Community

The Great Pembrokeshire Charity Gunging is back!

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

AFTER the success of last years fundraising and gunging where almost £1,500 was raised, the same motley crew are back in Pembrokeshire, to raise money for this years BBC Children in Need. Several organisations active within communities across Pembrokeshire, are putting their key personnel forward to participate in another charity gunging!

All those who participated and endured the barrels of gunge last year, are back for 2023, and led by Haverfordwest-based Celtic Timber, and the broadband firm, Ogi. Despite the surreal nature of the actual event, all involved are bonded by the serious facts around raising funds and awareness of what the money donated, could do for our younger residents across Pembrokeshire during this cost of living crisis.

Jon Howcroft from Celtic Timber notes “Having already supported funds being raised for charities including the DPJ Foundation at last years County Show, we were keen to continue to look at opportunities to continue to promote those groups and organisations who can benefit from funds generated by Children in Need. We are lucky to have positive links with partners and individuals engaged in our communities, and when we approached the individuals involved last year, they were all still keen to participate surprisingly!”

Haverfordwest County Football Club are hosting this years Gungeathon at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday 17^th November, with Tony Pennock from the club, again, getting stuck in, as following his gunging last year, he has been teased that the run of winning form for the club, dramatically increased.

Martin Jones from Ogi is one of the participants who is keen to engage and support this fundraiser. “With a strong community focus that Ogi and the team already do here in Pembrokeshire, I was more than happy to get involved once again. Although last year was very cold and wet, it was still great fun and exhilarating, as we all knew that by doing something like this, whilst fun and stupid, it is all to raise awareness and funds for a great cause.”

Iwan Thomas who, as the others involved mocks, that he wears a number of community organisation leadership hats, from PLANED to Pembrokeshire College amongst others here within the county, is still happy to support. “Doing the work I’m able to do with the amazing organisations I’m involved in, is a genuine privilege. By getting involved again in this fundraiser means we can, by stepping outside of our daily comfort zones, do something which raises funds for those who have the real need for this support, and provide additional benefits in some small ways, to their daily challenges. Working alongside this great crew of people is also a bonus, as we know the aim is to improve lives in West Wales. Our own discomfort and embarrassment potentially is meaningless, when you know what the main aim is, for those who need those projects and services to be funded.”

With other participants soon to be announced as well within the mass gunging, the event will be live streamed through the continued support of Pure West Radio, whose own Breakfast DJ, Tom Dyer also got gunged last year – although it was not planned as he was there originally to simply interview the fundraisers primarily. So this year, we understand Tom is coming prepared!

For those who wish to donate, please go to the Just Giving website, and search for Celtic Timber and “The Great Gungefest V2 for Children in Need” and kindly donate whatever you can. https://www.justgiving.com/page/gunge-fest?fbclid=IwAR3T47YcDkXpd3Okos2DdIG1R80xURcIflb73EZjendPpZq_yPr_mMIg-HM

Community

Shire horses to visit Canolfan Bethlehem for heritage talk

Published

9 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Special event explores Dyfed Shires’ journey from Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade

A PAIR of magnificent Shire horses will be the star attraction at Canolfan Bethlehem in Trefdraeth (Newport, Pembrokeshire) on Wednesday evening, 28 May 2025, as part of a special heritage talk titled The Dyfed Shires Story – From Pembrokeshire to Horseguards Parade.

The popular community talk series at Canolfan Bethlehem continues with a unique opportunity to meet two of the Dyfed Shire horses in person. The horses will be on display on the lawn in front of the chapel from 6:00pm, with the talk itself beginning inside the chapel at 7:00pm.

The evening’s speaker, Mark Cole of Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, will share the story behind the farm’s founding and the remarkable journey that saw its horses selected to appear in ceremonial duties at Horseguards Parade in London.

Canolfan Bethlehem is a thriving community-run centre based in the former Bethlehem Chapel, which was saved at auction in August 2024 thanks to an ambitious local fundraising effort. Supporters raised £146,000 to secure the building for £145,000, transforming it into a Welsh heritage, arts, and culture hub.

The project received vital support from PLANED, the Narberth-based community development organisation. PLANED’s Community Assets Coordinator, Cris Tomos, praised the initiative: “The Canolfan Bethlehem community enterprise shows what can be done when people come together to preserve key assets for future generations. It’s fantastic to see the growing support for these regular talks.”

***Important project:*** *Cris re-opening the doors of the chapel once purchased by local investors.*

Community

Tenby Coaster returns for summer season

Published

9 hours ago

May 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Open-top double-decker back on scenic Pembrokeshire route from Sunday

PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular open-top bus service is set to return to the roads this weekend, offering stunning views of the county’s coastline throughout the summer.

The Tenby Coaster, now in its fourth year of service, resumes its route between Tenby and Saundersfoot on Sunday (May 25), following a brief appearance over Easter.

The eye-catching blue and yellow double-decker, operated by First Bus, was the first of its kind to run in Pembrokeshire since the 1990s and has since become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals.

Each day, the bus travels from its Haverfordwest depot to the route’s starting point in Tenby, passing key attractions such as Carew Castle and Manor Wildlife Park—making it possible to enjoy an extended journey for those catching it early or late in the day.

Passengers can hop aboard the Tenby Coaster from the stop by the town walls in Tenby, with First Bus promising “breathtaking views and a scenic descent into Saundersfoot”.

The service will operate daily until September 6, with hop-on, hop-off tickets available for those wanting to explore along the way. Fares match those of other local services, with singles starting at £1.60, returns from £3.04, and group day passes for up to five people available for £17.50.

Contactless payment is accepted via the Tap On Tap Off system, and both Welsh Concessionary Travel Cards and mytravelpass cards are valid on the route.

More information is available at the First Cymru website.

Community

Public invited to explore Pembroke Port at Open Day and Stakeholder Meeting

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to go behind the scenes at Pembroke Port as part of a special Open Day and Annual Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Port of Milford Haven.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 18 June, at Catalina House, Pembroke Dock (SA72 6JD), offering a unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of one of Wales’ busiest ports.

Running from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, the Open Day will include guided bus tours around the site, giving visitors a rare, close-up look at port operations and activities across the facility. Port staff, local business representatives, and partners from across the supply chain will also be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions.

From 6:00pm to 7:30pm, the Port’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting will be held, where attendees will hear updates from the Chair and Chief Executive, meet members of the Board and senior management, and take part in a Q&A session. Questions can be submitted in advance via email to [email protected].

Throughout the day, visitors can explore the wide-ranging roles of the Port of Milford Haven – from commercial marine services and energy sector support to community initiatives and leisure activities. A number of external organisations will also be present, including emergency services, marine experts, and conservation groups highlighting Pembrokeshire’s diverse wildlife.