News

Wedding fees and charges agreed despite private sector concerns

Published

4 years ago

February 16, 2021

CABINET members have approved changes in charges for the council’s registration services although some councillors said they were uncomfortable about giving their support.

Councillor Tessa Hodgson said they needed to consider the difficulties that private businesses had been having while Cllr Neil Prior said there were other areas they should be looking at.

Cllr Phil Baker thanked the officers at the registration services for their hard work over what he described as an ‘extremely difficult 12 months’.

He added: “The report seeks cabinet approval for the changes to the registration service fees and charges. The fees and charges are reviewed annually to ensure they are set at the optimal level that achieves full cost recovery where appropriate but is also mindful of the need for market pricing in a small number of situations in order to stay competitive.

“I would like to confirm that as a result of the pandemic, the majority of bookings for summer 2021 are the postponed ceremonies from 2020 and last year’s fees will be honoured in these cases.”

Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “I think it is important that we acknowledge the difficulties that private businesses in the wedding sectors will have faced this year and the year to come. They will be in extreme financial difficulty and I think we need to be extremely mindful that we are entering a competitive market but with the cushion that we can afford to take some losses in the first year which a private company is not able to do.

“I’m going to abstain from voting on this today because I think we do need to consider the private companies who work in what is an extremely competitive field.”

Cllr Phil Baker understood her concerns but said it was going to be a ‘bumper year’ for everyone.

Scolton Manor will also be looking to host wedding this year but it was highlighted that they would only looking to host around ten so it would not undermine the private sector.

Cllr Neil Prior added that he was uncomfortable with the charges stating that there were other areas to be offering subsidies rather than for a small number of weddings.

When it was put to the vote, there were eight votes in favour, Cllr Neil Prior voted against and Cllr Tessa Hodgson abstained.

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Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

13 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

15 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

15 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.