Community

Disability sport festival takes place

Published

10 years ago

July 8, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Photo time: Participants grab a photo with member of the Ospreys
wheelchair rugby team and Welsh Rugby players .

THE FIRST Disability in sport Festival was hosted in Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on Saturday (Jun 20) and was the first of its kind in West Wales.

It was the brainchild of Peter O’Shea, owner of Snowdrop Independent Living. It was an event aimed to encourage those with impairments to try a wide range of sports, from target shooting, table tennis and powerlifting to edgier activities such as wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby (formerly known as murderball).

The organisation was a joint effort between The Haverfordwest Leisure Centre management staff, Angela Miles, Disability Sports officer for Pembrokeshire and Snowdrop Independent Living. Sports clubs were encouraged to take part and to demonstrate their activities and the expertise; and the manpower and equipment of Disability Sports Wales played a vital part in enabling many of the activities to take place.

The event saw a few well-known faces in attendance, from members of the Welsh rugby squad, sponsored by Oil4Wales, the Osprey’s wheelchair rugby team – some of whom participated in the London 2012 Olympic Games, world record holding athlete Nathan Stephens as well as the Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb.

The activities, all of which catered for those with disabilities, were split into different sections throughout the leisure centre, one room having the option of activities such as boccia, table tennis, and powerlifting with Simon Roach of Strength Academy Wales.

The gym hosted gymnastics in one half, and in the other half wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby took place in intervals, coaching for the latter being led by members of the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby Team. Bikeability had a large range of adapted bikes available to try, and swimming, target shooting and other disciplines were held throughout the day.

Ospreys wheelchair rugby chairman Rev. Steven Jones was encouraged by what he had seen saying: “People are taking part, some having a go for the very first time, we hope that perhaps it’s the start, that perhaps there will be some future wheelchair rugby players here today.”

Paul Jenkins, Head Coach for the Osprey’s Wheelchair Rugby team was enthused for both the event and the brilliant opportunities created for the disabled through sports such as wheelchair rugby.

He said: “It’s a tremendous game, a tremendous sport for everyone; you can play whether you’re slightly able, physically or mentally, it doesn’t matter, we can get you in and have a go at the sport, and the more we can have down to have a go the better.”

Participant Sarah Davies also praised the event: “It’s out of my comfort zone but a good new experience.”

The event was kindly sponsored by Valero and Snowdrop Independent Living who provide mobility aids, stairlifts and disabled access equipment to help people stay independent within their homes.

Pictures and footage of the event can be found on Snowdrop Independent Living’s Twitter and Facebook pages, as well as their website.

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

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).