News
Destination Dubai for Welsh food and drink
GULFOOD is the key international food and drink trade event in the Middle East, attracting more than 77,000 domestic and international traders in 2013.
Held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulfood provides an important opportunity for Welsh producers looking to reach and develop new markets in the United Arab Emirates.Speaking ahead of the trade mission, Alun Davies said the trip is a great opportunity to promote high-quality Welsh produce and increase trade opportunities in the Middle East.
He said: “This is a really exciting opportunity. The UAE is by far the UK’s largest growing export market and is the main consumer of Welsh food in the Middle East.”
“I am delighted so many Welsh companies are travelling with me to Dubai for this key trade event. I look forward to showing the Middle East what great produce Wales has to offer.”
While at the exhibition, the Minister will discuss trade opportunities with the Welsh food producers and will set out how the Welsh Government can help support a sustainable trading relationship between Wales and the UAE. Mr Davies will also say a few words at a reception bringing together key players in the Middle East’s food and drink sector and head chefs at the region’s top restaurants.
While in the UAE, the Minister will also meet with the Director General of the Dubai Economic Department to discuss the country’s import market and how Wales can increase its export trade with the region.
This visit follows the launch of the Welsh Government’s draft Action Plan for the Food and Drinks Industry 2014 – 2020 that seeks to deliver growth and jobs in the food and farming sector and increase the profile of Welsh food. An important part of the action plan is creating business opportunities for Welsh food producers by opening up new markets and increasing exports.
Talking about the action plan, the Minister added:
“I have put the commitments I made last month into action straight away by leading trade missions to both Dubai and the US to present the best of Welsh food to new and growing markets across the globe.
“I am committed to strengthening Wales’s food and drinks sector and will do all I can to ensure Wales makes the most of these opportunities so that our food industry can continue to grow and reach its full potential.
“By supporting and encouraging Welsh companies to develop new markets overseas we can promote sustainable economic growth.”
Charity
Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities
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
THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.
Their 37th 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
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.
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