Charity
The VC Gallery celebrates after receiving £2,500 via the Supporting Community Action Fund
The VC Gallery has been running since 2013 and now has staff and many by volunteers. It was founded by Barry John MBE after a career in the Army, he recognised that ex forces members needed help transitioning back to civilian life.

LOCAL charity The VC Gallery, is delighted to have been awarded these funds via the Living Well and Welcoming Community Spaces Fund to support its work within the community. The group, based in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock will use the money to run weekly breakfast clubs from its Haverfordwest branch.
The VC Gallery has been running since 2013 and now has staff and many by volunteers. It was founded by Barry John MBE after a career in the Army, he recognised that ex forces members needed help transitioning back to civilian life.
The charity now runs over 27 activities per week and offers food over many of those days but uses the Friday breakfast club to welcome veterans and the community to meet together before the weekend to support with any needs over a nutritious, healthy meal.
At the same time, the group will continue its other activities and projects which include wellbeing walks, art sessions, our gardening project Dig for Victory, guitars and singing. These will help them to build relationships with others experiencing the same challenges and hopefully enable them to develop their own support network.
Barry John founder, says: “We’re delighted that PAVS, Welsh Government and PCC has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to the funding we will be able to press on with our weekly breakfast bringing organisations and our members together over a sociable breakfast. This is important because it gives everyone an opportunity to eat together, have conversations and make real connections. It also helps our staff to network and find out about other opportunities within Pembrokeshire that could be beneficial to our members.
Brad, volunteer at The VC Gallery says: “I look forward to attending the breakfast club which sets me up for the day. It’s a safe, happy place to come and everyone enjoys it.
Charity
Veterans rally to repair storm damage in Milford Haven

MILFORD HAVEN’S VC Gallery veterans have stepped up to restore a woodland area hit hard by recent high winds.
The Woodlands in Milford suffered significant damage, with fallen trees crashing onto a farmer’s fence, endangering livestock and damaging the enclosure.
In response, a team of veterans, including trustee Mark Shuttleworth, Simon, Steve, and volunteer of the year Donna Evans, was deployed to clear the trees and rebuild the fencing.
The Woodlands project, run by VC Gallery, offers opportunities for people to connect with nature while learning about biodiversity and conservation.

Charity
New charity offers grants to young people in Pembrokeshire

A NEW charity aimed at supporting young people in Pembrokeshire has been established and is now accepting applications for its first round of grants.
The Tenby & County Trust (TACT) was created using funds from the sale of the former Tenby & County Club on The Croft, with the aim of helping young people aged between five and 18 pursue their aspirations.
Trustee David Blackmore explained: “The purpose of TACT is to provide grants that enable young people in Pembrokeshire to follow their ambitions, whether in the creative arts, culture, sports, adventure, science, or languages.”
Substantial investment
Following the sale of the County Club for redevelopment, club members—who were entitled to a share of the proceeds—voted to establish a charity to benefit local youth.
“The money has been invested, and while we are not disclosing the exact amount, it is a considerable six-figure sum,” said Mr Blackmore.
The trust is managed by local trustees, all of whom have either been involved with the former County Club or played significant roles in education within Pembrokeshire.
How to apply
Young people interested in applying for a grant must submit an application via email. This should include the names and email addresses of two supporting sponsors and a statement of no more than 500 words outlining how they would use the funds, including a breakdown of costs.
Grants will be issued quarterly, with the next application deadline set for March 1, 2025. Grants are only available to individuals.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit tenbyandcountytrust.org.
Charity
Fishing competition aims to raise £2,000 for lifeboat crews

A FISHING competition in Pembrokeshire hopes to net £2,000 to support lifeboat crews in Angle and Tenby.
The Angle and Tenby Lifeboat Fishing Competition is set to take place on Amroth Beach on Sunday, February 16, with all proceeds going to the RNLI teams that provide lifesaving services along the county’s coastline.
Former Pembroke Dock mayor Peter Kraus is leading the fundraising effort and is appealing for sponsors and raffle prize donations to help reach the target.
Mr Kraus said: “We are hoping to raise £1,000 for each of the lifeboat stations. With your help, that can be possible.
“I need kind sponsors willing to give £50, and I also need nice raffle prizes. This is such a good cause and a vital lifesaving service.”
Anyone wishing to support the event can contact Peter Kraus via email at [email protected] or call 07900 324287.
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