Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk launch joint initiative to support local charities

COMMUNITY organisations and charities across Pembrokeshire are being invited to apply for a share of £3,000, following the launch of a new funding initiative aimed at supporting grassroots projects across the county.

The Visit Pembrokeshire Community Fund, launched in partnership with holidaycottages.co.uk, will award three grants of £1,000 each to local groups whose work directly benefits the area. The deadline for applications is 7 July 2025.

Organisers say the fund is designed to support projects that help strengthen communities, enhance the environment, and boost the local economy. Suggested uses for the grant include the creation of community gardens, accessible signage such as braille and town trail maps, and new seating in public spaces—though innovative ideas are also encouraged.

The initiative marks the start of a new partnership between Visit Pembrokeshire and holidaycottages.co.uk, part of the Travel Chapter group, which aims to deliver tangible benefits to the places most popular with visitors.

Serena Pearce, Regional Communities Manager at Travel Chapter, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this community fund with Visit Pembrokeshire. At holidaycottages.co.uk, we are passionate about supporting the communities where we operate, and we take great pride in giving back to the places our guests love to visit.

“By investing in local projects, we hope to create lasting, positive impacts that help towns and villages thrive and remain cherished destinations for both visitors and residents. We can’t wait to get started and make a difference together.”

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire, added:

“This partnership reflects our shared vision for Pembrokeshire to be a global leader in regenerative tourism. That means ensuring the visitor economy delivers a net positive for the people who live and work here, as well as those who visit.

“We’re grateful to holidaycottages.co.uk for joining us in this effort, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this collaboration.”

Holidaycottages.co.uk has already supported a number of community initiatives in the region, most recently sponsoring the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, which raised over £30,000 for local causes.

Applications for the Visit Pembrokeshire Community Fund can be submitted online. Full details, including eligibility criteria and the application form, are available at:
👉 www.visitpembrokeshire.com/industry/community-fund-initiative

The deadline for applications is Sunday 7 July 2025.

A NEW pickleball court has opened in Milford Haven — the first of its kind in Pembrokeshire.

Pickleball Milford Haven has spent the last few months preparing the play area at St Katharine’s Green on The Rath, transforming it into a dedicated space for the fast-growing sport.

The first session took place on Saturday (May 10), with a good turnout and several newcomers saying they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, is gaining popularity across the UK for its accessibility and fun, social nature.

Anyone interested in joining or learning more is invited to contact Mrs Queenie Scales on 07814 122443.

Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew locate duo near Druidston after emergency 999 call

TWO young paddleboarders were rescued off the Pembrokeshire coast on Saturday (May 3) after being blown out to sea in strong winds.

Volunteer RNLI crew from Little and Broad Haven launched at 5:50pm following a distress call made from a mobile phone by the casualties, who had set off from Newgale. Initial reports placed them near Nolton Haven, but further updates from Milford Haven Coastguard – tracking the phone signal – confirmed they had drifted further south towards Druidston.

The RNLI lifeboat quickly located the pair, who were sharing a single paddleboard, wearing black clothing and no flotation devices. They were brought aboard, issued with lifejackets and a survival blanket, and the deflated board was recovered before all were returned safely to Newgale, where they were met by the Coastguard team from Broad Haven.

Lifeboat Helm Ben Rudder said: “We headed to Newgale first, but couldn’t locate them. The Coastguard updated their position, and even with the coordinates, it was hard to spot them due to their dark clothing and the fact they couldn’t stand up on the board. We were surprised how far out to sea they had drifted, and it was clear they were unprepared. I have no doubt the mobile phone saved their lives.”

Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Thomas added: “They were very lucky. Their clothing gave little protection, and they had no flotation gear. The 999 call was vital – without it, the search would have taken far longer and they could easily have ended up in the water and separated in worsening conditions.”

The rescue was supported by the Coastguard team from Broad Haven, who provided crucial communications assistance on a busy bank holiday weekend.

The lifeboat returned to station at 7:33pm, where it was refuelled and made ready for service with help from the shore crew.

The RNLI continues to urge those heading to sea to wear appropriate gear, always carry a means of communication, and check weather conditions before setting off.

Top picture:

Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Crew locate paddleboarders in difficulty near Newgale (Image: Denys Bassett-Jones/RNLI)