Community

Help raise £100k for disadvantaged children

Published

9 years ago

May 4, 2016

PEMBROKESHIRE’S much-loved bottled water producer, Princes Gate Spring Water, is encouraging people in Pembrokeshire to help in its efforts of raising £100,000 to enhance and enrich the lives of disadvantaged children and young people locally.

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Narberth-based business, which produces over 120 million bottles of spring water each year, is seeking the support of individual fundraisers and corporate partners.

Set up by brothers David and Glyn Jones in 1991, Princes Gate has raised over £150,000 for a number of Wales-based charities, including the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, over the past 25 years.

In 2014, it made the decision to formalise and strengthen its charitable endeavours by establishing the Princes Gate Trust; a stand-alone registered charity.

The Princes Gate Trust raised in excess of £100,000 in its first year alone through a variety of fundraising events and challenges including sponsored bike rides clocking up 10,000 miles, ultimate marathons and its very own ‘Daithlon’ – a quirky twist on a triathlon.

It has helped a number of inspirational and spirited young people including 12-year-old Shannon Folena from Pembrokeshire.

A renewed communicative relationship with family is one example of the life-enhancing benefits of the Princes Gate Trust. Pembrokeshire-born Shannon Folena was the victim of a harrowing road accident at the age of just twelve. Her injuries left Shannon communicatively isolated from her family – and they her – when her ability to interact with her loved ones reduced dramatically. The gift of an ‘eye-gazer’ machine from the Princes Gate Trust, has enhanced the lives of an entire family overnight, allowing Shannon to once again interact with her family via cutting edge technology.

Over the next year and with the support of ambassadors including former Wales rugby players Ryan Jones, Shane Williams and Ian Gough, Princes Gate is looking to up its fundraising efforts for the trust through a number of challenges including Velothon Wales, CARTEN100, Ironman Wales and St David’s Hotel & Spa Zip Wire Challenge.

The Princes Gate Trust has also been chosen to receive half the proceeds of the Manic Street Preachers official Wales EURO 2016 song, ‘Together Stronger (C’mon Wales)’, in partnership with The Football Association of Wales.

David Jones, managing director of Princes Gate and founder of the Princes Gate Trust, said: “Our 25th anniversary is a significant landmark for our business. It is something we’re incredibly proud of and something that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our very talented and dedicated team of employees.

“In reaching this milestone, we wanted to up-the-ante in terms of our fundraising efforts for the trust. We have been truly inspired by both the young people we have helped and the supporters who we have helped us in our efforts. Whilst raising funds for such worthy causes, it’s also of paramount importance that we continue to promote healthy lifestyles in doing so. We like to lead by example and so are proud to participate in all our events – which have yielded scores of Ironmen over the years.

“I feel this will be our biggest and best year yet. The challenges are tough and our ambitions are high. We already have the support of some fantastic corporate supporters, individual fundraisers and brand ambassadors, and we are hopeful that many others will join us in our mission to change lives and create smiles.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

12 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

16 hours ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

6 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.