Community
Youngsters ‘get smashed’

Councillor Rob Lewis and youth worker Nick Hudd, together with members of the emergency services: With the young drivers that attended the workshop
A HARD-HITTING, live action crash scene, aimed to show the effects of dangerous driving, has been played out to youngsters in Milford Haven.
The realistic simulation called ‘Get Smashed’ took place at Milford Haven Youth Centre. It’s the fourth time the multi-agency event, held in conjunction with the fire service, police and ambulance service, has taken place in the town.
Over time, the message has evolved to be as realistic and graphic as possible, with feedback from previous events showing this to be the most effective way of getting through to new, or soon to be new, drivers.
Statistically, young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident with inexperience and high speeds often a factor.
Statistics in Pembrokeshire show that over the past five years:
25 young people were killed or seriously injured.
The 16-24 age group account for 20% of all fatalities, 28% of all serious casualties and 28% of all slight casualties during this period.
Over a quarter of all personal injury RTCs in the last five years involve a young person (aged 16-24 years).
Over 380 young people were injured in a car, 120 of whom were passengers.
One in four collisions involve a young male driver.
Get Smashed aims to buck that trend, says Community Youth Worker for Pembrokeshire County Council Nick Hudd, who organised the event alongside partner organisation Milford Youth Matters.
“We use real life scenarios based on incidents that have happened in Pembrokeshire,” he said. “Those attending are able to relate to it better and we find it’s more effective.”
The day starts with attendees being shown a video called ‘Could you live with yourself?’ that reflects on the fatal crash in 2006 of motorcycle passenger Karen Boulcott.
In the video, her husband, Dr Mark Boulcott, who was steering the bike when it was hit, describes the timeline of events before, during and after the crash.
“It’s a poignant film in that it occurred because a car being driven by a young driver struck them and this is our target audience,” added Nick.
“It really hits home.
“Following this, a real life scenario is played out where the emergency services attend a collision between two cars and cut out its occupants.
“It’s a sensory experience involving dramatic sights, smells and sounds and it really hits home.
“The youngsters see windows smashed, doors cut off and people stretchered away and although the victims are played by actors from Pembrokeshire College, the attendees are visibly moved.”
Cabinet member for Transportation, Cllr Rob Lewis, believes it’s a vital event on the calendar.
“This event hits hard and that’s the intention. We want the youngsters to see the effects that speed can have when driving.
“They see the damage it can cause and how the trauma victims and their relatives suffer.
“It’s a powerful scene to take in.
“One fatality on our roads is too many and if this course can help the youngsters understand the consequence of their actions, then it’s an event that is here to stay.”
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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