Community
Youngsters to build school in South Africa
A YOUNG chef from West Wales has been completely overwhelmed by the response to his latest fund raising initiative.
21-year-old Scott Pinion, from Haverfordwest, is one of more than fifty young people from Wales and Canada, including some ten from Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, who will heading off to South Africa in March to build a school at an informal settlement near Zanspruit.
Following a well attended Curry and Quiz night at the Ocean Restaurant in Broad Haven where he has worked on a seasonal basis Scott said “I never thought we would raise that much in one evening – it looks like the evenings total, after costs will be £400. People are so generous”
Steve Blunt, Area Director of Young Life International said “For over 20 years YMP (Youth Mission Project) have been sending youth to various parts of the world to learn more about other cultures, and Young Life International Pembrokeshire, has joined in since 2012. Every year several groups heading back to South Africa to build modular orphanages, school and community buildings or housing for the poor in the informal settlements of Johannesburg and also in Cape Town”
The building process is quite straightforward according to Bill Hebner, former Regional Director of Young Life International and now head of Youth Mission Projects. “We make a large quadrangle, using shipping containers as walls” he said. “And once we have put a roof on it, there is a massive school hall and the containers become classrooms, offices, etc.”
These simple buildings can have a profound impact both on the life of the community and on those going to help according to Steve Blunt. “Official Government statistics show how the build undertaken by Pembrokeshire young people in 2012 have seen the infant mortality rate drop from 5 a week to zero” he explained, “It put a lump in my throat when I saw those figures”.
“Young Life has a relationship with Youth Mission Project ” he added. “Its great to know that once we get off the plane in Africa al we need to concentrate on is the young people – someone else has organised everything else such transport, building materials, food and accommodation”
“But,” he continued, “what really thrills me is the difference it makes to young people from here”. “For example, one girl who Is returning to South Africa this year was so moved by what she saw that paying £3.00 for a coffee reduced her to tears and has altered how she buys clothes”.
Young Life International is a “missional arm of the church” according to Blunt. “That is for all the churches in the area that care to use it. And it has a specific heart for adolescents who have no relationship with church – loving kids in their world, encouraging them to know Christ. Young Life International has a weekly club that is a celebration of friendships – and could end in being invited to a mash potato fight!”
“Some of the other fund raisers:- made, cooked and sold 2000 welsh cakes in 2 days in Fishguard festival Sold hot dogs and popcorn at Christmas fair Bowling marathon in Xcel bowl Auction Designing, Making and Selling t shirts”
“Young Life International starts with concerned adults who spend time building bridges of authentic young people where are, listening to their stories and learning what’s important to them” says Tom Hammon Director of Scandinavia and United Kingdom Young Life. “Because their leaders believe in them unconditionally young people begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose”
“Young Life International leaders offer young people adventure, hospitality and unconditional friendship. We believe that young people’s lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them. And for hose wanting to explore the spiritual dimensions of their lives more deeply we offer small group gatherings that allow students to more fully investigate the teaching and life of Jesus of Nazareth”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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
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).
-
Crime5 days agoPhillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
-
Crime4 days agoKilgetty scaffolder sentenced after driving with cocaine and in system
-
Crime4 days agoHousing site director sentenced after failing to provide breath sample following crash
-
Crime4 days agoMotorist banned for three years after driving with cannabis in system
-
Education3 days agoTeaching assistant struck off after asking pupil for photos of her body
-
News6 days agoJury retires tomorrow in harrowing Baby C rape trial
-
Crime4 days agoMilford Haven pensioner denies exposure charges
-
Local Government6 days agoNew defamation row erupts after anonymous website targets Herald editor






