Community

Families have fun at Springboard Fayres

Published

8 years ago

July 14, 2017

Pizza making: At St Mary’s School

PUPILS from three primary schools in Pembrokeshire and their families have had a fantastic time taking part in a wide variety of enjoyable learning activities at Springboard fayres.

Fayres were organised by Springboard at Johnston CP School, St Mary’s Catholic School in Pembroke Dock, and Fenton CP School in Haverfordwest to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week.

The Fayres were funded by Learning and Work Institute, coordinators of Adult Learners’ Week. The Week celebrates and promotes adult learning opportunities in Wales by working with a host of private and public organisations on the promotion of free taster events, local outreach activities and short courses.

The free activities included pizza-making, craft, face-painting, jewellery making, family portraits, and much more.

Springboard aims to engage parents and carers in fun activities with their children that will encourage them to engage in further family learning taking part throughout the year in each school.

Over 300 people took part in the events and the families were quick to get stuck into all activities. The feedback from both staff and families in attendance was overwhelmingly positive.

One of the visitors said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the Fayre, as did my granddaughter; it gave us ideas to carry on at home together – loads of fun too!” Another parent went so far as to say “I don’t want to go home!”

Headteacher of Johnston School, Gareth Thomas, said the Fayre proved very successful in attracting new parents to sign up for planned activities.

“It was great to see parents and carers who have been involved throughout the first year sharing ideas about future parent and pupil activities,” he said.

Comments from the three events included; ‘A great selection of fun activities and an opportunity for parents to help and guide’, ‘What a lovely afternoon!” ‘Plenty of things to do, very entertaining!’ and ‘A brilliant Fayre with a great variety of activities’.

Springboard currently runs free learning activities for adults and children in 10 primary schools across Pembrokeshire. It is committed to providing a wide range of quality learning experiences to enthuse adults and children about learning together for the benefit of all.

For more details on the Springboard project and how you or your school could get involved, please contact Laura Phillips, the Springboard Coordinator on 075009 18050 or email Laura on [email protected]

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.