News

Fun day organised by Withybush protesters

Published

7 years ago

June 15, 2018

THE SAVE WITHYBUSH GROUP are hosting a fun day to raise funds as they continue to campaign against the proposed downgrade to a community hospital in the Hywel Dda consultation.

The event is being held tomorrow (Jun 16) at Haverfordwest Football Club, starting with a march at 11:30am to the town centre.

There, it is hoped that the public will interact with the group, and petitions will be signed. The group have invited a brass band to perform, with Peter Stock arranging the provision of Pembrokeshire flags, and there is an invitation for individuals to bring along their own, non-political banners.

The march is anticipated to last around one hour, and from 12:30pm the Football Club will host live entertainment, arts & crafts and a mini food festival, with some of the best food Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Trehale Farm will supply sausages, bacon, burgers and pulled pork, as will the Welsh Burger Company, whilst Cafe Tuk Tuk are providing coffee, teas, cold drinks and snacks. Farmers Food at Home will be bringing a lovely selection of homemade jams and pickles, with scones and wraps. Lochmeyler Farm have homemade ice creams, Torth y Tir will be selling organic wood fired pizza and Martin McGeowan is providing ice cream, lollies and slush puppies. Jar of Hearts will supply a variety of hot and cold drinks, shakes, homemade cakes, sweet pastries, cookies, sweets and popcorn cones.

There will be music from Saint City Jazz Band, Jess Dando, Seren, Jumping Fleas Ukulele Group and Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire.

There will be entertainment from magician Dave Hitchcott, face painting & glitter tattoos by Rosie Farrar, bungees, rodeo ride, hook a duck, tin can alley, cork shoot, swing boats and a mini steam train.
There will also be fancy dress and prizes for the best costumes. The fun day finishes at 5pm and serves as a chance to hand in completed petitions and letters for the board. Pembrokeshire Bouncy Castles are providing their services and equipment completely free of charge, in support of the attempt to try and save their A&E Department.

Those who provide activities free of charge will be advertised on a special page on the Save Withybush website, and will have the opportunity to hand out flyers and cards on the day.

Catering will have charges due to the costs for caterers, who will donate a percentage of their profits to the fundraising pot to finance posters and banners.

The group plan to hand in the petition to the Welsh Government on the steps of The Senedd in Cardiff on July 6.

The logistics are still being figured out, with plans for a pay on the day system where coaches ferry people to Cardiff. From there the group will meet with a senior member of the petitions committee on the steps and hand over the petition, with photos and press coverage.

A traditional political demonstration outside Withybush hospital is also being planned for July 7, to further remind politicians of the opposition there is in the county.

The group also plan to visit the Health Board HQ in Carmarthenshire between July 13-27 to hand them a copy of the petition, as well as the many letters sent in by members of the public.

This trip and its logistics are also being worked out, but as some of the fun day’s fundraising is being put aside to finance the trip’s coaches, it is hoped to be a free journey.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th 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

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.