Community

Eluned Morgan MS receives warm visit at Letterston’s thriving ‘Warm Room’

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2024

ELUNED Morgan MS, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, visited the Letterston Warm Room on Friday 12th January, witnessing the positive impact this community hub has on local residents. The Friday Venue received funding as part of a Welsh Government initiative to combat fuel poverty and social isolation in recent years, the Warm Room has successfully transitioned to independent operation, serving up to 70 locals each week.

Hosted at St. Giles Church Hall on St. David’s Road, the space offers a welcoming space for Letterston residents to socialise, enjoy affordable food and beverages, and escape the winter chill. The visit provided an opportunity for Eluned to meet with both users and volunteers, hearing first-hand about the vital role the facility plays in the community.

“I was truly impressed by the sense of community,” said Eluned. “It’s clear that this space is much more than just a place to stay warm; it’s a lifeline for many local residents, providing vital social connection and access to affordable food and resources.”

“The initiative’s success is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers and the strong community spirit. The initial funding from the Welsh Labour Government provided a crucial catalyst, but the hub’s ongoing operation is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of local residents”

Ms. Morgan was also joined by Sophie Buckley from Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS), highlighting the important role of the voluntary sector in supporting such initiatives. PAVS provides valuable advice and guidance to community groups across Pembrokeshire, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.

Sophie Buckley, Third Sector and Wellbeing Coordinator at PAVS said “The Friday Venue is a wonderful example of a grassroots community group continuing to provide a warm welcoming space for people of all ages to access a hot drink, meal and company in their local community on a weekly basis. Many warm spaces received funding from the Keep Warm Keep Well in Pembrokeshire programme which aims to support people in Pembrokeshire during the coldest months of the year. There is also access to cost of living support including energy, money and debt advice by contacting the Pembrokeshire Community Hub on 01437 723660 or you can email [email protected] The Keep Warm, Keep Well programme is led by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and a variety of voluntary sector delivery partners. PAVS would like to thank all our delivery partners and the network of community buildings offering warm welcome spaces this winter.”

Eluned Morgan concluded: “The Letterston Warm Room is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together and are supported by the Welsh Government and organisations like PAVS, I am confident that this hub will continue to be a vital asset for Letterston for many years to come.”

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

Published

53 minutes ago

December 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

20 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.