News

Tourism businesses to show their pedigree

Published

8 years ago

March 17, 2017

THE EAGERLY anticipated shortlist for the Dog Friendly Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards has been announced. The unique awards, the first of its kind in the UK, saw almost four hundred nominations submitted from dog friendly businesses and members of the public which presented a real challenge to the shortlisting judges.

The awards, organised by Pembrokeshire Tourism in collaboration with Burns Pet Nutrition, are designed to champion responsible pet ownership and recognise the efforts of outstanding tourism businesses throughout the county who help to make Pembrokeshire a dog friendly destination.

Dennis O’Connor, Tourism Liaison Manager at Pembrokeshire Tourism, explained:

“The open spaces of Pembrokeshire are becoming increasingly attractive for dog owners as a holiday destination. This, along with miles of fantastic coastline means there’s every opportunity for the holidaying pooch to enjoy themselves just as much as their owners without having to endure the trauma of separation.”

Many of Pembrokeshire’s tourism providers and businesses are extremely welcoming to holidaymakers wishing to bring their dogs with them and their numbers are increasing as demand to accommodate four legged visitors continues to rise”.

Adding to the uniqueness of the awards, special reading dogs and their owners will now conduct the final round of judging in each category before deciding who offers the very best welcome to canine visitors.

Following research which found that some children’s confidence and reading abilities developed when reading to a dog rather than to an adult, the ‘ Burns By Your Side Reading Dogs ‘ scheme was devised and their specially trained dogs are active in schools and public libraries throughout West Wales and in other parts of the UK.

Their inclusion in the judging process is an exciting concept which adds a to the community element of the awards.

Each of the finalists will be invited to attend a special awards ceremony at Slebech Park near Haverfordwest on May 25 , which also promises a departure from traditionally formal award ceremonies.

The finalists in each category are:

Best Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation: Coastal Wood Holidays – Fron Fawr Cottages – Cwm Connell Coastal Cottages

Best Dog Friendly Pub / Restaurant / Café: The Hope Inn, Pembroke – The Brewery Inn, Cosheston – The Temple Bar, Amroth

Best Dog Friendly Day Out / Attraction: Heatherton World of Activities – Carew Castle & Tidal Mill – Support the Boardwalk (Broad Haven)

Best Dog Friendly Caravan / Campsite: Redford Caravan Park – Coastal Wood Camping – Nash Mountain Farm

Best Dog Friendly Town / Village: Amroth – Saundersfoot – Fishguard & Goodwick (Twin Towns)

Best Dog Friendly Beach: Freshwater East – Amroth – Broadhaven (South)

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

19 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

20 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

21 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.