News

MP calls for “citizen historians”

Published

11 years ago

January 23, 2014

MP Stephen Crabb has welcomed this week’s announcement that diaries from World War One have been put online for people to view free of charge.

The announcement is part of the government’s World War One centenary programme and has been hailed as an “unprecedented opportunity” for members of the public to make new discoveries about life at war.

Stephen Crabb has called for local people to make the most of this vast new historical resource, which will allow school children and adults alike to try their hands at being “citizen historians”.

The online archive hosts a collection of official and private diaries and provides a fascinating and detailed account into the “everyday” life of trench warfare. Around 300,000 pages have so far been uploaded to the National Archive website with a total of 1.5 million pages due to go live by the project’s completion.

Centenary celebrations have already begun across the UK, where Pembrokeshire became one of the first counties in Wales to start remembrance through the Neyland Armistice project, run by local veteran Barry John MBE.

In September, Stephen and Barry visited the Somme battlefields to commemorate the area where thousands of Welsh soldiers fell almost a hundred years ago. They attended a ceremony at the Town Hall of Albert where they were presented with soil for Pembrokeshire’s armistice sculpture, due to be unveiled later this year. The sculpture is just one of a number of commemorative tributes that will take place across the county in the run up to Armistice Day on November 11 2014.

Speaking from Westminster, Stephen said: “I am delighted that this rich resource of personal history has been put online so that people anywhere in the UK can uncover the many untold stories of WW1.

“It was a great privilege to visit the Somme last year where so many Pembrokeshire soldiers lost their lives and these diaries provide a humbling insight into the everyday lives of men like them.

“This is a fantastic resource for anyone interested to know more about what it was like to serve in the trenches and is particularly useful for local schools looking for ways to commemorate 100 years since the beginning of the First World War.”

If you would like to view the diaries online, please log-on to the National Archives Website via http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/war-diaries-ww1.htm

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

6 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.