News
Call for council to take language ‘seriously’
150 came to Haverfordwest on Saturday, 8 th of March to call on the County Council to start taking the Welsh language seriously in the first rally Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg has held in Pembrokeshire for some years. Cymdeithas members and supporters have been calling on the council for some months to make the Welsh language the language of the council; and are putting together a set of specific calls that the council can act on immediately in order to full fill this call.
This comes following a job advertisement for a social work post which noted that the language was a first language ‘for some people in parts of the county;’ and that the successful candidate could ‘master a few phrases in Welsh as a matter of courtesy” if they wish.
Addressing the rally Hefin Wyn said: “We call upon Pembrokeshire County Council to adopt a positive attitude towards the Welsh language so that ratepayers do not have to ask over and over again for various services through the medium of Welsh. Over 60 years ago Pembrokeshire County Council was united and supportive of the battle to keep the Preselau free of military presence. Several councillors were members of the Preseli Preservation Committee. That battle was won because the whole county was united in its opposition. We call upon the county council to be equally supportive of the efforts to preserve the Welsh language. We do not ask for concessions here and there but for clear unequivocal leadership. “No pride is shown in the fact that the language is still spoken in the county and that there are many of us who wish to see its survival. Welsh has not been confined to a particular remote corner of the county. We call for a meeting with the Chief Executive himself to discuss a positive strategy to enhance the use of the language.”
Residents from all over the county were given the opportunity to share their experiences of dealing with the council in Welsh, with examples ranging from failing to get swimming lessons in Welsh, the need for Welsh medium education and concerns about the effects of service cuts on the Welsh language.
One of the campaigners said:
“Its about time that the officials we have in this county to show respect towards Welsh speakers and the language. It should be essential for people working in the council to be able to speak Welsh. It is no different to someone needing the right licence before getting a job as a bus driver, or a doctor getting the right training and qualifications for the job.”
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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