Community
A night to remember at the PAVS Pembrokeshire Volunteering Awards 2023
PEMBROKESHIRE volunteers were celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held on November 16 at The Queen’s Hall Narberth. The event was organised by PAVS and kindly supported by South Hook LNG as part of their ongoing commitment to local community projects.
The venue was beautifully laid out and decorated by a team from the Queen’s Hall supported by PAVS staff. Approximately 100 volunteers and their guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Block and Barrel, then entertained by the very talented, Serendipity Community Choir, who gave a wonderful performance.
There were seven categories of awards, and the standard of nominations was very high again this year – making it very hard for the judges. Sue Leonard, Chief Officer of PAVS, spoke about each of the finalists and the extraordinary contribution their volunteering makes to local communities. Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG’s PR Manager, commented “Congratulations to PAVS and all of those nominated – what a wonderful evening!. These Awards celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers across our County and at South Hook, we are pleased to be continuing our support of such a positive event.”
Each award was presented by a special guest presenter and following the presentation of each award, the winners were interviewed by Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio and told him their volunteering stories. These uplifting, touching stories can be listened to on their ‘catch up’ page on the website. Anyone who wants to watch the Awards can do so here https://connectpembrokeshire.org.uk/pavs-volunteer-of-the-year-awards-2023
For more information about volunteering in Pembrokeshire contact [email protected] or phone PAVS on 01437 769722 or visit the website https://www.pavs.org.uk/help-for-people/volunteering/
The finalists were as follows:
Young volunteer (under 25)
- Winner: Molly Evans Megan’s Starr Foundation
- Highly Commended – Finley Turner Milford Youth Matters
- Commended – Henry (Tashi) Dorji Plant Dewi
- Presented by: Cllr Delme Harries
Mike Beckett Award (youth group aged under 25)
- Winners – Megan’s Starr Foundation Young Volunteers
- Highly Commended – Newport Library Young Volunteers (Emily and Neve)
- Commended – Paul Sartori Oral History Project Young Volunteers
- Presented by: Gwen Beckett
Trustee/ Board Award
- Winners: SwimNarberth Trustees – Chris Walters (Chairman) & Martin James (Deputy Chairman)
- Highly Commended: Cathy Davies – SPAN Arts
- Commended: South Ridgeway Community Association Trustees
- Presented by: Jayne Tucker Trustee of PAVS
Long Service Award
- Winner: Elizabeth Rogers – The Queens Hall Narberth
- Commended:
- Bob Elliott – Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Debbie Watson – Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Kay Macken – Age Cymru Dyfed
- Margaret Povey – Age Cymru Dyfed
- Presented by: Sue Leonard – Chief Officer PAVS
Mary Sigley Award
- Winner: Christopher McEwen – Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Boxing Club
- Highly Commended: Bill Towler – The Mount Community Centre
- Commended: Brenda Saunders – Volunteering Matters
- Presented by: Mathew Rickard, Pure West Radio
Individual Over 25
- Winner: Ieuan Matthews – Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity
- Highly Commended: Bill Towler – The Mount Community Centre
- Brenda Saunders – Volunteering Matters
- Commended –
- James Puttock – Pembrokeshire FRAME
- Nicola Harteveld – Megan’s Starr Foundation
- Presented by: Meurig Raymond (High Sheriff of Dyfed)
Group Over 25
- Winner: Dinas Cross Wellbeing HUB
- Highly Commended:
- ASD Family Help – Pembrokeshire Volunteers
- and
- The Mount Community Centre Volunteers Bill Towler, Natty Towler, Camilla Louise Hardy and Caroline Jenkins
- Presented by: Mariam Dalziel, and Abi Clarkson South Hook LNG
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community
3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire
Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event
THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.
Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.












The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.
Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.
The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.
Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.
Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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