News
The Digital Community Support team – here to help
DO YOU, or a friend or family member, need support with digital technology?
Would you like to know how to use a smartphone, tablet, an Alexa, or another digital device?
Pembrokeshire County Council’s digital community support team are urging you to contact them if you’d like some help, as Get Online Week approaches (16-22 October).
Matthew Wall from the team said: “We’re here to help anyone who wants to get to grips with digital technology, and is unsure about where to start.”
The team also gives advice on how digital technology can support you in your home – and provides devices on loan.
The following support is provided:
- One to one support to build up your skills and confidence
- Help to access digital equipment and connectivity
- Information on what online activities and training are available
- Face to face training sessions locally
- Help for groups who want to access digital equipment
Matthew said they recently helped David, an older man in Pembroke, who wanted to stay in contact with his wife while she was unable to move about their home due to illness.
“First we loaned him an Echo Dot to communicate with his wife while he was pottering around the house and in the garden,” he said
“After using the device he decided to purchase a video doorbell to allow him to talk to visitors and explain that he may be a bit longer answering the door.
“To support that we loaned him an Echo Show which would allow him to view the video doorbell from the kitchen on a bigger screen than his phone.
“It also allowed him to communicate with whoever was at the door.
“This is just one example of the many ways we can help people in Pembrokeshire. Please get in touch if you’d like any advice or support.”
The digital community support team will be holding a drop-in information session with PAVS at the Riverside Library in Haverfordwest on Monday (16th October) from 10am to 3pm.
“Drop in, ask questions, and get support to get online,” said Matthew. “There’s also free data via a databank for those that meet the criteria.”
The digital community support team is funded by Welsh Government.
- If you have any questions or would like support, please phone 01437 764551 and ask for Digital Community Support or email [email protected]
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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