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

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

18 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

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:

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

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.