Community

National success for Pembrokeshire swimmers

Published

11 years ago

May 21, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire County Swimming Club: National success!

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SWIMMING CLUB, sponsored by Specsavers in Haverfordwest, as the umbrella Club in the County Aquatics Pathway achieved their best ever results in the Welsh Age Group Championships held recently at the Welsh National Pool.

The squad competed in 325 races over the four days of the c hampionships reaching 136 finals. From this 12 gold, 9 silver and 26 bronze medals were achieved, where 35% of those swimmers racing in a final got a medal. Coupled with 196 of the swimmers improving their personal best times County Coach Craig Nelson was ecstatic in his praise of the youngsters stating : “ Commitment to the training schedules in place certainly reaped dividends. Our current cohort of swimmers has high motivation to realise their ambitions and the fitness levels are exceptional. It’s certainly a big achievement when members of our squad compete at a national level and get a medal, especially in becoming a National Champion.”

Five swimmers, Lotty Whalley, Arabella Hayley, Louisa Twigg, Jonathan Orchard and Dan Davies became National Champions with Dan also finishing 16th in the 400 free, 14th in the 200 IM and 21st in the 200 Free at the ASA British Nationals held in the Olympic Pool, London. Mr Nelson singled these swimmers out for “their accomplishments and setting the barometer for future success within the squad. These five young people are the ones every Development Club swimmer aims to be and the success of our 18+ girls 400 IM relay team achieving a bronze shows how the enjoyment of swimming stays with the young people into early adulthood.”

Assistant County Development Coach Sam Jones was praiseworthy of the wider team who supported the swimmers during the Age Group Championships : “I’m very grateful for the support of those parents who stepped into roles as Team Manager and Coaches to support both myself and Craig over the four days and to the Pool Deck Technical Officials who ensured the event went off smoothly. Parents and the swimmers extended family play a huge role in swimming and their continued support is very much appreciated.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

18 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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)