Community

Milford Haven: Christmas Together was another great success

Published

4 years ago

December 28, 2021

‘AMAZING’, ‘fantastic’ and ‘brilliant’ were just some of the comments expressed at the end of this year’s Christmas Together event at Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven.

Now in its tenth year, Christmas Together, founded and run by Cllr Guy Woodham, brings companionship to those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Cllr Woodham commented, ‘It has been a real worry all the way up to Christmas Day that Covid restrictions would be introduced that would prevent the day going ahead however, while further restrictions were introduced, our risk assessments confirmed that with appropriate measures the event could go ahead, and I’m delighted that it did and that everyone who attended really enjoyed the day.’

This year, thirty-five individuals attended which while much lower than recent years, when over 100 people have attended, meant that social distancing and other Covid measures were much easier to manage, ‘I was very pleased that everyone followed the guidance given, with those who could, undertaking lateral flow tests that morning and all understanding the importance of keeping everyone as safe as possible by wearing face coverings and respecting social distancing as much as possible,’ said Cllr Woodham.

While the day was different to those held in previous years, the event still involved a quiz, bingo and three course festive lunch and the opportunity for those attending to socialise with those seated on their table. One guest commented, ‘I can’t express enough how much today has meant to me. I was dreading being on my own on Christmas Day and never imagined I would have had so much fun and made new friends. If I’m on my own again next year, I will definitely be attending Christmas Together’. Another guest explained that having been recently bereaved they too were not looking forward to Christmas this year, but had also had a really enjoyable day and would recommend going to Christmas Together to anyone who may unfortunately find themselves in the same position in the future.

Colin Sharp, Chairman of the Pill Social Centre and on the Committee of Christmas Together stated, ‘While a lot of work goes in to making the day such a success, it is all worth it when you get to talk to those attending and realise how much it means to them. The whole Committee are delighted that the event went ahead and those who attended did not need to be alone on Christmas Day, for some, the loneliest day of the year.’

Cllr Woodham concluded by thanking the volunteers who attended and the many individuals who had supported the event this year with special thanks to Darren Briggs (Ascona Group) and Milford Haven Town Council.

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.