Community

Writers sample protected food

Published

10 years ago

July 3, 2015

earlies A GROUP of renowned food and travel writers recently experienced a road trip with a difference, while meeting Welsh food and drink producers and hearing their stories.

As part of the Welsh Government’s drive to increase awareness of the European Union’s PFN scheme and to promote Welsh food and drink to a wider audience, the London-based group enjoyed the flavours, smells, sights and sounds of Wales. They sampled Wales’ best produce while witnessing some of its stunning scenery.

The two-day trip took them all the way from the Brecon Beacons in the south to Anglesey in the north. The tour stopped off in Pembrokeshire, where the writers sampled a range of food and drink at the Druidstone Hotel in Wolfscastle before learning more about the iconic Pembrokeshire Early Potato, which was awarded PGI status in December 2013. Accompanied by Steve Mathias, agronomist for farmer-owned vegetable brand ‘Blas y Tir’, the group had the opportunity to pick their own Pembrokeshire Earlies and they were later served them during their evening meal.

The Welsh Government provides help for Welsh producers with applications by funding support, which is delivered by ADAS UK Ltd. Successful applicants will receive European-wide legal protection against imitation and misuse.

The first Welsh product to gain PFN protection was Welsh Beef, which was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status 13 years ago and was followed a year later by Welsh Lamb.

Currently there are a number of Welsh products at various stages in the application process, and throughout the year, it is anticipated that applicants from Wales will learn that their applications have been successful. Among them are Traditional Welsh Caerphilly Cheese and Traditionally Reared Pedigree Welsh Pork, whose application is being championed by the Pedigree Welsh Pig Society. Both products have gone past the National Consultation stage.

Seven products are in the European Union’s submission stage, the final part of the application process; Carmarthen Ham, Welsh Laverbread, West Wales Coracle Caught Sewin, Traditional Welsh Cider, Traditional Welsh Perry, and Conwy Mussels.

Fay Fancis, a consultant with ADAS UK Ltd who helps producers with their applications, said: “The fact there are so many applications in the pipeline is great news for the Welsh food and drink industry. Producers are really embracing the opportunity to protect and promote their products by utilising their geographical and historical attributes. The Welsh Government is very supportive of PFN applications, but the whole process is a long one, it can take three or four years, with no guarantee of success.”

She added: “The writers tour was a great way of showing Wales at its best. Not only were they able to taste and enjoy the products, but they met the people behind the products and heard their stories, which is integral to the PFN ethos.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)