Charity

Communities in the west are some of the best – according to Ogi

Published

9 months ago

February 26, 2024

WEST is definitely best, according to Ogi, Wales’s leading alternative broadband provider.

Since starting its ambitious full fibre broadband rollout back in 2021, Ogi has quickly built a strong reputation for investing in its communities. Recent research by the challenger Internet Service Provider (ISP) has shown that Pembrokeshire has received around £30m of its investment so far.

From Haverfordwest and Milford Haven to Johnston, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the provider can now serve over a third of the county – and soon to be planned, Tenby will increase coverage even further. With an economic impact worth around five times the investment made, Ogi’s ambitious rollout is keeping Pembrokeshire well and truly up to speed.

Community groups across the region have also benefited from thousands of pounds in grants and volunteering from the providers Cefnogi fund, supporting projects like Give the Boys a Lift, local businesses HaverHub – providing everything from defibrillators and first aid training and sports equipment.

Kicking off their presence in the west, Ogi secured stadium rights for Haverfordwest County AFC’s home with the infamous ground being renamed the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in 2021. Supporting the team at all home games – and even drawing an Ogi crowd to the Cardiff City Stadium for the European qualifiers – the team remains an important fixture in the Ogi calendar.

Away from sports – and the internet – Ogi has brought art to Haverfordwest’s streets in partnership with Breakout Gallery; caught carnival fever in Milford Haven and celebrated Christmas in style witching on Neyland’s Christmas tree at the end of last year.

Now, with businesses like the Mariners Hotel able to access its services right to the doorstep, and customers able to buy from Get Connected stores, the challenger broadband brand is gearing up for its next phase in the west – surveying places in the south of the county.

Speaking about Ogi’s work in Pembrokeshire, Community Engagement Lead, Louise Clement, said: “The community team are lucky to work in some of the most beautiful places Wales has to offer. We say we put community at the heart of all we do here at Ogi – and that’s never been more true than in places like Pembrokeshire.

“From the creativity shown with the Breakout Gallery cabinets in Haverfordwest, to the important work supporting charities like 2Wish, PATCH and even a gunging or two with Pure West Radio for Comic Relief, I hope we’ve settled in well here in Pembrokeshire – and I’m excited for the next phase.”

Ogi’s community programme extends to volunteering opportunities and one-off grants and is open a few times a year for the likes of grassroots community groups, small charities and town councils to apply. For more information visit www.ogi.wales/cefnogi.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Charity

Milford Haven RNLI celebrates heartfelt donation from Neyland Ladies Choir

Published

3 days ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN RNLI Fundraising Group received a generous donation of over £1,000 from Neyland Ladies Choir this October, marking a touching tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Beckett, one of the RNLI’s longest-standing supporters.

The Neyland Ladies Choir held a special concert at St. Mary’s Church on Waterloo Road, Hakin, to celebrate Dorothy Beckett’s 90th birthday. A lifelong supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Dorothy has played a crucial role in lifeboat fundraising in the Milford Haven area, dating back to the 1970s. She was instrumental in establishing the Hakin Point RNLI fundraising group, which has raised over £500,000 to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work.

The concert’s proceeds were presented in a moving ceremony at Bethesda Baptist Church in Neyland. Accepting the donation on behalf of the RNLI were Steve Lewis, Chairman of the fundraising group, and Thomas Kehoe, Deputy Coxswain of the Angle Lifeboat.

Adding to the evening’s celebrations, Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager, presented Dorothy with the Long Service Medal, recognizing her fifty years of dedication to the institution. This award, given by the RNLI, honors Dorothy’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Thank you, Neyland Ladies Choir and Dorothy Beckett,” said the RNLI in a heartfelt message to the community. “Your support and dedication mean the world to us.”

The Milford Haven RNLI Fundraising Group encourages supporters to share and spread the word, hoping that Dorothy’s legacy inspires continued community support.

Charity

NHS staff take on Parkrun for charity

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

Richard Lewis

STAFF from the Frailty Unit at Withybush Hospital took part in the Haverfordwest Parkrun and raised a fantastic £1,478 for the unit.

The staff took part in the 5k Parkrun in August at the Haverfordwest cricket club, whilst others volunteered, sold refreshments and held a raffle.

Lisa Marshall, Senior Sister, said: “I am so proud of Estelle and the team for organising a successful fundraiser and helping to raise money for our unit.

“It was a great team building day and we all had lots of fun. We are as always grateful for the support and donations we receive, and we look forward to our next fundraiser!”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a big thank you and well done to Estelle, Lisa and the Frailty Unit team for completing their Parkrun fundraiser.

“Thank you so much for dedicating your time to once again raising funds for your amazing unit.

“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.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to the Hywel Dda Charities website.