Community

Gratitude and sympathy to the fallen

Published

10 years ago

September 5, 2014

A SERVICE of remembrance and dedication was held at St Cristiolus church on Sunday August 10, where men from the Eglwyswrw area who fell during both world wars have been honoured with a new memorial.

Despite heavy rain and a lighting strike on one of the sound relay speakers in the cemetery, an overflowing church witnessed a very poignant service and ceremony. Goodwick Brass band played beautifully before the service as people entered the church and during the ceremony and dedication of the memorial, and Mrs Brenda James played the organ. The service was conducted by Canon Chancellor Gerwyn Morgan assisted by Rev Gwynfi Jenkins and Mrs Hazel Burn, and we were welcomed and given the introduction by the church warden, Mr Robert Smith. The reading was done by the High Sheriff of Dyfed and by church warden, Mr Islwyn Evans. We were also addressed by the Right Reverend J.Wyn Evans, Lord Bishop of St Davids. The service continued outside as Mr Steven John of West Wales War Memorial Project unveiled the memorial, and the blessing of the new memorial was done by the Lord Bishop. As the names of the fallen were read out by Councillor John Davies, school children placed a small wooden cross for each person at the foot of the memorial. Tributes were laid by dignitaries and families of the fallen. The Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed read ‘The Exhortation’ and after sounding of ‘The Last Post’, which was followed by a two minutes silence. Following the anthems and the final blessing, food was presented at the village hall ‘Yr Hen Ysgol’ where an army of local ladies led by Mair Rees MBE worked very hard on Saturday and Sunday morning, and local historian and researcher, Heather Tomos had researched and documented all those named on the new war memorial had an exhibition of her work, and research for the project was also done by the Heritage Society with the help of researchers and authors Steven John; Heather Tomos and David Griffiths, who all did a fantastic job. The event was organized by St Cristiolus’ church members led by church warden Robert Smith and the War Memorial project was financed by Eglwyswrw and District Heritage Society, who said they were very thankful to Eglwyswrw Community Council for their donation, and also want to thank everybody who contributed. It was wonderful to see the large amount of willing volunteers from the initial planning of the project to the dedication service, which shows everyone’s overwhelming gratitude and sympathy to the fallen and their families.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

19 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

21 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.