Community

Ex-teacher cycles for charity

Published

10 years ago

July 8, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Mike Phillips: Took part in a
1,000km cycle

RETIRED physics teacher Mike Phillips recently took on a gruelling charity cycle challenge to raise money for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and MacMillan Cancer Support.

Mike, who is also a town councillor, helped raise around £3,000 and completed a 1,000km cycle through Spain. Joined by his friend Peter Munt-Davies and Dr Sam Lewis (who travelled in a campervan), Mike cycled one of the Camino routes to Santiego de Compostella in north-west Spain in memory of two friends.

Mike said: “I also thought that I might get fit for the trip as well as losing a few kilos. The training began in October 2014 as well as a bit of weight loss. At 66, I am now quite fit as a result of the whole experience. As well as Spinning at Fishguard Leisure Centre on winter nights, I got some training rides in with Pete and even did three testing rides in Eire with my good friend Graham Coles, who is a keen mountain biker and runs Carningli Bike Hire in Newport.”

The cyclists joined The Confraternity of Saint James, and can now nail three scallop shells above their doors to show that they have made the pilgrimage.

“In Spain, we were known as ‘Peregrinos’,” Mike said, “and we carried a scallop shell, which prompted much kindness and hospitality en route.”

The pair set off from Seville Cathedral and met several challenged along their way, including mechanical issues, extreme weather conditions, tough terrain and illness.

Mike had to have his bike fixed before getting on the road at the start of the route after it suffered steering problems.

“After losing our way twice, we finally got on the ‘Camino de Piata’, which is an ancient trail across farm tracks. The heavens opened complete with thunder and lightning and we got very wet and muddy with a bit of hyperthermia in my case. At this point, after cycling across some very slippery, muddy fields, we elected to take on the Spanish roads, which were really cycle friendly.”

On arrival at the cathedral precinct in Santiago, Mike and Peter claimed their Compostellas (certificates for making the pilgrimage).

“Overall it was an experience well worth doing, and, looking back, enjoyable,” Mike said, “Would I do it again? Maybe, but I would need a roadie like Same Lewis, who is the unsung hero, but who, alas, did not qualify for the Compostella because he drove.”

To donate to the charities supported by the trip, you can visit www.justgiving.com/Mike-Phillips10 or go to the websites of the charities.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 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

18 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).