PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, welcomed a prominent local charity founder at the doors of Number 10 Downing Street for the annual St David’s Day reception.

Amanda Absalom Lowe – founder of Pembrokeshire, Care Share and Give – was invited by the Prime Minister to attend this prestigious event for Welsh businesses, cultural and sporting personalities following her recent Points of Light Award which she received from Rishi Sunak. Amanda was formally presented with her award last week by her MP, Stephen Crabb.

Amanda is the 1,985th person to receive the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Another prominent Pembrokeshire person who was welcomed to Parliament on St David’s Day was Toby Ellis, Station Manager of Pure West Radio based in Haverfordwest. Toby had been invited to present evidence as part of the Broadcasting in Wales inquiry being carried out by the Welsh Affairs Committee, chaired by Stephen Crabb.

The Welsh Affairs Committee heard from Welsh local radio stations including Pure West, to explore concerns about the loss of local content from commercial radio and its impact on Welsh Language broadcasting. Toby was able to discuss the radio’s role in the local community across the County, its work in establishing Haverfordwest High Radio, and sharing experiences of UK Government and Ofcom support.

Pembrokeshire businesses were also in attendance at the annual St David’s Day Dinner 2023 as part of the Wales Week in London events held at the Guild Hall. Fishguard’s Stena Line, Port of Milford Haven and St David’s Gin Distillery were represented at the dinner which involved over 500 Welsh businesses.

Commenting on the St David’s Day activities, Stephen Crabb MP said,

“I was delighted to welcome Amanda at this special event in Downing Street. Amanda is a wonderful example of the positive impact people can have in their local community, and in inspiring others.  Amanda is a much-deserved winner of this prestigious Points of Light award and I am very pleased that she was part of the celebrations in London today.”

“It was good to have Toby Ellis in front of the panel of the Welsh Affairs Committee showcasing all the good work that he and his team have been doing at Pure West Radio to help strengthen and develop our community networks which is so important in our rural county.”

“ I am pleased that so many Pembrokeshire people were able to be part of the important St David’s Day celebrations and proceedings in and around Parliament – it all helps to provide the opportunity to fly the Pembrokeshire flag and for the County to be represented at these significant national occasions.”

Commenting on their social media site, Pembrokeshire Care, Share and Give said, “ Today Amanda had the privilege to visit no 10 with an invite from the Prime Minister. We all even got to get a selfie with Max Boyce. We also supported Toby at Pure West Radio today as Megan is part of the Haverfordwest High VC School radio. Thank you to Stephen Crabb MP and his admin staff for all their help and showing us around the Houses of Parliament. Its been a busy few days and we are proud to continue to support our community in Pembrokeshire.”

Pictured above: Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, pictured with Amanda Absalom Lowe outside Number 10 Downing Street before the Prime Minister’s St David’s Day reception.