Community

National Trust Association tour Marloes

Published

9 years ago

May 19, 2017

Ranger Matt Thompson: With the PNTA

THE LOCAL Pembrokeshire National Trust Association’s tour of Marloes Mere area last week gave the group an update on the various schemes the National Trust is progressing in the area.

The walk was led by area ranger Matt Thompson and the first stop was the Runwayskiln building near the Marloes Mere car park, which the YHA has handed back to the Trust. Plans are progressing to renovate the buildings to create accommodation and a café but there is no definite opening date yet.

The next stop was the lake at Marloes Mere, which was covered with swooping swallows. The local ‘birding’ community has asked the National Trust to install a further hide which will improve their viewing by looking down the length of the Mere and Matt explained he is investigating the possibility of this.

The group then moved to areas where the Trust, and its tenant farmer, are trying to carry out heathland regeneration. It requires reduction in the fertility of the soil so that heather and other plants can thrive. This in turn will add allow greater biodiversity. Work has been going on for a number of years with varying success, but Matt was able to point out areas where heather was starting to thrive. On reaching the coast at the Ragh Iron Age Fort, looking across to Gateholm, Matt explained some of the finds of Tony Robinson and his Time Team when they filmed their excavation here.

The return to the car park provided a spectacular walk along the cliffs at Marloes Beach with a dramatically blue sea. The sun brought out the colour of the rocks, which in turn were covered with swathes of flowers; golden gorse, blue squills, yellow kidney vetch and the pink of thrift and campion. It was a wonderful way to finish the evening.

For further details of the local National Trust Association group, and future talks and events, look at www.pembsnta.org.uk or contact membership secretary Sheila Ashton on 01437 731525.

The group hold a series of winter talks, summer walks and events and a longer holiday.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

38 seconds ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

4 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.