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A night to remember at the PAVS Pembrokeshire Volunteering Awards 2023

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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

HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

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A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

 

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Community

Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

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Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.

 

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Community

Man admits deliberately putting human faeces in public swimming pool

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A 19-YEAR-OLD man has admitted deliberately placing human faeces in a public swimming pool, causing it to close for cleaning.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers investigated a series of alleged criminal damage incidents at Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre between November 2025 and May 2026.

The man, from the Cardigan area, was identified and interviewed by police.

During interview, he admitted deliberately placing the waste in the pool, which led to its closure while cleaning was carried out.

Police said the matter has been dealt with by way of an Adult Community Resolution and the investigation is now closed.

 

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