Community

Local charity helps Pembrokeshire’s children to experience the National Park and tackle climate change

Published

4 years ago

November 3, 2021

Fruit Trees Saundersfoot

IT is now almost two years since the Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park launched two schemes for local schools and youth groups, providing money and practical assistance for environmental projects. The Friends’ Project Fund, provides small grants of up to £1,500 to local schools for projects and activities that further the charity’s aims – to conserve the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, or to enhance understanding of its special qualities.

The Friends’ Tree Planting Scheme provides trees, planning advice and manpower to schools or other community groups wishing to plant a small woodland, hedge or orchard.

Friends’ Chairman, Steve Drinkwater, said: “Inspiring future generations to appreciate our amazing National Park is essential for its future development and security. We can provide financial help to local schools to develop projects and take pupils out into the park to experience at first hand its beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.”

Although the pandemic has meant schools have been closed for much of the time, several projects have been carried out successfully. These include tree/hedge planting at schools in Croes Goch, Puncheston, Fishguard, and Saundersfoot, the funding of outdoor seating for an open air classroom at Ysgol Bro Ingli in Newport, purchase of a polytunnel to grow food at Johnston CP School and the planting of trees and provision of woodcraft tools at Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke.

Autumn and winter are the ideal seasons for tree planting so the Friends are again seeking applications for the Tree Planting Scheme, though applications for the Project Fund are also always welcome.

The Friends Tree Planting Coordinator said: “There’s never been a better moment to join the mission to plant the millions of trees required to hit the national target. Wales has committed to planting 86 million trees over the next decade and schools are being encouraged to be a part of that great effort. Planting trees, tending them and seeing them thrive is a wonderful and practical way for children to connect with nature, engage with the climate challenge and make a practical difference”.

Full details of the both schemes and application forms can be found at: www.fpcnp.org.uk/planting-trees-across-national-park/

www.fpcnp.org.uk/friends-project-fund/

The Friends welcomes new members of all ages and runs a comprehensive series of events including visits, walks and talks as well as campaigning to protect the future of the park. A Friends work party carries out conservation and enhancement work within the National Park.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

21 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

21 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).