Community

Crossing welcomed by local communities

Published

10 years ago

July 15, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Sandy Haven: Links improved.

A VITAL link between two communities in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has been improved after works to construct a safer tidal crossing at Sandy Haven were completed.

The local community had raised safety concerns about the former ‘stepping stone’ crossing, which was made from cast concrete barrels. Efforts to stabilise the concrete barrels had failed to provide a long term solution.

The National Park Authority replaced the uneven barrels with a continuous path surface made from concrete culvert sections with the work completed ahead of time and on budget. Consultants were commissioned to consider the options for their replacement and comment was sought from the St Ishmaels and Herbrandston Community Councils before a final decision was made.

National Park Authority Head of Delivery, Charles Mathieson said: “Visitors to the area and local people now have a more reliable crossing which will be available for a longer window in the tidal cycle. The crossing will provide improved accessibility to the beach for families and is a useful link between the communities of Herbrandston and St Ishmaels.”

“Although we understand some people were fond of the stepping stones, we could not ignore the safety concerns that were brought to our attention.”

Sandy Haven is one of two major tidal crossings on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, which is part of the Wales Coast Path. When accessible at low tide, the new crossing avoids the need to walk an inland diversion of around 5km.

The National Park Authority undertook a long consultation and consenting procedure before the ground work began on the project, which was funded by The Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Fund, a Welsh Government Access Grant and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Funding for the planning and survey works was provided by Natural Resources Wales, who grant aid the management of the whole National Trail.

National Park Authority Member Cllr Reg Owens was able to gain access to the new causeway using a specially designed beach wheelchair. For more details about beach wheelchair hire visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/ accessforall.

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).