Community
Pair of Pembrokeshire convenience stores sold to experienced retailers through Christie Co
SPECIALIST business property adviser, Christie & Co has successfully completed the sale of two convenience stores: County Stores and Bargain Booze in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.
Operated by Filji Varghese since 2008 and 2012 respectively, the two sites have been purchased by expanding retailers, Kishore Manikonda and Saritha Ravilla who have exciting plans for the businesses.
County Stores is centrally located in the county town of Haverfordwest, close to the main train station, and draws most of its trade from the many surrounding residential and commercial properties. Operated under Premier branding, the store is also within close distance to Haverfordwest Castle, and benefits from the tourist trade throughout the year.
Bargain Booze is ideally located in the centre of Pembroke Dock, with good access to the town’s main train station, and benefits from the high footfall of the busy street. The business is well established, and its wide range of traditional convenience items and alcohol selection ensures loyal, repeat trade from the local residents.
Previous owner, Filgi Varghese comments on the sale, “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the local community and I am grateful for all their support. In that time, my staff have been brilliant, and I wish them well moving forward with the new owners. Christie & Co was professional and proactive throughout the process, and I would highly recommend speaking with them if you are considering selling your retail business.”

New owners, Kishore Manikonda and Saritha Ravilla comment, “We are very pleased with the purchase of these fantastic stores. We will continue to operate the business as Premier and Bargain Booze branded stores but change the trading name as ANANNYA STORES. We have plans to do a complete refit in the near future to modernise the businesses, as well as extending the opening hours and introducing new products for the local community.
“This is the fourth business we have purchased through Christie and Co, and we are very grateful for their help in ensuring the process went through smoothly.”
Joe Brayne, Business Agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, adds, “The two stores have been operated successfully for a number of years and presented an ideal opportunity for Kishore and Saritha to add to their growing portfolio. I am sure they will make a success of both businesses and we wish Filgi all the best with his future plans.”
County Stores and Bargain Booze were sold for an undisclosed price.
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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
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).
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