FOR many, Christmas begins with the magical sound of carols from King’s College, Cambridge. This year, a week before their globally broadcast performance on BBC TV and radio, the lower voices of King’s Choir—known as The King’s Men—will make their first-ever appearance in Pembrokeshire.

Their performance, titled Sing Christmas!, promises an enchanting evening of traditional carols and nostalgic Christmas classics delivered in stunning close harmonies.

A special connection to Pembrokeshire
This extraordinary event is hosted by Pembrokeshire-based professional musician Quentin Poole. A former Head Chorister of King’s College Choir, Quentin gained national recognition as a guest on Desert Island Discs on Boxing Day 1970. Now, he brings the renowned choir to St Davids Tabernacle, Cross Square, for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday, December 18, at 7:30pm—just six days before their iconic live Christmas Eve broadcast.

Reserve your seats early
Tickets for this unique festive performance are £25 each, payable in cash at the door, which opens at 7:00pm. Seating is unallocated, so early arrival is recommended.

Due to anticipated high demand, advance booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To reserve your seats, email [email protected].

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of King’s College Choir in the heart of Pembrokeshire!

THE CELTIC FREEPORT is officially “open for business” following the designation of its tax sites located in Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire by the Welsh and UK Governments.

The major step forward unlocks the investment incentives to deliver the freeport’s vision.

This milestone is also accompanied by the appointment of the first permanent Celtic Freeport Chair, Ed Tomp, to take this important re-industrialisation and regeneration project to fruition.

He started his new role on December 1^st, 2024.

Until 30th September 2034, businesses investing in Celtic Freeport’s designated development areas – tax sites – can access a suite of incentives, such as no Business Rates for the first five years, significant reductions in national insurance contributions and full capital expensing (a tax relief scheme), to support their investment decisions.

Forecasts indicate the Celtic Freeport is set to attract £8.4bn of private and public investment, deliver 11,500 new jobs and add £8.1bn of economic value.

Welcoming the news, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “This is an extremely important day for Neath Port Talbot and surrounding areas as these announcements mark the beginning of what the Celtic Freeport can offer – a new era of major investment in clean energy, innovation and other industries creating much needed, high-quality jobs for our residents.

“The tax sites which have been approved by Parliament will provide an incentive for businesses to breathe new life into this region and with a permanent Chair now in place it is very much ‘all systems go’ for the Celtic Freeport.

“I also wish to give my thanks to the Interim Chair of the Celtic Freeport, Roger Maggs, who supported us through this entire process until he handed the reigns over to the new permanent chair.”

Frances O’Brien, the Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, added: “The Celtic Freeport is developing quickly and these announcements mark a significant shift in the fortunes of Neath Port Talbot, our neighbouring authorities and Wales as a whole.

“The Freeport’s involvement in the fast-growing Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) industry offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create thousands of clean, green jobs and to expand our economy. Our doors are now open to those who wish to join us on our journey.”

The Celtic Freeport is a public-private consortium whose partners include Associated British Ports (ABP), Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven, alongside renewables developers, energy companies, industrial complexes, innovation assets, academic institutions and education providers.

The Celtic Freeport covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station and heavy engineering across South-West Wales.

Celtic Freeport’s website for more information.

VOLUNTEERS across Pembrokeshire were honoured at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held on November 28 at The Queen’s Hall, Narberth. The event, organised by PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) and supported by South Hook LNG, showcased the extraordinary efforts of local volunteers.

The Queen’s Hall provided a stunning setting for the evening, with decorations prepared by the venue’s team alongside PAVS staff. Around 80 volunteers and their guests enjoyed a meal by Block and Barrel, followed by a captivating performance by the Preseli Voices Community Choir.

Seven awards categories celebrated

The ceremony featured seven award categories, each highlighting the dedication of Pembrokeshire’s volunteers. Jessica Bickerton, Chief Officer of PAVS, introduced the finalists, praising their outstanding contributions to their communities.

Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG’s PR Manager, said: “Congratulations to all nominees. To be a part of these awards is to be part of something incredibly special, celebrating the tremendous effort of volunteers across our county. At South Hook, we are proud to continue our support for these awards, working with PAVS to highlight the positive impact volunteering brings to our community.”

Special guest presenters handed out each award, with winners later sharing their inspiring stories in interviews with Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio. These stories are available on the radio station’s website.

Winners and finalists

Young Volunteer (under 25)

• Winner: Zoe Jones – POINT Youth Centre
• Highly Commended: Charlie Evans – Milford Youth Matters
• Presented by: Anna Mullarkey, Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager, Port of Milford Haven

Mike Beckett Award (youth group aged under 25)

• Winners: POINT Youth Forum
• Highly Commended: Youth Ambassador Team – Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity
• Presented by: Gwen Beckett

Trustee/Board Award

• Winners: Andrea Farmer and Isobel Hall – Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity
• Highly Commended: Julie Fulton – Pembrokeshire People First
• Presented by: Claire Incledon, Chair of Trustees, PAVS

Long Service Award

• Winner: Paul Guisbourne-Hilton – Various charities
• Highly Commended: Julie Fulton – Pembrokeshire People First
• Commended: Kathleen Llewellyn – Paul Sartori Foundation
• Presented by: Cllr Marc Tierney

Individual Over 25

• Winner: Sue Canham – Royal Voluntary Service
• Highly Commended: Nadine Farmer – Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity; Neil Houghton – Redberth Croft CIC
• Commended: Cerian Goodbourn – Sea Trust Wales; Valerie Harrold – Paul Sartori Foundation
• Presented by: Neil Wooding, Chair, Hywel Dda University Health Board and WCVA

Mary Sigley Award

• Winner: David Bundock – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
• Highly Commended: Paul Guisbourne-Hilton – Various charities
• Presented by: Tom Dyer, Pure West Radio

Group Over 25

• Winner: ‘Found it @ Frame’ Volunteers
• Highly Commended: Esteam Volunteers
• Commended: West Wales Walking for Wellbeing
• Presented by: Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG

For more information about volunteering in Pembrokeshire, contact [email protected] or call PAVS at 01437 769722. Details are also available at www.pavs.org.uk.

Uplifting performances, heartwarming stories, and the celebration of remarkable individuals made this year’s event a memorable tribute to Pembrokeshire’s volunteers.