Community

Haverfordwest man organises annual pub walk in memory of late father who had Parkinson’s

Published

4 years ago

May 16, 2022

Bob Ratcliffe is organising the annual Haverfordwest ‘Pub Walk’ for Parkinson’s UK on Saturday, June 11

A HAVERFORDWEST man is organising the annual Haverfordwest ‘Pub Walk’ for Parkinson’s UK on Saturday, June 11, in memory of his late father who had Parkinson’s.

Bob Ratcliffe’s father had Parkinson’s for many years, and insisted that after his death, his brain and spinal column went to Parkinson’s research. He passed away in June 2010.

The first pub walk Bob organised, which raised just over £700, took place in Nottinghamshire in 2011 and has since grown each year. In 2020, it raised £6,500 with a record 204 walkers taking part in the walk. The event is now part of the local ‘social calendar’.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, and currently there is no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK, including 7,600 in Wales. There are over 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

Bob said: “Since my father passed away in 2010, we’ve been fundraising for Parkinson’s UK and the great work they do. After three Great North Runs, we decided to organise a less strenuous and more enjoyable activity which could be inclusive for all and so the annual ‘Pub Walk for Parkinson’s’ was established in 2011.

“Traditionally, it was always held on the Saturday nearest to my father’s birthday in March. The 2020 walk had 204 walkers and we raised about £6,000. I’m delighted that the walk back in Nottinghamshire continues with new organisers as it has become a part of the social calendar there. Having moved to Haverfordwest in January 2021, my wife Jane and I have planned a similar walk here on Saturday 11th June. It’s a circular 7.5 mile route from the Cricket Club on Dale Road with suitable stops arranged around the town to replace lost fluids! There will also be a large raffle in the cricket club after the walk.’’

Parkinson’s UK is the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson’s research, leading the way in driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition.

Ann Rowe, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Bob for organising this walk for Parkinson’s UK.

“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough. Fundraisers like Bob help us to drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people affected by the condition.”

Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haverfordwest-pub-walk-for-parkinsons-2022-tickets-260324596877

Community

Kurtz thanks Narberth postal workers for Christmas effort

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual visit to Royal Mail delivery office recognises “exceptional dedication”

SAMUEL KURTZ MS has paid tribute to postal workers at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Narberth during a visit this week, thanking staff for their hard work at the busiest time of the year.

The run-up to Christmas is the peak period for Royal Mail, with teams processing and delivering thousands of cards, parcels and festive packages for households and businesses across west Wales. During his tour of the depot, the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Senedd met with postal workers and heard first-hand about the pressures they face in keeping deliveries on track.

As part of the now annual tradition, Mr Kurtz also donated a bottle from Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Velfrey Vineyard for a free staff raffle.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Every year, postal workers go above and beyond to make sure our Christmas cards and parcels arrive safely. Their dedication keeps communities connected, and I want to pay a heartfelt thank you to the team in Narberth for the incredible work they do at the most demanding time of the year.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

2 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

21 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.)