Community

24-hour run and walk for SWAT

Published

11 years ago

January 16, 2014

A MAN from Haverfordwest will be doing a 24-hour run and walk to help raise awareness for the Save Withybush Action Team. Mark Llewhellin will start on the morning of January 25 on Freemans Way before doing a circuit around town and finishing at Merlins Hill.

Mark told the Herald: “I went out the other day to see what I could do without any proper training and I managed to run and walk between 9-10 hours”.

When he was 16 Mark trained to be in the army, but he failed the 1.5mile run and was voted fattest person in the troop, but that made him more determined to succeed. He added: “I was laughed at because I said I wanted to be a commando but a year later I achieved it and was awarded a green beret.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in life, what your current situation is, you can still achieve great things by setting goals and believing in yourself one day at a time.

“I feel stronger now mentally than what I was when I broke the 100k treadmill world record at 27.”

Mark did not realise how serious the NHS cuts were and says it’s time to take action. He added: “I think Dr Chris Overton and the SWAT Team have done a fantastic job of highlighting the situation. If these cuts go ahead then there will be unnecessary deaths in the county. The reason I decided to do the 24-hour event is because it can highlight the issue and no matter how painful this will be for me it will be still be quite easy compared to losing a child which sadly will happen for many people if we let these cuts go ahead”.

Mark is currently in the process of inviting celebrities with local ties to Pembrokeshire to support the hospital. One of them who he has a tremendous amount of respect for is Christian Bale. Christian was born five days after Mark in Haverfordwest and is now a huge movie star. The event is sponsored by Grill Bar Haverfordwest and Eddies Rocks nightclub.

Mark is hoping that people will join in the SWAT protests so the people can have a say in their families’ future. Five days later, on Christian’s 40th birthday, schools around the county are having a super hero fancy dress fun and sports day to support the hospital.

Anyone is encouraged to join in with Mark on his run and walk on January 25 for any leg of the journey to show support.

For more information you can visit the SWAT Facebook page or they can visit www.pembswat.org.uk

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

19 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.