News

Milford Haven: Port supports Small Business Saturday

Published

8 years ago

November 30, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Christmas shop window display at Cherubs, Barralier House, Milford Marina

Shop locally: Christmas shop window display at Cherubs on the Marina

AN ANNUAL celebration of small business success takes place this weekend (Dec 3) in Milford Haven and shoppers are being set a fun challenge to shop locally.

The special one-day event, called Small Business Saturday, is part of a national campaign to remind shoppers to put local companies high up on their list of places to visit, and this year it coincides with Milford Haven Town Council’s visit of Santa to Milford Haven and the switching on of the Christmas lights at Milford Haven Town Hall.

Milford Haven Business Circle, with support from Milford Haven Regeneration Team, the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Town Council, has organised a range of activities aimed at encouraging people to shop locally. A ‘Christmas Shopping Challenge’ is also taking place where shoppers will be given a card that they can get stamped at each participating shop where they make a purchase on the day. Completed cards with stamps from 10 different businesses will be entered into a draw to win an Xbox One, and the winner will be announced by the Mayor on Saturday night at the Town Hall just before the Christmas Lights are switched on.

“It’s a fun day out first and foremost,” explained Neil Jenkins, Destination Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “However there is an important message in the event too. We have some great local businesses here, both in the Marina and throughout the town. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves by taking a walk around and popping into shops to take a look. Christmas is the perfect time to take that opportunity.”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, national movement that promotes the quality and expertise of local businesses that often fill a niche that the bigger firms cannot. Popular baby and children’s clothing and accessories shop ‘Cherubs’ in Milford Marina is a great example. Owner Clare Watts has seen sales double in the last 3 years.

She said: “As a mum of four, I found it difficult to find clothing locally that was traditional and unique. So once my youngest daughter started school, my husband and I decided to start our own business on Milford Marina. It’s been really successful.”

Earlier this year, Brett Sheppard opened a health and fitness company ‘B-Fit’ in Cedar Court, close to Tesco supermarket in Milford Haven. He believes that a smaller, local business can offer something different to the major national health clubs and says his customers agree.

Brett said: “Business is booming and I think it’s because we offer a personal service. We are already a go-to place for locals and have smashed our targets in the first year. What’s even more exciting is that B-Fit is growing just as the plans to expand the Milford Waterfront as a retail and leisure destination are picking up pace. The timing is just right.”

A small Milford Market will also be taking place in Charles Street on the day between 10am and 4pm. As well as a selection of stalls, there will be entertainment throughout the day before the town’s Christmas lights are switched on at 6pm.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

5 mins 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

2 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

2 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.