News

Santa visits Cardigan banks with some motley elves, and a polar bear

Published

1 year ago

December 22, 2023

IF YOU WENT down to Cardigan last week, you may have seen Santa, some motley elves, a polar bear and a bank manager making some visits.

They were visiting all the banks in town, and looking at whether they have been naughty or nice this year. Those which have been naughty, through funding an expansion of fossil fuels were given a potato as a mark of disapproval, while any which have made moves away from this were rewarded with chocolate.

While this was a fun spectacle, put on by the Cardigan Extinction Rebellion group, there was a serious message behind it. One of the group, Jane Mansfield explained,

“We have just experienced the warmest year on record, record wild fires and the lowest ever recorded levels of sea ice. The science is clear. In their report Net Zero by 2050, The International Energy Agency told us categorically that we could have no new oil and gas if we are to have a chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C

And yet the Rainforest Action Network report, Banking on Climate Chaos 2023 shows that Barclays remain the world’s 7th largest funder of fossil fuels, shamefully still financing new oil and gas projects, often in extremely vulnerable parts of the world such as the Amazon and the Arctic.”

Sian Vaughan, a retired head teacher, dressed as an elf last week, added, “In the last 12 months for which figures are available (2022) Barclays have funded new coal mining, new arctic oil and gas, new tar sands, new oil and gas in the Amazon, new offshore oil and gas, new fracking and new liquid natural gas. So it is one of the key banks accelerating climate breakdown by financing the burning of fossil fuels and biomass and the destruction of nature.”

The Extinction Rebellion group said that HSBC’s record is only marginally less ‘naughty’ than Barclays, so they also received a potato from Santa.

Jim Bowen, CEO of Clynfyw Care Farm, who was the tallest elf, pointed out that not all high street banks are equally bad. “Lloyds bank has definitely moved in the right direction. It has the lowest fossil fuel investments of any of the major UK banks. and put no new money into fossil fuels last year. So Lloyds Bank in Cardigan were given chocolates by Santa this year.” And he added, “While we want high street banks in town, we want them to improve their policies – for the sake of the planet and the future of all of us”.

Apart from the banks, 2 shops also received an unexpected visit from Santa and his helpers – Oxfam and the Eco Shop, to thank them for all their good work for the planet.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 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.