Community

Nothing is too much trouble for Darrell

Published

11 years ago

July 9, 2014

Unsung Hero Award (2014) Individual Winner: Darrell Lewis,
Driver Tenby Day Centre/Tenby Town Rider (left) with Ian
Westley, Director of Transportation, Housing and Environment

A DRIVER for Tenby Day Centre and the Tenby Town rider has been named as Pembrokeshire’s Unsung Hero for his ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude.

Darrell Lewis received an outstanding 10 nominations for the County Council’s Unsung Hero Award 2014, all of which praised his kindness and consideration. One customer said: “He always makes me feel special and cared for – such a gentleman, and very polite. He is always very cheerful even in bad weather. His main concern is our welfare. “He will help me with anything I ask him, such as lifting, shopping, helping me into my house. I look forward to seeing him on the bus, because he cheers us all up. He is a treasure’. A new ‘Team’ Unsung Hero award was introduced this year, which prompted several nominations of a very high standard. The overall winners were Roger Jenkins, Matt James and Keith Aspinall for their ‘extraordinary dedication in maintaining a vital service for a vulnerable group of customers’, according to their nomination. The three members of County Council staff sprang into action early one evening in March, after Pembrokeshire’s Community Alarm emergency phone stopped working due to a BT fault. Roger Jenkins, who works in the Contact Centre, returned to County Hall to man the phone line, along with IT technician Matt James. Keith Aspinall, County Hall caretaker, also remained in post. The three ended up staying all night as the fault wasn’t repaired by BT until 7am the next morning. During the night, the alarm went off four times and their willingness to remain in post ensured that elderly and vulnerable people in Pembrokeshire who have a Community Alarm continued to receive the service. Two special recognition awards were also presented this year. The first was for Michael Husband and Chris Daye, who work in the Street Lighting section, for helping an elderly lady in difficulties in Trefin. While passing through North End in Trefin, they found the lady collapsed on the ground outside her property, badly cut. Mike and Chris attended to her, calling an ambulance and staying with her until it came. The second special recognition award went to the team which responded during the recent winter storms, from emergency planning, area maintenance and communications. Although not formally part of a ‘team’, they were praised for their exceptional response to the severe weather conditions, and getting vital information out to the public. One nomination from the public read ‘During the bad weather, the PCC Twitter feed was invaluable in keeping me up-to-date on road closures, trees down, school closures. Tweets were from early morning to very late at night.’ The Council also received letters of commendation from various community representatives.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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)