Community

Couple hail exercise scheme that has transformed lives

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2023

A LOCAL couple have hailed the positive impact of an exercise scheme that has helped them maintain independence and continue to enjoy life.

Richard and Gwenda Innes from Pentlepoir were separately referred to the National Exercise Scheme in 2022 and took up a 16 week programme.

The scheme, run by Public Health Wales and delivered in Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres, aims to help people rehabilitate from and live with a range of different medical conditions, maintain general health, improve functional capacity and improve quality of life through structured activity.

Benefits include; reduced blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, increased mental and social well-being, reduced risk of heart disease and strokes, increased strength, mobility, coordination and balance, improved energy levels, reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Weight loss or weight gain, where appropriate, are also benefits.

Gwenda, 77, is awaiting a knee replacement operation and needed to strengthen the muscles around the knee and lower leg.

Richard, 79, had lost confidence in standing and walking after a series of falls.

Both were referred to the scheme at Tenby Leisure Centre and placed under the supervision of Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.

The couple were prescribed a personalised training plan to ensure that the exercises were safe and effective.

This includes using a treadmill, exercise bike and other equipment under supervision with the aim of clients working independently over time.

The result for both has been remarkable.

Tom said: “Richard has lost over a stone and gained confidence, his ability to carry out day to day movements has improved. As he approaches his 80^th birthday he is proof that it’s never too late to make positive changes.

“Gwenda has lost over two stone and has developed muscular strength, her lower limbs are now stronger which has improved her knee function. Her increased aerobic fitness and improved knee function has enabled her to do things that she hasn’t done for years, walking up hills – Gwenda thought that this wouldn’t be possible again.

“Giving clients like Richard and Gwenda the confidence and competence to get active highlights how important the scheme is.

“Not only helping people live longer happier lives; fitter healthier clients have a reduced need for medical treatment and hospitalisation.”

Gwenda said the difference in Richard especially was significant and both were continuing to exercise at Tenby Leisure Centre following the end of the course: “Richard is now able to spend 15 minutes on the treadmill at a speed of 3.5kmph, set the bicycle on gear four for 15 minutes and then do a further 10 minutes on the hand bike.

“He is now almost confident to move around the bungalow without his walking stick and is also able to walk around the garden. He now comes with me shopping and walks around pushing the trolley.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “It is fantastic to hear this feedback on the way this scheme run in our Leisure Centres is helping people to lead their best possible lives.

“I would thank all the dedicated staff who are really making a difference to residents’ lives.

“If you are interested in the scheme speak to your GP or other medical professional and ask about eligibility for the exercise referral scheme.”

Clients can access the exercise referral scheme in all of the main Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Tenby, Fishguard and Crymych.

Clients receive on-going support and encouragement from their instructor throughout their time on the scheme, although the ultimate aim is long term independent exercise.

There is a cost for each session which has been subsidised to enable more people to access the sessions.

More information can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Caption: Gwenda and Richard Innes have lauded the difference exercise has made to them. They are pictured with Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.

Community

Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council

Published

13 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.

Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.

Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.

“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”

He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.

“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”

Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.

Community

HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

Published

20 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

Community

Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

Published

22 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.