Community
Students show their metal
STUDENTS at Pembrokeshire College’s MITEC Centre have been busy over the last few weeks competing to secure their places in upcoming UK skills competitions.
February saw six students competing in the passive heats for UK SkillWeld. With four hours to carry out three process (MMA, TIG and MIG), the students were keen to impress the judges, especially as the semi-finals are set to be held at MITEC during May.
Judged by College lecturer Mike Tennick and Martin Farthin, from The Welding Institute, the judges took over an hour to reach their final decision in a very close competition. Martin commented: “It was a gallant effort from all competitors. There were some tough welds and judging wasn’t easy. Good luck to those who have made it through to the semi-final.”
First place went to Ross Lascelles, an apprentice with Mainport 1990, second place went to Luke Lawrence, an apprentice with Ledwoods, and third place went to Gavin Campbell, an apprentice with Port Engineering. These students are now preparing for the semi-finals in May. With the competition season well and truly underway, last week then saw another two MITEC students travel to Coleg Sir Gar to take part in the Welsh Construction Metalworking Competition (Plating).
As part of the competition the students were given a fabrication exercise to complete in five hours. The exercise included many processes to test the candidates” ability including marking out, bending, cutting, drilling and welding steel to a tolerance of 2mm.
Following a tough day Jake Griffiths, an apprentice with Mainport 1990, finished second while Amy Phillips picked up fourth place but scored enough points to see her competing alongside Jake in the semi-finals to be held at Coleg Sir Gar in June.
Opened in 2007, the centre is rapidly earning itself a reputation as the place for aspiring welders/platers and pipefitters to learn their trade. To find out more about the courses available at MITEC, call Admissions on 0800 9 776 788.MITEC would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local employers for their continual support in releasing students to compete in local and regional competitions.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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