Community

Anniversary celebrated by Park Friends

Published

8 years ago

June 13, 2016

‘The Vision Moves On’: Four former chairmen came together to cut the beautifully decorated anniversary cake

CELEBRATING their silver anniversary in style with fine dining were the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (FPCNP), who attended the Wolfscastle Country Hotel last Friday (May 20).

From its inception, the independent voluntary charity FPCNP has been committed to helping protect, conserve and enhance the National Park for all to enjoy.

The FPCNP also aim to be of critical support to the Park Authority, and in recent years they have managed to form an effective campaigning alliance with other sister National Park societies in Wales.

In the unavoidable absence of Steve Drinkwater, the new chairman of the 400-member organisation, his predecessor Peter Heard welcomed the visiting colleagues and guests.

Among the attendees was guest speaker Tori James, Jim Wilson from the Brecon Beacons Society, David Archer from the Snowdonia Society, County Councillor Mike James, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Tegryn Jones and the Campaign for National Parks’ Fiona Howie.

Also in attendance were the five founding members of the group, who had participated in the first general meeting which took place at the Skrinkle Centre in Manorbier back in May 1991.

Some of the key issues which were discussed back in the first meeting, such as wind turbines, remain on the agenda to this day.

After their delicious dinner, which was made using local produce, guest speaker Tori James gave the group a vivid insight into her many different adventures.

Tori, who was raised on a farm in Pembrokeshire, says that her enthusiasm was kindled through the girl-guiding she completed as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

She says that her resolve was tempered by completing a 360-mile Polar Challenge in polar bear territory, across constantly shifting sea ice whilst battling against temperatures of -40°C as part of the Pink Lady Polecats ski team.

In 2007, Mount Everest became her next challenge. The expedition demanded unrelenting physical and mental preparation over the course of 18 months.

Tori described the exhausting acclimatisation process on the mountain, as well as the sickness which took away her first chance to go for the summit, and the obsessional mindset which drove her onwards.

She became the youngest British woman and first Welsh woman to climb Everest on May 24, 2007. During the 40 minutes she stood on top of the world, she said that her overwhelming emotion was one of relief.

She is currently helping to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award by taking part in 60 days of adventure, believing that taking part in outdoor activities can transform lives.

Tori’s infectious enthusiasm and her unquenchable passion for adventuring are why she was chosen to be the ambassador for the Visit Wales ‘Year of Adventure.’

After Tori’s inspirational talk, four former chairmen of the FPCNP came together to cut and serve the beautifully decorated anniversary cake.

Peter was thanked for guiding the group through a period of great change, as he led several important developments within the last five years.

One of these developments is the alliance of the Welsh National Park Societies which has brought a new campaigning force to the Welsh Assembly.

Also praised was Peter’s Children’s Literary Competition which piqued young people’s interest in, and awareness of, the unique and special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The evening concluded with a presentation to Peter on behalf of all members present. This was followed by a toast to the prosperity of the association for the next 25 years with the stirring headline that appeared in the first issue of their newsletter – ‘The Vision Moves On’.

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

21 mins ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.

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

1 day 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.