Community

Poultry enthusiasts make sure rare breeds survive

Published

11 years ago

January 23, 2014

THE 2014 Welsh National Poultry Show took place last weekend in a flurry of feathers and noise at the purpose built Brithdir Exhibition Hall, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Showground.

The annual two-day event –which was begun 40 years ago at Llanybydder –has, for the past 10 years, been held at Haverfordwest under the auspices of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

The popularity of poultry continues to increase, and even the newest and smallest farm parks and tourist attractions have a few fowl for added interest. When these are pure breeds, suitably labelled, it fuels the enthusiasm for others to take up the hobby.

At the Welsh National records tumble annually as the number of entries continue to increase to this year’s high of more than 2,100 exhibits, with enthusiastic keepers and exhibitors traveling from across the UK to display their prized poultry in several hundred different classes.

Successfully organised by the Dyfed Poultry Society with waterfowl on the first day and poultry on the second, it is undoubtedly the biggest show of its kind in Wales incorporating more than 570 classes of poultry of which some of the breeds would have long ago died out were it not for the dedication of these knowledgeable breeders.

Secretary Alun Davies, who has been involved in organising the show for the past decade, said:

“We’ve had the top poultry people come this year from as far afield as Cornwall and other parts of the West Country together with Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Home Counties.”

The Welsh National Poultry Show is now considered to be one of the three major poultry competitions in the UK.

This year saw the top prize of Supreme Champion go to first time exhibitors at this show, Nobby and Chris Ward from Bedfordshire with their April hatched blue German Langshan male. This particular breed is derived from the Croad Langshan and is an old, heavy, soft-feathered chicken breed which probably originated in China.

There were a number of outstanding successes for Charles Holtom and his family from the west Midlands who entered the champion and reserve in the waterfowl classes with his large, bantam and miniature crested ducks and also self coloured heavy ducks.

Also a founder member of the Dyfed Society and lifetime supporter, Picton Jones, 83, took 20 entries to the show and came away with a remarkable four championship awards. Show President, Michael Davies congratulating the Society on a truly amazing event said:

“The birds were beautiful and the noise was fantastic –all of them clucking away at the same time. The place was full of characters and odd-looking birds and all those involved, of all ages, take it really seriously. It was like Crufts but for birds!”

The championship judge, Mr Colin Clarke, Norwich was the guest speaker at the annual dinner of the Dyfed Society held at the Beggar’s Reach Hotel.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”