News

Politicians pay tribute to Nelson Mandela

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

ON HEARING the sad newsthat Nelson Mandela passedaway this week, Pembrokeshirepoliticians have been quick to pay their tributes to one ofthe greatest world leadersto have ever lived.

Following a long period of ill health, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela passed away on Thursday, December 5, aged 95. He will always beremembered for bringing the apartheid regime to an end in South Africa and served as president of the country from 1994 to 1999.

Imprisoned in 1962 for conspiracy to overthrow the South African racist state, he spent 27 years in the prison of Robben Island before being released in 1990.

He then set about negotiations with the then president, F.W De Clerk, to bring about the end of the apartheid regime, a process that ended in both men receiving the Nobel prize for peace.

MP Stephen Crabb had this to say in tribute to Nelson Mandela: “Like many of my generation, I first got to know the name of Nelson Mandela through some of bands of the 1980s. I remember seeing U2 in Cardiff in 1987 when the crowd in the Arms Park was urged to ‘remember Mandela’.

“The Anti-Apartheid cause was in the very bloodstream of popular music at the time and, for us, Mandela became a word that represented struggle against oppression and injustice. What we didn’t really understand at that moment was the quality of Nelson Mandela as a man – the sense of hope and optimism that poured out of him, and the seemingly limitless reserves of forgiveness he was able to draw on following his release from prison.

“His extraordinary appearance at the 1995 rugby world cup final showed us Mandela as a man and a leader. Wearing the Springbok jersey, hated by black South Africans as a symbol of white tyranny, he was asking his nation to embrace the forgiveness and reconciliation which defined his own life.

“As a politician I regard him as one of the outstanding examples of someone driven by a sense of purpose and mission, but rooted in eternal values, with the capacity to endure extreme pain and hardship and yet forgive, and with the vision to change the face of his country. Truly, a life well lived”.

Simon Hart, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said: “Nelson Mandela was remarkable in that few world figures have ever touched the lives of so many people from so many different cultures. So, whether it is the people of South Africa, or even those in our own county, this man has changed our lives and our world for the better.”

Angela Davies, AM for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said: “Few people and certainly no other politician has inspired generations of people like ‘Mandiba’ Mandela. He truly was a father to so many, whether in South Africa or any other country in the world; he became a beacon of hope and forgiveness to us all”.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Jamie Adams, added to the tributes, saying: “Nelson Mandela’s legacy will live on for generations in South Africa and his name is etched on the pages of history”.

His legacy will be one of peace as he sought to end apartheid not through a process of revenge and retribution but through reconciliation and truth.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.