News
Over 65s can refresh driving skills for free
IF you’re over 65 and would like to brush up your driving skills – for free – then why not sign up to Pembrokeshire’s Drive for Life course.
Run by Pembrokeshire County Council’s road safety section, the one-day refresher course is for experienced motorists who are driving regularly.
It aims to give them an overall update on all aspects of safe driving, both in theory and in practice.
Mr Sam Hassan, 78, of Milford Haven, recently undertook the course with his wife Janet. He said all drivers aged over 65 should consider doing it.
“It was very beneficial,” said Mr Hassan, a former electrical engineer at Total.
“I’ve been advising people my age that if they have the chance, they should go and do it! And it was a nice day as well, very enjoyable.”
He added: “It also reassures you and gives you more confidence that you are driving well.”
The day is split into two parts, with a classroom session in the morning followed by a light lunch and then a two-hour driving session in the afternoon with an approved driving instructor.
The classroom session covers a wide range of topics including the Highway Code, road signs, health and mobility, and hazard awareness.
The practical afternoon session allows the driver the chance to cover aspects of driving they wish to refresh, such as parallel parking, junctions or roundabouts, as well as general safer driving techniques.
Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure for Pembrokeshire County Council, said feedback showed drivers who have completed the course are more aware and observant, and better equipped to deal with hazards and different driving situations.
“We would encourage all motorists over 65 to undertake this short and enjoyable course,” he said. “The feedback we have from participants is consistently excellent. There is nothing to lose!”
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.
-
News6 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Community6 days ago
Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire
-
Business5 days ago
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
-
Community5 days ago
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
-
Charity6 days ago
Flats for veterans to be built at VC Gallery, Pembroke Dock
-
Entertainment6 days ago
Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration
-
Charity6 days ago
Lifeboat station treasurer dies suddenly after 26 years of service
-
Health6 days ago
More than 300 healthcare workers from Kerala take up NHS jobs in Wales