News

Haverfordwest butcher shortlisted for Wales’s best banger title

Published

1 year ago

July 14, 2023

PRENDERGAST BUTCHERS in Haverfordwest has been shortlisted in Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales’s ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2023’ competition, with their Wild Garlic and Pork Sausage being selected as amongst the very best bangers in Wales.

The award-winning family butchers is run by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, along with their two sons Tom and Mark.

With almost 50 years of farming in Pembrokeshire, the family farm produces meat of the highest standard which is sold in their butcher’s shop alongside products from very carefully selected local suppliers who meet the Wolseys’ high-quality ethos.

Speaking of their delight at making the final, Chris Wolsey said: “We are truly over the moon to have made it to the final. We were finalists last year, so hopefully this time we’ll take the title!

“We’ve always prided ourselves on producing the best quality produce, so we source our meat with care from local suppliers, and very often our own farm.

“Alongside my wife and two sons are our hardworking staff. Our youngest son Mark is the brainchild behind our entry this year, while our Master Butcher Paul makes the sausages by hand, so it really is a family affair and a great team effort here at Prendergast.

“We’re really proud of our Wild Garlic and Pork sausages, and our team, and we are looking forward to the final stage of the competition.”

Also shortlisted in the ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2023’ competition is Red Valley Farm in Carmarthen with its The Wild Boar Grand Slam sausage, and Conwy-based Edwards of Conwy Ltd with its Edwards Firecracker Celebration Sausage.

Following the final round of judging, the winner of the ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2023’ competition will be announced at a special event during the Thursday of the Royal Welsh Show at the Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales stand.

The winner will also automatically qualify for the UK and Ireland Champion of Champions Sausage competition, which will take place at the Butcher Shop of the Year 2023 Awards next year.

Philippa Gill, Campaigns Executive at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, said: “This year’s competition has really demonstrated the passion, creativity and attention to detail our fantastic Porc Blasus producers have when it comes to creating a brilliant banger.

“Choosing the top three entries is always a difficult but enjoyable task, but this year, the standard of entries was off the chart – we would like to give a massive thank you to everyone who took part.

“We wish each of our three finalists good luck for the final, and may the best banger win!”

You can buy sausages and many other innovative pork products directly from Prendergast Butchers at their shop in Haverfordwest, or via their website, prendergastbutchers.co.uk.

For more information on pork produced in Wales, and where you can buy it, please visit porcblasus.cymru.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

19 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.