Community
Minister visits food bank charity
MINISTER for Communities and Tackling Poverty Jeff Cuthbert visited PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship) on Thursday, January 23, to see the impact of its support from the Welsh Government’s Communities 2.0 programme.
The scheme works to get more people and organisations to make the most of the internet.
The Minister visited the charity to learn more about the work it does supporting people in need in Pembrokeshire and how it uses social media to gather donations.
PATCH is a charitable organisation aiming to relieve the effects of poverty for individuals and families within Pembrokeshire. It gives food parcels, clothing, and other items to people in financial difficulty. The charity has a team of up to 60 volunteers and runs depots in Milford Haven and Monkton.
Communities 2.0 has supported PATCH in developing a social media strategy which has resulted in a Facebook group with over 1000 friends and followers. The charity uses this to make urgent requests for food donations.
The project has supported the redevelopment of PATCH’s website from understanding the web specification through to managing the delivery of the site. The Communities 2.0 support has ensured that the organisation’s staff can improve the website themselves, without hiring expensive contractors.
Communities 2.0 has also delivered short workshops on improving the organisation’s use of Excel & Word to allow it to better manage its accounts, volunteers and business as a whole.
The Minister said: “I am really pleased to see how Communties 2.0 support is helping PATCH use the latest digital technologies to improve the excellent service it provides people in difficulty. Our support enables PATCH to reach more people, more quickly, and increase community involvement.”
PATCH Co-ordinator Tracy Olin commented: “The support from Communities 2.0 has helped us improve communication to our supporters and volunteers and to manage the process of getting food and clothing to the people who need it efficiently and effectively. We feel much more confident using the technology knowing that support from Communities 2.0 is available and we feel it has made a practical difference to people in need in Pembrokeshire”.
Charity
Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign
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.”
Community
Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match
A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.
Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.
The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.
Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.
Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.
For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.
Community
Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards
CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.
The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”
The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.
Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.
For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.
Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.
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