Community

Much loved trolley returns to the ward

Published

9 years ago

August 19, 2016

(L-R): Simon Rickard (Service Manager, RVS) with volunteers Mary Ducker, Sue Lewis, Val Callaghan, Ann Thomas, Wendy Davies, Jean Hill and Brenda Saunders

HYWEL DDA University Health Board, Royal Voluntary Service and Compass Medirest Retail have worked in partnership to reintroduce Withybush Hospital’s much-loved trolley service.

Over the past several weeks, the three partners have worked closely to set up a new ward trolley service for the Haverfordwest hospital, which provides confectionery, newspapers and other items which enhance provision for patients, visitors and staff.

Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, said: “We know how much it means to our patients to see the volunteers on their rounds in the hospital, and are really pleased to have them back on the wards, enhancing our patients’ experience.”

Jason Smith, Royal Voluntary Service Operations Manager for Dyfed-Powys, added: “We’re delighted to have been able to work with the Health Board and restart our volunteer-led trolley service, in partnership with Compass. It’s great that we’re back on the wards providing a valuable and supportive service to those that need it the most, something that Royal Voluntary Service has done for many years.

“Anyone looking to volunteer for Royal Voluntary Service either in the community, or hospital services, please call 01646 699 108 and speak to one of the team or go to www. royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.”

Volunteer Brenda Saunders commented: “We get greeted very well on the wards by both patients and nurses who are all thrilled the trolley service is up and running. We always ensure no patients are left out. It is lovely to see patients’ faces light up when the trolley is on their ward.”

The volunteers can be found on wards on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am until 11.30am; new volunteers would be welcomed, to enable the service to operate from Monday to Friday.

Simon Brown, Compass Medirest Retail, added: ‘‘It’s great to have the trolley service back in operation at Withybush; it’s something we have wanted from the offset at Compass but unfortunately it took a little longer than expected to source a trolley.”

“We’ve worked closely with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Royal Voluntary Service to get this service up and running as quickly as possible. At Compass, it is our objective to provide and deliver great services for the patients, staff and visitors at each of our hospitals. It’s fantastic to see the trolley service back at Withybush – thanks to all involved for making this happen.”

“The trolley service will be making a donation each month to a local hospital charity.”

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)