Community

Thomas wins Natural History competition

Published

9 years ago

December 23, 2016

Opsrey Takeaway: Neil Thomas’ winning entry

JENNY HIBBERT EFIAP, MPAGB recently visited the Tenby and District Camera club on Thursday, December 8, in the role of external judge.

As reported about Jenny in the past, she an award-winning photographer based in Bridgend and has travelled extensively. During her photography career, she has been fortunate to win many awards and gain high photographic qualifications.

Before her judging of the Natural History prints and digital images, Jenny was asked by Dave Lewis, Internal Competition Secretary, to present lapel badges to Mike Cullis and Roy Packer, who both gained their DPAGB, with the extra CPAGB for Roy.

19 prints were judged and critiqued by Jenny in her usual funny and informative manner, giving each print her advice on how she would present the image for competition.

She explained that print quality is one of the biggest problems and gave advice on which papers to choose. Jenny also commented that titling of the image is important – ‘if it’s a bird then name the bird’.

Her marking of the images were fair, although it is very easy for the audience to sit in judgement while their work is being assessed, then say ‘what a load of rubbish that judge is’. Jenny’s marks reflected in the images displayed and all members accepted her critique.

In third place with 19 points was Roy Packer, in second place with 19 points was Mike Cullis and the winning image was ‘Osprey Takeaway’ by Neil Thomas.

Following the break, Jenny judged the 23 digital images submitted. Again, her experience and advice was given freely to every image shown. She explained that focal points needed to be adjusted, cropping could make for a better image and even using a spray bottle could enhance the subject matter.

One or two images stood out as being almost a creative natural history shot. Following her critique, she said: “Dare to be different – you will succeed.” Third place was awarded to Mike Cullis, second place was Roy Packer and the winning digital image was ‘Fishing’ by Charlie Kidd.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

18 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

2 days 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

2 days 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)