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Rising demand for food banks sparks concern despite fewer parcels in Pembrokeshire

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NEW DATA released by the Trussell Trust, the UK’s leading food bank charity, has revealed a concerning trend: while Pembrokeshire saw a decrease in the number of food parcels distributed between April and September this year, the overall demand for essential items across the UK has reached unprecedented levels. The figures have raised alarms, prompting calls for urgent action to address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

According to the Trussell Trust, five food banks in Pembrokeshire distributed 1,629 emergency food parcels during the specified period, marking a slight decline from the 1,674 parcels handed out in the same timeframe the previous year. However, this decrease in Pembrokeshire contrasts sharply with the national landscape. Across the UK, a record-breaking 1.5 million food parcels were distributed, indicating a surge of 200,000 more parcels than in the summer of 2022.

Emma Revie, the Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, expressed her deep concern, describing the escalating demand for essentials across the country as “extremely alarming”. She highlighted the grim reality faced by many families, where parents and children are forced to rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. “An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive,” Ms. Revie stated, adding that such a situation was far from acceptable for any community.

The figures released by the charity showed that 607 of the food parcels distributed in Pembrokeshire during the summer months were specifically allocated to children. Ms. Revie emphasized the profound impact that hunger and financial hardship have on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. She further expressed her concern that a whole generation might grow up perceiving food bank reliance as a normal part of life.

Wales and the North East of England emerged as the regions with the highest levels of food bank usage, with one parcel distributed for every 35 residents in both areas. In response to the rising crisis, the Trussell Trust has called for an “essentials guarantee”, urging that Universal Credit should shield people from going without basic necessities. Additionally, they have advocated for benefits to rise in line with inflation in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions defended its efforts, pointing out that there are 1.7 million fewer people in absolute poverty than in 2010. A spokesperson stated, “We are providing a record support package worth £3,300 per household, including cost of living payments directly to over eight million households, a 10% increase in benefits earlier this year, and our £2 billion Household Support Fund to help people purchase essentials.” The government’s focus remains on getting more people into employment through strategic investments and an increase in the national living wage.

Despite the apparent efforts, the statistics reflect a sobering reality: many families continue to struggle, and the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of poverty has never been more urgent. As the nation grapples with this crisis, community leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike are left pondering the future, hoping for a day when food banks are no longer a necessity but a relic of a more equitable past.

Community

Snow and ice warning issued for Pembrokeshire as temperatures plunge

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PEMBROKESHIRE is set for a wintry spell this week, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for snow and ice covering the whole of Wales from 12:00pm on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday.

Cold air moving south on strong northerly winds is expected to bring frequent showers across the west, with some turning to sleet and snow as they push inland. Higher parts of the county — particularly the Preseli Hills and areas above 200 metres — are expected to see the most significant snowfall.

According to the Met Office, some places at lower levels may see only brief flurries, but where showers persist 2–5cm of snow could settle, with up to 10cm possible in a few upland spots. Icy stretches are likely overnight as temperatures dip below freezing.

Gusty winds and occasional hail are also possible, which may make conditions challenging on exposed routes such as the A487, A478, and minor roads around the Preselis, Haverfordwest, Maenclochog and Crymych.

Travel disruption expected

Transport services could be affected, with delays to bus routes and longer journey times on untreated roads. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra time and check for local closures.

There is also a risk of slips and falls on untreated pavements, particularly during the morning school run and evening commute. Power cuts are considered unlikely but remain a possibility in more rural parts of the county.

Safety advice

Motorists are encouraged to carry warm clothing, food, water and a phone charger in case of disruption, and to ensure their vehicle is fully prepared for winter conditions.

For those heading out on foot, main road pavements are likely to be less slippery than side streets. Cyclists are advised to stick to primary routes where treatment is more likely.

Residents are also reminded that weather warnings may change at short notice, and the Met Office advises keeping up to date with the latest local forecast.

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Business

Goodwick salon celebrates triple win at national awards

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A GOODWICK hair salon is celebrating after scooping three major honours at a national ceremony in London.

Michelle Summers Davies, owner of MD Hair in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, was named winner of Best Colour Salon, Best Boutique Salon, and Best Customer Service at the Salon Awards – an annual event recognising excellence and innovation across the UK hairdressing industry.

The awards are judged regionally by experienced industry professionals, with entries assessed on technical ability, creativity, client care and the overall salon experience.

Michelle’s salon impressed judges with its high standards, customer focus and consistent delivery of high-quality results.

Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “I am over the moon to receive these awards as they reflect years of passion, hard work, and dedication from our entire team. It’s a true celebration of our craft, our creativity, and our community. Thank you to our clients for supporting us every step of the way – we will continue delivering outstanding experiences for our clients.”

The Goodwick stylist is also a finalist for Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards, which take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane next week.

Michelle has worked in the industry for more than thirty-five years and has been part of the Matrix UKI artistic team for nineteen years, contributing to national campaigns and salon education across the UK. She has also worked on the hair teams for the National Television Awards and The X Factor.

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Community

Côr Meibion De Cymru deliver moving Concert of Remembrance in Tenby

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A THOUGHTFUL and deeply moving Concert of Remembrance was held at St Mary’s Church in Tudor Square, Tenby, on Friday, November 7 at 7:00pm, as Côr Meibion De Cymru performed a gala event in aid of the Tenby Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

At the hour of seven, the church was full – but the choristers’ seats remained empty. The musical director and accompanist were not yet in place. As the rain eased outside, the building fell into complete silence and the atmosphere tightened with anticipation.

Then, breaking the stillness, two Scottish bagpipers struck up in the courtyard. Moments later, the doors of St Mary’s were flung open and the choir, musical team and flag bearers were triumphantly piped down the aisle to their positions. It was an electrifying opening that set the tone for the evening.

Flag bearers from Tenby Sea Cadets and Tenby Army Cadets with Welsh Ladies support (Photo: Lesley Cleary)

One of the choir’s newer members remarked afterwards: “I’ve never been piped into a concert by Scottish pipers before – it was thrilling, emotional, magnificent. I want to do it again next year.”

Dispensing with customary introductions or formalities, the choir opened instead with the poignant line: “To fallen soldiers let us sing” – the beginning of The Mansions of the Lord. It was a fitting tribute for a concert devoted to remembering those who gave their lives for others.

The pipers, who travelled from Goodwick and Portsmouth, generously waived their usual fees to support the Poppy Appeal.

Pipers with Gwynlais Phillips, Chairman, and Elaine Robins (Photo: Lesley Cleary)

Under the expert leadership of Musical Director Elaine Robins, the choir delivered a rich and sensitive programme spanning Welsh hymns, musical theatre, opera and contemporary works by Welsh composers – a hallmark of their reputation.

The choir were joined by accompanist D Huw Rees, whose arrangement of This is the Moment from Jekyll and Hyde provided one of the evening’s highlights. The piece was performed by the choir in 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall during the Welsh Association of Male Choirs’ massed choir event.

Guest performers Goodwick Brass Band, under conductor Joshua Ruck, delivered an energetic and varied programme. Their sets featured talented young soloists, including trombonist Ianto Evans, and drew a warm standing ovation from the audience.

Goodwick Brass Band with soloist Ianto Evans (Photo: Lesley Cleary)

Before the Act of Remembrance, compere Phil Howells, Vice President of Côr Meibion De Cymru, read a written message of appreciation and support from the choir’s royal patron, HM King Charles III. The Act of Remembrance brought a solemn and dignified close to the evening.

Côr Meibion De Cymru thanked all who attended and supported the concert, reaffirming their commitment to uplifting communities through choral music.

As a renowned touring choir, Côr Meibion De Cymru is currently welcoming new members, including experienced choristers from other male choirs seeking opportunities to perform in larger and more prestigious venues.

The choir’s next appearance will be at the Principality Stadium on 29 November, where they will perform on the pitch ahead of the Wales v South Africa rugby match under the baton of their President, Dr Haydn James.

Pipers leading the choir into the church at 7:00pm (Photo: Lesley Cleary)
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