Community

WI Group hand over centenary banner

Published

11 years ago

August 4, 2014

THE CEMAES GROUP of WIs celebrated the hand-over of a symbolic centenary baton in Lower Fishguard on Sunday, July 20.

Britain’s WI movement, founded in 1915 in Anglesey, is passing the baton around Wales and England until it arrives in London’s Albert Hall in July 2015. WI members walked from Goodwick to Lower Fishguard along Marine Walk bearing the institute banners representing Fishguard, Mathry, Henner, Dinas Cross, Wolfscastle, Puncheston and Croesgoch. Lunch for 50 guests prepared by the Cemaes Group’s members was served by the Sea Cadets of TS Skirmirsher under the command of Commanding Officer Sue Gittens. Chairman of the Cemaes Group, Jenny Longland, welcomed members and handed the baton, brought by Dinas Cross members, to Mrs Joan Thomas, aged 98, the oldest WI member present. To the singing of the traditional WI anthem, Jerusalem, the baton was then passed around. Entertainment was provided by the Sea Cadets dancing the Sailors’ Hornpipe and later giving a semaphore demonstration to rock music. The Cemaes Chicks, a group of WI members, performed three traditional folk dances after tuition by Sue and Leslie Morris. Secretary of the Cemaes Group, Margaret Pike, reminded guests that the aim of the WI a century ago was to give a better standard of living to country women. Over the decades members campaigned for dinners in schools, equal pay for equal work and breast screening clinics. Today, with nearly a quarter of a million members throughout Britain, their campaigning continues on current issues such as excess packaging and organ donations. The centenary celebration concluded with Cemaes Chairman, Jenny Longland, passing the baton to Marilyn Blundy, Chairman of the Dewisland Group. County WI Chairman Ann Newbery thanked the Cemaes Group for organising this centenary event to pass the baton on to Dewisland.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

47 minutes 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

20 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.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days 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.