Community
Ryan Jones visits Pembrokeshire
SPORTING legend Ryan Jones embarked on a tour of various venues around Pembrokeshire last week, with support from the team at Princes Gate Spring Water. The first stop for the retired Welsh International rugby union player, who is a Prices Gate Spring Water ambassador, was Ysgol Preseli. He met with a group of Welsh Baccalaureate pupils in an effort to promote healthy living. Princes Gate Spring Water is working with schools throughout Wales on the importance of hydration, healthy diets and staying active.
During the visit, pupils were invited to participate in a Q&A session with Ryan and representatives of the senior management team from Princes Gate Water, including Managing Director David Jones and Commercial Manager Samantha Atkinson. The session was an opportunity for the pupils to learn more about the various nuances of bottling spring water, manufacturing and distribution in general. The Q&A also gave the students the opportunity to ask Ryan questions about his sporting career. Next stop was Narberth CP school, and a 40 minute session with the Year 6 pupils. Pupils were engaged by talks from the panel on nutrition, hydration and physical fitness. The children were enthralled by Ryan’s inspirational talk on his drive towards professional rugby, and were no doubt inspired to follow suit.
They were then invited to take `selfies’ with the star, and delighted in doing so. Ryan and the team then visited Narberth RFC where Ryan once again took to the floor to present an inspirational talk to the children on how to realise their sporting ambitions, before a ‘Lads v Dads’ rugby match and a coaching session with the Under 11s. It was a remarkable experience for all involved. The final stop was a trip to The Plas in Narberth, where Ryan presented the Teenage Cancer Trust with a cheque on behalf of the Princes Gate Trust.
Talking about the visit, David Jones, owner of Princes Gate Spring Water, said: “We are sincerely humbled by all that Ryan continues to do – even in retirement – to inspire youngsters in Wales towards achieving their ambitions. He’s the most inspirational speaker I have encountered and at Princes Gate we are proud to call him our Ambassador – and friend. We look forward to continuing this awareness campaign throughout Wales in a bid to get our youth hydrated, eating more healthily and above all active!”
Community
Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success
NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.
Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.
The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.
A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.
Community
Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success
MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.
Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.
Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.
The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.
A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”
Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.
The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.
A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.
Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).
The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.
Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!
Community
Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor
THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.
Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’
Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.
“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.
The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.
He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.
“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.
Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.
Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:
“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”
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