Community

Dragon parade set to light up city celebrations

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

JOIN Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for a feast of Welsh culture this St David’s Day, with the dazzling Oriel y Parc Dragon Parade, just one of the exciting events planned in celebration of Wales’ patron saint.

With March 1 falling on a Saturday this year, there will be an extra special atmosphere on the streets of Britain’s smallest city, with a packed weekend of activities in the offing. Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre Manager Paula Ellis said: “We are delighted to be a part of the St David’s Day festivities, with the Dragon Parade once again promising to be one of the many highlights of this year’s proceedings.

“St Davids has been a haven for Welsh culture for centuries and I hope that events such as this will continue to preserve this tradition for many years to come.

“There are so many events arranged around the city throughout the weekend, from Cathedral services to a Twmpath dance, ensuring this will be a St David’s Day to remember!”

Hundreds of local school children and residential care group members will guide their fiery creations through the city streets for the Dragon Parade, led by the 948 Squadron Air Corps Training Band. The procession will leave Oriel y Parc at 11am, before returning there to meet the pilgrims walk led by the Bishop of St Davids.

At 12 noon, the St David’s Day stone in the Oriel y Parc grounds will be lit by the sun, weather permitting. The reading of the Englyn which emblazons the stone will be a particularly poignant moment as it was written by St Davids-born former Archdruid James Nicholas, who sadly passed away in October 2013.

Mr Nicholas was commissioned by the National Park Authority to write the englynion – a traditional chain of short poems, when Oriel y Parc was being built.

The procession will then head to the Cross Square in the city centre, where the Bishop will perform a blessing and the Ysgol Dewi Sant Brass Band will perform the National Anthem.

There will also be an opportunity to view the entries from Oriel y Parc’s Dragon Art Competition in the Tower and a chance to view some superb depictions of Wales’ built history in the Picturing Castles exhibition on display in the Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales main gallery.

For more information about the Dragon’s Day parade and a programme of other St David’s Day events visit www.orielyparc.co.uk or call Oriel y Parc on 01437 720392.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

10 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

1 day 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

1 day 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)