Community

Commemorative China Exhibition

Published

10 years ago

September 5, 2014

The flags of the 1914 War Allies around the Castle Green greeted the hundreds of people who came to view the Heritage Lottery-supported exhibition at Little Newcastle entitled Interpreting World War I through Commemorative China.

Hosted by St Peter’s Church and put on jointly by the Little Newcastle Community Association and the Royal British Legion, the event was an unique way of marking the outbreak of the Great War. There were over 250 items on view with over 220 being pieces of ceramic which looked at five war themes: the Outbreak, the Battlefield, the Home Front, Victory and Peace and the Centenary. It was opened on Saturday, August 2, by the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tom Richards, who gave a very apt address. Also present were many representatives of the armed forces, the church and the council. The booklet Little Newcastle, A Village at War, 1914 – 1919, which had been compiled by Richard Davies, was then launched and the first copy was presented to Ted Sangster on behalf of Heritage Lottery who gave a short reply. It was then a pleasure to hear the two commissioned pieces of music for the occasion: Remember, words composed and music written by Little Newcastle resident Janice Roberts. Michael Lewis sang the first and third verses, Emily Fearon the second and Cantorion Casnewy the final verse. The second piece, entitled, The Old Lie: Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori was composed by John Hughes, visiting organist of the church which was well received by all who heard it. The event, which was a huge success, would not have been possible without the assistance given by dozens of locals who helped in so many practical ways, including providing refreshments for such large crowds.

Exhibition Re-opening.

Following the closure of the exhibition on Tuesday, August 5, numerous requests have been made to see the exhibits by those who could not visit the event. Consequently, it has been decided to re-open the exhibition during the afternoon of the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the forthcoming Bank Holiday, from 1 to 5pm. On the evening of Saturday, August 23, a concert will be held at the church which will feature Richard Morris (baritone), Eric Sheldon (flute) and John Hughes (organ). Remembrance. St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle was packed for the World War One commemorative bi-lingual service held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 3. The service was conducted by former Royal Naval Chaplain, Rev Michael Brotherton, M.B.E., B.D., who preached a very appropriate sermon based on the experiences of various Great War military chaplains. Also present was the Ven Dennis Wight, the Archdeacon of St Davids, who read not only the names of the fallen, but also listed those from the parish who had fought in the conflict. The Fishguard & Goodwick RBL Branch Standard was carried in by Sea Cadet Thomas Hughes at the start of the service, before being laid on the altar. The organist was John Hughes, the lesson was read in Welsh by Richard Davies and the collection was taken by Alison Evans and Roy Griffiths. Following the service, the congregation proceeded to the war memorial. Members of the families of the fallen laid crosses, whilst wreaths were put on behalf of the L.N.C.A. by the Chair and by Squadron Leader Bill Holloway, President of the Fishguard & Goodwick R.B.L., who also gave the Exhortation. The Kohima Epitaph was given by Gwilym Price. The bugler was Ffion Haf Williams, whilst the blessing was by the Archdeacon. Following formalities, the entire congregation was invited to the Old School to partake in a 1914 Cottage Tea which consisted of tea, breadand- butter, jam, cheese, Welsh cakes, potato cake and fruit cake. The afternoon ended with community singing of World War One songs, led by Lilwen McAllister. On Monday at 10.45pm a couple of dozen met at the war memorial to take part in the Lights Out Vigil to mark the precise moment when hostilities commenced in 1914. A Welsh prayer for peace and an English prayer for the departed was read, as were the names of the fallen. Two minutes silence and the Lord’s Prayer terminated the brief, but very dignified event.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

19 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.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”