Community

County support for Shaker Aamer’s release

Published

11 years ago

March 3, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Newport Memorial Hall: Around 50 people attended to support Shaker Aamer.

ON VALENTINE’S DAY in 2002, British Resident Shaker Aamer was rendered unlawfully to Guantanamo, where he has suffered extreme brutality in absolute denial of his human rights for thirteen years. Last Saturday (Feb 14) people came together all over the country to support Shaker.

Shaker Aamer was taken to Guantanamo in chains after being sold for a bounty by Afghan warlords to the US Government. Throughout the long years of cruelty, Aamer has maintained a quiet dignity and courage. His spirit is still strong, but he has said that ‘a candle cannot last forever’. He despairs that he will never be free as others leave Guantanamo.

Aamer has a home, a loving wife and four children, who long for his return. His youngest son, Faris, was born on the day he was imprisoned. The Save Shaker Aamer Campaign appeals to David Cameron to honour the love of a family and end the years of terrible suffering, and act immediately to bring him home.

Prime Minister David Cameron has stated that Aamer’s release and return to the UK is a high priority for the UK Government and said that his case is a matter of great urgency. It is unacceptable that there is still no news of Aamer’s release. There are only a few weeks left for the Prime Minister to achieve the release before Parliament is dissolved ahead of the General Election. It is shameful that Aamer remains at Guantanamo without hope of an end. The inhumane treatment of the husband and father is beyond belief.

The USA’S president, Barack Obama, has recognised that there is great public pressure for Aamer’s return to London. He has said that he ‘would prioritise Aamer’s case but would act in a manner consistent with US national security’. Aamer was cleared to leave Guantanamo in 2009 by Obama and by Bush in 2007. He faces no charge for trail and should be released immediately. Shaker’s English lawyer says there is no official explanation, and that it is a mystery.

Jess Hope, a member of Amnesty International, said: “I read about the case of Shaker Aamer and my heart broke. He is a good man, a moral man who combats extremism, the sort of person we need back in the UK.”

Over fifty people attended an afternoon of songs, poems and films on February 14. In Newport, people performed songs and poems that they had written about Shaker, and many cards and letters were written to him and to politicians. The event coincided with a march in London, supported by UK celebrities and sportsmen. People were astonished that David Cameron was unable to secure his release, even though he says it is a priority.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

19 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).