Community

Theme park celebrates ‘Dad of the year’

Published

12 years ago

March 28, 2014

A fundraising father who took part in a gruelling challenge has been awarded ‘Dad of the Year’ at the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Awards 2014 earlier this month.

The award, which is sponsored by Oakwood Theme Park, was handed over to Pembroke dad Jeff Davies by the Park’s director Dominic Jones. Jeff was nominated by his daughter Charlotte Hawkes after raising more than £5,000 for the chemotherapy unit at Withybush Hospital.

After losing both his father and his father-in-law to lung cancer, Jeff set himself the challenge of walking and cycling the 177-mile length of Offa’s dyke in seven days.

He actually managed to complete the challenge in six days and, along with a charity disco, raised over £5,000 for the unit.

“My dad is always thinking of other people and it is very rare that you will find him not doing something for others,” said Charlotte.

“Over the years he has also taken part in numerous events for local charities and organised a golf day for years in aid of arthritis charities.

“When I found out I was pregnant earlier this year and had to move to a bigger house, my dad worked every hour under the sun to get my house ready not to mention the financial help he gave me at the same time,” she added.

This is the second year Oakwood Theme Park has sponsored the award and Park Director Dominic Jones believes it’s important to support and showcase the extraordinary efforts of the community’s unsung heroes.

“It was a pleasure to be able to award Jeff with his prize and hear about his, and all the other finalists’, amazing contributions,” said Dominic.

“The awards ceremony is always a mix of happiness and sadness as you hear first hand about the enormous difficulties and challenges that people have to face and overcome.

“However it’s also an incredibly uplifting and inspiring evening and it’s a tremendous way to remind us all there are so many good people out there doing great things for others,” he added.

Oakwood Theme Park re-opens to the public on April 11th.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

4 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)