Community

Ladies grab a bargain for a very good cause

Published

8 years ago

June 13, 2016

Drink wine and donate: Paul Sartori workers and guests pose with their purchases

THE HERALD attended the popul ar ‘Ladies Night’ at the Paul Sartori Foundation in Neyland on Wednesday (May 25).

Supplied with a choice of free wine, cider or orange juice, there was an incredible turnout, with all floors of the charity shop full to the brim with ladies all searching for a bargain.

There was an air of excitement and laughter in the store, perhaps due to the possibilities of bargains being found and the abundance of flowing wine, with all women in the community – friends, mothers, daughters – coming together to support their local Paul Sartori store.

The way in which the shop window display had been set up made the place look like a high-end independent boutique.

Maggie John, who works at the Neyland Paul Sartori store, told the Herald: “I’m in charge of the window displays and I think they’re so important, because when people go past on the bus – and because there’s not a lot of parking around here – it makes the store a lot more noticeable.

“This shop won the ‘Best Christmas Window Display’ last year, too.”

All the clothes the shop inside were organised impeccably into categories, making for an easy shopping experience especially when trying to navigate around the many women who attended.

Maggie continued: “I used to own a shop when I lived in London and we used to have ladies’ nights there twice a year. I thought we could bring it here for the women who support the shop.

“Nights like this are great because ladies can bring their friends, do a bit of networking and I think at events like this, most women do like to buy something.

“We’ve done a raffle as well so if women don’t see anything, they can always get a raffle ticket for £1 to win a £25 voucher, a bottle of bubbly and a big box of really nice chocolates.”

The Neyland charity shop had previously held one other ‘Ladies Night’ last Christmas, which was such a success that they decided to continue with the event twice a year.

At the festive ‘Ladies Night’, the shop managed to raise an incredible £900 for the Paul Sartori charity in just one evening, with over 35 women attending.

“There are a lot of regulars here tonight, but we have seen some new faces as we encourage everyone to bring a friend with them, and most people do.

“It’s hard work organising events like this but it’s nice to give something back to people in the community who support the store,” Maggie concluded.

The Paul Sartori Foundation enables patients with a life-limiting illness to be cared for at home.

The team of nurses, nursing assistants, counsellors, physio, equipment assistants and complementary therapists all deliver care of the highest standard to enhance the quality of life for patients, carers and families at what is already a very difficult time for them.

Paul Sartori was a remarkable man who saw the need for hospice care in Pembrokeshire but whilst trying to set this up, he became sadly became ill and died from cancer at the age of 39. The Foundation was then set up in his memory in 1981.

The Paul Sartori Foundation depend heavily on donations and fundraising activities to provide this essential care to the community.

The next ‘Ladies Night’ with free wine and nibbles will be held at the store near Christmas.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

13 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

24 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

2 days 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.”