News

A tribute to thousands of people who have made a difference in their communities

Published

4 years ago

December 21, 2020

THE SENEDD will be lit in rainbow colours in the run up to Christmas to pay tribute to thousands of people who have made a difference in their communities this year.

From NHS staff to key workers, front-line services and community groups, individuals and businesses – ordinary people have done extraordinary things to help each other through the pandemic.

To thank them, the Senedd will light up every night until the New Year, including Christmas Day.

Some of the individual stories of care and kindness are celebrated in the Senedd’s gallery of Community Champions after Members of the Senedd were asked to nominate extraordinary local heroes who have helped others in their area.

A poem of dedication has been written especially for them by the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn, and all their stories and photos are celebrated on social media – #ChampionsGallery

Some of the nominated Community Champions include Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones who has been busy renovating bikes for key workers, children and families in Newport; Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club, delivering meals to their 30 members, without fail, throughout the pandemic; and Delores Ho Sang in Rhayader who offered her services by doing shopping, collecting prescriptions Brooke Graham, Bangoror simply checking in with a phone call.

Also among the 48 Community Champions are Keyston Young Farmers’ Club, marathon-running fundraiser Ian Turner from Aberconwy and 13-year-old budding ‘Bake Off’ star Brooke Graham from Maesgeirchen, Bangor.

Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS, pays tribute to dedicated individuals all over the country: “We have heard countless stories about people’s care and kindness. The Community Champions, nominated by their Members of the Senedd, are just the tip of the iceberg, but they represent the amazing things people have done to care for those around them. Whether it was distributing food parcels to those in need, fundraising for the NHS or keeping people connected during isolation, each one has made a difference. This Christmas we are lighting the Senedd in rainbow colours to thank them and those who are still caring for us – in hospitals, care homes, schools and services across the country.

“We can take inspiration and hope from their stories, and whilst the Christmas period can still be a time of joy, we must not forget our duty to care for loved ones and the vulnerable in our communities. It is more important than ever to show kindness this festive period. Nadolig Llawen.”

More about the Champions:

Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones

Mike ‘Puffa’ Jones believes every child should own a bike, so he has been recycling unwanted bikes and donating them to children and key-workers, making a big difference to young people and families in this pandemic. He has been nominated by Jayne Bryant MS, Member of the Senedd for Newport West to be part of our gallery of community champions

Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club

Jean, Angela, Jennifer, and Ann of Northop Hall’s Presbyterian Church’s lunch club. The lunch club has been providing lunches to the community’s elderly for six years. This year they went the extra mile and delivered easter lunches and teas to their 30 members. They have been nominated by Hannah Blythyn MS, Member of the Senedd for Delyn to feature in our gallery of community champions.

Delores Ho Sang

“Always cheerful, helpful and efficient Del is a ray of sunshine and a true community champion.” In Rhayader, many older and vulnerable residents say that they might not have gotten through Covid-19 without Del. Del has provided support to them via telephone, and helped with shopping, and collecting prescriptions. Delores Ho Sang has been nominated by Kirsty Williams MS, Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire to be part of our gallery of community champions.

Keyston Young Farmers’ Club

Keyston YFC led by, Eleri George ran the community response to Covid-19 and have helped the community on over 120 occasions. They have also held a fundraising walk raising over £2,700 for hospital patients in Pembrokeshire. They have been nominated by Paul Davies MS, Member of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire to feature in our gallery of community champions.

Ian Turner

Ian has been a figurehead in Aberconwy’s community for decades, as a volunteer of Childline and many cancer charities. He recently completed his 13th London Marathon event in their honour. Ian has been nominated by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Member of the Senedd for Aberconwy to feature in our gallery of community champions

Brooke Graham

13-year-old Brooke has been busy making and selling cheesecakes and traditional sponge cakes in her community of Maesgeirchen, Bangor. She raises money to purchase much needed essentials for the NHS. Brooke Graham has been nominated by Sian Gwenllian MS, Member of the Senedd for Arfon to feature in our gallery of community champions

Charity

Set a New Year Challenge and explore Pembrokeshire for animals in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL lovers in Pembrokeshire looking to set an exciting goal for 2025 can now sign up for the RSPCA’s fundraising challenges, including the iconic Tour of Pembrokeshire on 24 May 2025.

From scenic bike rides to adrenaline-fueled adventures, the RSPCA is encouraging participants to embrace a challenge that not only benefits their health but also helps animals in need.

Abi Mustard, Events Manager at the RSPCA, said: “If you’re looking for a unique challenge for the New Year, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views, physical endurance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare.”

The Tour of Pembrokeshire is renowned for showcasing some of the most breathtaking routes in Wales, attracting cyclists of all abilities. Participants will navigate challenging climbs, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, all while raising crucial funds for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across Wales.

Abi added: “Every mile cycled and every pound raised makes a difference. You’ll not only experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire but also become part of a dedicated team working to stop animal cruelty and neglect.”

Why Join the RSPCA Tour of Pembrokeshire Challenge?

Personalised support from the RSPCA events team
RSPCA branded cycling jersey once fundraising reaches £50
Access to a dedicated events Facebook group for tips and encouragement
Cheering packs for family and friends on event day

More RSPCA Challenges Across Wales in 2025

Chepstow Half Marathon: 26 January
ABP Newport Wales Marathon: 13 April
Gower Peninsula Challenge: 19–20 July
Snowdon Triple: 18–19 August
Cardiff Half Marathon: 5 October

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a first-time fundraiser, the Tour of Pembrokeshire offers an unforgettable experience with a purpose.

To sign up or request a fundraising pack, visit the RSPCA website today and start your journey towards making a difference—for yourself and for animals in need.

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, compassion, and achievement.

News

Police close Westfield Pill Bridge over concerns for person’s welfare

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FEARS for a person’s safety led police to close Westfield Pill Bridge, near Neyland.

The bridge, on the A477 between Honeyborough roundabout and the Cleddau Bridge, was shut for just over an hour, with drivers advised to seek alternative routes.

The incident took place on Friday evening and was concluded when the person was located safe and well.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern for the welfare of an individual on Westfield Pill Bridge at around 7:30pm on Friday, December 20.

“The road was closed and reopened at around 8:40pm.

“The individual was located safe and well.”

This is not the first time such an incident has led to a bridge closure.

There have been several previous similar incidents, including on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Cleddau Bridge was closed for about an hour following a call reporting a welfare concern. The closure occurred at around 4:45pm, and the bridge reopened at 5:45pm.

The person involved was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In June, a multi–agency rescue operation unfolded at Neyland Marina after a youth jumped approximately 40 metres from Westfield Bridge into the water below.

Emergency services, including crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) stations in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Carmarthen, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

According to a spokesperson for MAWWFRS, members of the public were instrumental in rescuing the youth before the arrival of the emergency crews.

Charity

NatWest Cymru encourages customers in Wales to spread Christmas cheer

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATWEST has introduced a new way for its customers to support Social Bite in the fight against homelessness this festive season.

Through its mobile app based MyRewards programme, customers can now easily donate their available Rewards (over £5) to buy someone experiencing homelessness a Christmas dinner with Social Bite. NatWest has also pledged to match all donations to any of its 16 MyRewards charities, including Social Bite, up to the value of £50 until 31st December, up to a total of £150,000.

The initiative comes as part of Social Bite’s ‘Festival of Kindness’ – an annual mission that aims to provide 300,000 meals, gifts, and essential items to people who are homeless and vulnerable this Christmas.

NatWest has previously worked with the Scottish charity to open a coffee outlet for colleagues and visitors in its Royal Bank HQ in the capital Edinburgh, as well as launching a public coffee shop at its site at 440 Strand, London.

Since the launch of Festival of Kindness in 2020, Social Bite has successfully distributed 1.1 million meals, gifts, and essentials to people who are homeless during the festive period.

Jessica Shipman, Chair, NatWest Cymru Regional Board, said: “Social Bite makes a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The festive season often brings into focus the hardship so many face every day.

“We know that people want to help but don’t know how. We’re excited to support Social Bite’s inspiring ‘Festival of Kindness’ initiative, giving our customers a way to gift a homeless person a warm meal.

“We encourage everyone to join in and help make the festive season a little brighter for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Josh Littlejohn MBE, Founder of Social Bite, added: “Social Bite is proud to have had the support of NatWest for a number of years, and together, we’ve made great strides to help people break the cycle of homelessness.

“For many of us, Christmas is a period where we look forward to spending time with friends, family and loved ones. However, the reality is very different for people without a place to call home over the festive season. With homelessness rising across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help people affected by homelessness and food poverty.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful NatWest customers who chose to donate their rewards to Social Bite. Your contribution will make a real difference to someone in need, including a hot meal with all the trimmings in loving company on Christmas Day.”

To find out more about NatWest’s MyRewards and the other charities which are being supported, please visit: https://personal.secure1.natwest.com/app/MyRewards

Information on Social Bite’s Festival can be found: https://www.social-bite.co.uk/