News

Inaugural Santa Fun Run in Narberth a wonderful festive success

Published

5 years ago

December 9, 2019

FOR the inaugural Santa Fun Run in Narberth 153 entrants registered online before the weather forecast of gales and rain for the weekend.Despite that a further 25 plucky individuals registered as latecomers on the day in the Queens hall Narberth. Luckily the event stayed dry, albeit a bit windy.

Rotarian Organiser Architect Ken Morgan had mustered volunteers from the Rotary Club and The Narberth Food Bank to man the 6 places on the registration desks which were inundated with revellers from 10.30 to 11.30 on Sunday 8th December.

President Elaine Bradbury, Ken’s niece Cathy and Therri Bailey, manager of the Narberth Food Bank had a checklist of items presented in Alphabetical order which had been expertly collated by Rotarian Treasurer Kirsty Willing. Kirsty used to be in Tenby ladies Circle helping with the Tenby Santa Run, So Tenby’s loss was Narberth’s gain.

The booking in system went smoothly and by 11am the Hall was buzzing with the Christmas music laid on by The Queens Hall staff and a sea of red Santa Suits made everyone aware that Christmas Season has well and truly started. A squad of Army Cadets made up of recruits from the Narberth and Haverfordwest detachments were on parade with four of their Officers and they quickly deployed on manoeuvres before the allotted start time in order to marshal critical points around the 3K route through the Town Centre and public footpaths.

On the Saturday preceding the event A1 Servicing kindly loaned free of charge their red barriers to which Ken and Rotarian Nigel Towns fixed bright yellow signs with Black arrows depicting the route so strangers from far afield such as Milford Haven, St Clears and Pembroke Dock could navigate the course easily.

The signs were expertly produced and donated by Narberth’s firm called Revelation. On arrival at The Finish Line The Narberth Round Table with Santa was present with Chairman Andrew Thomas to present sweets to the children and The Rotary Club are extremely grateful for this assistance.

Inside the club formal announcements were made about the financial sponsors who included: Clive Preece Developments; Ivor Rees & Sons; Folly Farm; Rob Chell builder, Strasdins Joinery, Ieuan Griffiths Builders; Graham Searle and Caravan Parks Redford, Narberth & Rosehill Broadhaven. After thanking the dignitaries for their attendance, The organiser also commented on the work done by the Narberth First Responders in manning the critical road junctions and he then passed the microphone to President Elaine to present a cheque to The Narberth Food Bank Manager Therri Bailey.

The amount donated was magnificent £1000 and thanks is due to all participants for making this such a successful charitable occasion.

Therri then gave an account of how such donations are invaluable to the work that the Trussell Trust carries out nationally, but this money will be spent locally. Readers are encouraged to offer any spare time that they may have volunteering at Narberth on Wednesday mornings in the former Magistrates Court At market Square where the Food Bank stores all the goods which they receive from benefactors.

Finally, President Elaine has confirmed that this first event was such success that it is now intended to make it an annual event in Narberth’s calendar. Watch this space for more details in the future.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

30 mins 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

2 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

3 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.