Community

Tavernspite CP Fairtrade Christmas Zoom

Published

4 years ago

December 21, 2021

TAVERNSPITE pupils and staff are always keen to be fair and care for people and the planet by learning about Fairtrade and making ethical and sustainable choices.

Thanks to the hard work of Class 4 teacher Mrs Houghton, Tavernspite were last year awarded the renewal of their Fairtrade School status.

Following Mrs Houghton’s recent retirement, the school are continuing their Fairtrade work, inviting Fairtrade supporter and Fair Trade In Football Campaigner Sharron Hardwick to lead zoom lessons.

Mr Henton and Class 5 considered the true meaning of Christmas and how they can reflect Jesus’ values by loving their neighbours. They learned how items bearing the Fairtrade Mark guarantee workers receive fair wages, in safe and fair working conditions, with no forced or slave labour, whilst using the best methods for the environment.

The class considered the Christmas story and how they have power in their hands to make choices which support workers, farmers and their families through Fairtrade, and how Fairtrade Premiums, an extra amount of money paid on each Fairtrade item purchased, go directly to the workers and their communities to purchase whatever they need; be it healthcare, clean water, education, training, housing and more.

Mis William’s Class 6 learned about the meaning of items which display the Fairtrade Mark, whilst also considering other ethical branding marks such as Cocoa Life and the Fairtrade Cocoa Programme.

Sharron had a display at home of Fairtrade and Fairtrade Cocoa products, both classes particularly like a family of three Love Zimbabwe Fairtrade Warthogs designed and made by Zimbabwe Fair Trade artists. Martha Musonza Holman

Class 5 made a Fairtrade Christmas Pledge Tree showing their commitments and plans to support Fairtrade, pledging: “I am going to do research about Fairtrade and in my stocking, I am asking for a Fairtrade Orange.” And “Make more Fairtrade choices, learn more about Fairtrade.” With many pupils pledging to: “Buy more Fairtrade.”.

Both classes realised that their choices can really make a difference to people’s lives. In a demonstration of this Sharron asked the pupils to hold their hands in the air and said “What do you have in your hands?” the pupils responded loudly: “POWER!”

“It was a real delight to see the teachers and pupils of Tavernspite School via Zoom. Their enthusiasm and compassion is always evident. It’s thanks to schools and individuals like them that workers and their families get a fairer deal, it’s great to see the pupils realise they have the power in their hands to make a positive difference by the choices they make. I thank Julie Houghton, Class 5 and 6 teachers and all at the school for their caring attitude and commitment to Fairtrade.” Shared Sharron Hardwick.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

7 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

17 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.