Community

Students at the heart of decision making

Published

12 years ago

June 4, 2014

waleswewant P E M B R O K E S H I R E COLLEGE, in conjunction with VocalEyes, is putting learners at the heart of the Welsh Government’s ground-breaking National Conversation on The Wales We Want.

Learners at Pembrokeshire College are being encouraged to have their voice heard and play an active role in shaping how Wales will look in 2050. As our future adults, learners are being consulted on how we should develop Wales as a sustainable nation to 2050 including priorities such as tackling climate change, education, health, employment, language, culture and what young people want Wales to be like when they become adults, parents and grandparents. The consultation is looking to inform the ‘Future Generations Bill’ and this is the first time that VocalEyes has been used in this way. Having already transformed the College’s Learner Voice process, from 100 interactions to a staggering 26,000 interactions over a twelve month period, the power of the VocalEyes platform is being recognised by many education and public sector bodies as a way of engaging with their customers and stakeholders. Neath Port Talbot College and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are also using the VocalEyes system to encourage their learners to participate in the National Conversation. Through VocalEyes learners are being asked to put forward their own ideas as well as rating and debating other people’s ideas with the aim of positioning Wales as the best place to live, learn, work and do business from now until 2050. Through the consultation it is hoped that young people will think more about the long-term future of Wales, will work better together and will take early action to ensure the people of Wales are healthier and happier, more bilingual, our economy is prosperous and our environment is resilient. The Wales We Want is a government-sponsored conversation about sustainable development and what Wales our young people want to live in to 2050. All ideas, debates and ratings generated through VocalEyes will be passed directly to the Welsh Government during June. It is hoped the use of the VocalEyes platform will highlight the power of digital engagement when seeking the views of young people on important topics such as The Wales We Want and will ensure the sustainability of this work into the future. On launching the National Conversation, Jeff Cuthbert AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty commented: “This Conversation is about the kind of Wales we want to see in the future. How do we ensure that the decisions we make now strike the right balance in securing a healthier nation with better prospects without adversely impacting on our natural resources?” In you are interested in finding out more and participating in the National Conversation, The Wales We Want website – http:// thewaleswewant.co.uk/ has a link to a survey where anyone can participate and respond to the multiple-choice questions. The voices of young people – those who will be adults in 2050 – is of particular interest, though of course anyone who considers themselves a stakeholder in Wales – as an individual, businessmember, academic, parent, grandparent – anyone interested in helping influence Wales for the future – is encouraged to join in.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).