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

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

22 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).