chat to break their day up. People wave as they go past and pop in to say hello. It’s lovely.”

They work alongside the town council and community first and are grateful for their continued support.

Yvonne says it’s frustrating that people think they are just a charity shop and knitting group: “There’s so much more that we do here. Jean and Bina knit items such as cushions, blankets and jumpers to sell in the shop and Jean knits many items to order too. We also help the local community by providing items to local families and organisations as well as support to people who come in to see us. We do catering for events at the Town Hall, attend fetes and are involved with schools and community groups.”

The assistance that they offer to the local community is the most important part of what they do at Encompass. They recently held a fundraising event to raise money for the autistic unit at Pembroke Dock Community school and managed to raise £200 by providing a coffee morning and raffle.

Yvonne adds: “We are often at Pembroke Dock community school. Not long after we started, we made items for children’s book bags, so they have things to make the stories come to life. A storyteller came into the school and used our creations in their reading. It was lovely to see the amazement on the children’s faces.”

Last year they also worked together to create a mosaic letter to add to the alphabet display on the front of the school building.

The community Hub was the first base for the men’s shed club, which has since moved to the Dockyard.

“We often find that only women come and chat to us here. But these men were looking for somewhere to hold their club so we offered our space on a Wednesday, when we are closed. They started with 3 or 4 people and now, in their new premises at the dockyard, they have around 30 people, of all ages.” Yvonne smiles, “they have been back, to help put up some shelves and cupboards for us. Everyone helps each other out here.”

Any unwanted donated items, will be given to the Paul Satori charity shop next door. The computer shop across the road have helped print advertisement posters and Select loaned shop dummies for their window display.

Their hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Yvonne has met the Queen and Prince Charles in aid of the work that she has done with Encompass. Jean has also received an award for her services, presented at the town hall.

Despite these admirable achievements, they are keen to do more to give something back to those that have helped them.

“We finally have official status as a registered charity.” Yvonne says, “It’s a great relief as we have struggled over the years. In the past we have taken people to Carmarthen for the day, shopping and for a trip on the Gwilli Railway. We would love to be able to do that again for people.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

1 week ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.