Community

Mark Drakeford’s special visit to Pembrokeshire Scout group

Published

9 months ago

February 18, 2024

THE FIRST Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS, visited 3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts yesterday afternoon, Friday 16^th February 2024, following an invitation made during UK Parliament Week 2023 by Scout Seb Smith. Mr Drakeford, who attended the Pembrokeshire Scouts Parliament Week event virtually, for a Q&A session to promote young people’s involvement in democracy, wanted to have a closer look at Scouting, what it offers to young people and adult leaders alike, and was keen to take up the invitation.

3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, who meet at Pembroke Dock Youth Centre, and Explorer Scouts from Pembroke Dock Viking Explorers, were thrilled to meet Mr Drakeford in person. The First Minister observed a number of activities and information stations including First Aid training, craft skills, kayaking, coracle building, and map reading, which led to him joining in with a game of human battleships, used to help teach scouts grid references for map reading! Mr Drakeford spent time engaging with all of the children and young people, taking an interest in all stations, and asking plenty of questions to test the knowledge of Scouts and learn more about their interests and enjoyment of the very many activities and opportunities that Scouting in Pembrokeshire has to offer.

Sharing tea and cake, Mr Drakeford also met with Scout Leaders including the Area Commissioner, Linda Wilson, and Vikki Phillips, Assistant Area Commissioner, who explained the extent of training that all Leaders receive in order to provide all the activities and experiences for children across the County and throughout Wales. Progress through the Leaders Wood Badge and onto specialist training in specific skills such as archery, rock climbing, kayaking, and power boating, were discussed, and the First Minister commented on the value adult Leaders bring to the young people and community. Linda Wilson commented, “There can be a lot involved in being a Scout Leader, but it is incredibly rewarding, and well worth getting involved in. I’ve volunteered for a number of years and I haven’t looked back. I am proud of what Scouting offers young people.”

Mr Drakeford, a former Scout in his youth, was also invested into 3^rd Pembroke Sea Scouts by Group Leader Ian ‘Skip’ Rogers, along with new Beaver, Indie, and Assistant Beaver Leader Ashleigh Jackson, making his Scout promise in front of the Group and watching parents, and was then given his own necker, tied with the friendship knot. Now part of 3^rd, the First Minister was invited to come along any time to volunteer as a Leader.

Mr Drakeford commented, “I have really enjoyed my visit, I am delighted to have been invested into 3^rdPembroke and to be part of this great Group, and it was lovely to see some familiar faces from Parliament Week.”

Organiser of the events, Scout Leader Jackie Thomas, said “We were so lucky to have the First Minister join us for UK Parliament Week, for Mr Drakeford to reach out to me, asking to visit the Group in person, was just fantastic. The children and young people have got so much out of this visit, something that many of them will never forget. It is a great experience for all of us, one which I hope encourages the children to have an interest in democracy, current affairs, and the wider world into the future, which is the aim of our involvement in UK Parliament Week.”

Other Leaders supporting the visit were Julian Orchard, Donna Maiden, and Iestyn Nevatte from Scouts Cymru.

Community

Port supports Cruising Free’s Atlantic Dash with donation of safety equipment

Published

20 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced a donation of vital safety equipment to support local group Cruising Free, who will be embarking on a challenging 3,200-mile rowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The crew of Cruising Free will row from Lanzarote to Antigua to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Port of Milford Haven’s donation includes a comprehensive range of safety gear designed to support the crew’s journey and ensure their safety during this extraordinary expedition. Items provided include:

Flare Kit
Satellite Phone
VHF Radios
First Aid Kits
GPS Equipment
Lights
Safety Lines
And more

The Port of Milford Haven, the UK’s leading energy Port, is committed to supporting local maritime initiatives. This donation is a key part of the Port’s ongoing efforts to promote safety in all aspects of maritime activity, particularly for adventurous projects like Atlantic Dash.

“We are proud to support the amazing crew of Cruising Free as they undertake this monumental challenge,” said Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven. “Safety is paramount for anyone taking to the sea, and we hope that the equipment we’ve provided will support them as they navigate the Atlantic. Their journey will not only raise vital funds for two incredibly worthwhile causes but also inspire people across the UK and beyond. We are excited to be part of their journey and wish them the very best of luck.”

The Atlantic Dash will see the team of experienced rowers tackle the gruelling transatlantic journey, which is expected to take several weeks. The funds raised by Cruising Free will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which supports research and care for people living with cystic fibrosis, and the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides specialist palliative care services to individuals in West Wales.

“We are truly and eternally grateful to Port of Milford Haven who have provided us with the essential safety equipment needed to embark on our 3,200 mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua. We are hoping not to need to use the flares or safety lines, but the satellite phone and VHF radio will keep us connected with land and loved-ones through the entire 2-month journey. Thank you!” said Polly Zipperlen, team member of Cruising Free.

Cruising Free’s row across the Atlantic will begin in January 2025, and the crew’s journey will be tracked in real time to allow supporters to follow their progress. The team is already actively fundraising and plans to hold several community events in the lead-up to their departure.

To learn more about Cruising Free’s Atlantic Row and how you can support their cause, visit their Linktree here.

Community

Pembs Agricultural Society’s Christmas Fair expands to an all-weekend event

Published

1 day ago

November 15, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Christmas Fair will be an all-weekend event next month. The Christmas shopping extravaganza is all set to take place on Saturday, 14 December as well as Sunday, 15 December.

The Parkhouse building on the Haverfordwest Showground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. There will be even more stalls this year with a wide variety of quality local businesses exhibiting as well as festive music, Santa in his Grotto and an outdoor food court.

Judith Roach and Emma Thomas, the event organisers, said, “We are excited to be able to announce that our Christmas Fair will be on for two days rather than just one this year. We continue to build on the success of last year’s event with twice the opportunities to attend and even more stallholders. It will be the perfect start to the festive season as the Parkhouse Building will be transformed into a one-stop-shop for those preparing for Christmas.”

The Fair will be open from 10am until 4pm and admission is free. Visitors will find unique gifts, handmade decorations, art and beautiful homeware. Some of the county’s very best food and drink producers will also have stalls to give visitors the opportunity to stock up on all their festive treats. From decadent chocolate brownies, fudge, festive spirits to Welsh cheeses, there’s something to tantalise everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be a range of outlets for ‘on the go’ eating and drinking.

One special guest at the event will be everyone’s favourite bearded gentleman in red – Santa will be taking time out from his busy schedule to attend the event. There will be a charge of £3 per child to visit Santa and all proceeds will go directly to Sandy Bear charity to support their work. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa as part of their visit. Parents can book in advance via the website: www.sandybear.co.uk/santa

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President is looking forward to the festive event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Judith and Emma for all the hours they have put in, voluntarily, to organise the two-day Christmas event. We’re delighted to be able to offer visitors the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.”

Follow Pembrokeshire County Show’s Christmas Fair event page on Facebook for a full list of stallholders in the run up to the event.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.